Knoxville buys land for proposed pedestrian bridge over Tennessee River

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Knoxville has taken a big step towards getting a major pedestrian bridge of their own.

For years, the city has been trying to build a walking bridge across the Tennessee River to connect the South Shore to the downtown area.

Now a Development Corporation, the city and UTK have purchased the land they will need.

The plan dates back to the South Waterfront Visio plan that the Knoxville City Council adopted in 2006.

Now the project team is focusing on a final bridge design and cost estimate to apply for federal grants.

The master plan to secure where the bridge will begin and end should come early next year.

The bridge has faced opposition from residents who would rather see the money go toward other Knoxville issues, like mental health and homelessness.

Chattanooga converted an already standing bridge to pedestrian traffic at Walnut Street. Knoxville’s bridge would be built from scratch.