The Tennessee State Senate this week adopted a bond bill containing several projects, including the rebuilding of the Henley Bridge in Knoxville, and the bill was pending before the House of Representatives at our deadline.
Assuming the bond bill is adopted by the full legislature and signed by the governor, TDOT would expect to seek bids later this year for the construction contract, and to close the bridge shortly after the first of the year.
As reported previously, the bridge could be closed for as long as 36 months so that the deck and vertical supports can be removed, the arches refurbished, and the new deck installed. The new deck will be one lane wider than the current five-lane span.
Following public input gathered last year and early this year, the City of Knoxville asked TDOT to use that extra width for bike lanes on either side of the bridge, while keeping sidewalks at their current width. TDOT agreed to this request. The bike lanes will be striped, meaning that at some point in the future, TDOT has the option of using the extra space to add a sixth vehicular lane should that become necessary.
The City of Knoxville will be working closely with TDOT and affected businesses, neighborhoods and commuters to make sure the traffic diversions occur as smoothly as possible. Before the bridge is closed, TDOT will make the necessary lane modifications and traffic signals along the recommended alternate route - Chapman Highway to Moody Avenue to James White Parkway (also known as South Knoxville Boulevard).
