West Walnut redevelopment nearly complete; public works director says project will finish under budget after four‑year schedule

Public Works Director Jason Miles updated the Johnson City Board on the West Walnut redevelopment final balance change order and project status at the Nov. 6 meeting.

Miles said the project was originally estimated at 24 months but took about four years to complete due to unforeseen conditions encountered while replacing century‑old underground utilities. He outlined the project’s accomplishments: roughly two miles of rebuilt roads with new sidewalks and decorative lighting, all utilities placed underground, 50,000 square feet of pavers at the Ernest Street walkway, dedicated bike lanes, a Cherokee Street extension built by city crews, and new dual 42‑inch storm pipes under Ernest Street and the Norfolk Southern railroad.

Miles told commissioners that the Cherokee Pond stormwater work remains ongoing but that the city will return with a full financial summary; he said the project is expected to come in under the $40 million originally authorized despite the schedule overrun.

Why it matters: The long, visible project affects local traffic, pedestrian access, stormwater management and the West Walnut retail corridor. Project completion under budget is notable after a multi‑year construction period.

What was not resolved: Miles said staff will return with a final financial summary and lessons learned; that full report was not part of this meeting’s record.