Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Old Town Sidewalks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Signal Mountain moves forward on Old Town sidewalks; TDOT advises revised crossing and project likely to shift into 2027
Summary
Council received an update on the TDOT-coordinated Old Town sidewalk project: engineers recommended changing the pedestrian crossing location to a safer spot near the public works area, the project may be scaled for historic-district treatment (narrower sidewalks where allowed) and staff said the work will likely be pushed into 2027.
Town staff told the council that a recent meeting with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and the project engineers put the sidewalk project in Old Town back on track but also recommended some design changes that will change the scope and schedule.
Engineers and TDOT recommended against terminating the sidewalk at Taft Highway and crossing at Signal Mountain Boulevard at the originally planned point because multiple intersecting road movements would create a pedestrian safety risk. Instead, staff said the safer termination point is across from the public works facility where parking and right-of-way already exist; the project would add handicap parking there and create a safer point of entry to the trail system.
Staff said the Old Town area is on a historical registry, which allows some flexibility in reconstructing sidewalks. That designation, combined with design choices meant to preserve the historical look, could reduce excavation and concrete work and therefore reduce costs. Staff also said TDOT remains a project partner and has accepted the revised right-of-way plans; right-of-way plans will be finalized and submitted for TDOT approval before the town proceeds with right-of-way acquisition services.
The project team cautioned that these adjustments—and the need to coordinate with right-of-way acquisition and historical requirements—are likely to move construction into 2027, although the town’s earlier design and planning work continues. Council asked whether the historical designation requires a narrower sidewalk; staff said the town can opt for a four-foot sidewalk in the historical district but must maintain Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access where necessary, for example by providing passing areas or pull-outs.
Staff described the meeting as productive and said the town is continuing to advance plans, finalize right-of-way paperwork with TDOT and prepare for right-of-way acquisition services. Council members emphasized the importance of maintaining the historic look and the need to ensure pedestrian safety at crossings.
