City asking greenway users to stay clear of Knox Blount greenway construction zone � Knoxville News Sentinel

City asking greenway users to stay clear of Knox Blount greenway construction zone � Knoxville News Sentinel: KNOXVILLE — Knoxville officials are asking hikers, bikers and runners to stay patient and let crews finish the first phase of the city’s Knox Blount Greenway Project.

Construction began a couple months ago and people are being asked to avoid the zone for safety reasons, Kathleen Gibi, Parks and Recreation Department spokeswoman, said Friday.

The $1.65 million first phase of the project will build a 1.7 mile stretch the J.E. “Buck” Karnes Bridget to the south side of Marine Park.

Once completed, the project will create a greenway network connecting an 18-mile stretch connecting downtown Knoxville to downtown Maryville. Other sections of the greenway will be built by Knox and Blount counties and also the state.

“This is a terrific example of joint planning, regional collaboration at its best, where everyone works together to accomplish a shared vision that will really serve the residents of Knox and Blount counties,” Joe Walsh, parks and recreation director, said. “Plus, the great views of the river will be something special.”

Two grants from the state Department of Transportation will fund the project. The city is paying a 20 percent match to secured the grants.

The project has been designed in coordination with the University of Tennessee Cherokee Farms Infrastructure Project, the UT Golf Facility Project and the UT Bank Stabilization Project, according to an announcement released Friday.