Metro Arts staff told the Public Art Committee on July 17 that the Tennessee Department of Transportation has provided a fully executed license agreement for the Arthur Avenue public-art project, enabling staff to begin painting, electrical work and public-art lighting installations.

“...we do have that fully executed license agreement, which allows us to start work,” Anne Leslie said. Leslie said staff are coordinating communications with TDOT’s communications team and plan a media release and neighbor notices to warn drivers and residents about lane closures and work schedules.

Leslie said vendor responsibilities and the need for any police or lane-closure services will depend on the scope of specific work phases; some vendor-provided traffic-control services have been typical for similar installations, she said. When artists have conducted low-impact testing or measuring in the past, TDOT has provided assistance, Leslie added.

The committee had no formal vote; the update described the executed license agreement as a key project milestone after several years of permitting and interagency coordination. Staff said they will share a timeline and communications materials as installation dates firm up.