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TPO approves $100,000 study to seek connection between Knox and Blount greenways
Summary
Knox County will receive $100,000 in planning funds (approximately $85,000 federal, $5,000 TDOT, $15,000 local match) to study a missing greenway link along the Alcoa Highway corridor; the amendment to the FY26–27 work program was approved by the technical committee.
The TPO technical committee unanimously approved a work‑program amendment on Dec. 9 to allocate $100,000 for a Knox–Blount Greenway connectivity study. Staff said the study will examine a missing link along the Alcoa Highway corridor (roughly between Ginn Road and Lake Crossing Lane) and evaluate options to connect the city of Knoxville greenway network through Knox County to Blount County and ultimately toward the Smoky Mountains area.
Presenters described the funding split as $85,000 in federal planning funds, $5,000 from TDOT, and $15,000 in local match from Knox County. Staff said the study will produce a preferred alternative and consider connections to neighborhood schools and parks.
A committee member summarized the challenge: frontage roads near the corridor offer limited space and project design likely will require off‑alignment routing and close collaboration with parks and recreation and local jurisdictions. A motion to approve the amendment was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote.
The amendment reduces the TPO planning reserve in the work program and preserves remaining study funds for other jurisdictions’ requests, according to staff. The work will proceed under the FY26–27 planning budget once the amendment is formalized.
