Work on the section of Market Street between Cumberland Avenue and Church Avenue could begin as early as Thursday, November 18, as part of a project that includes improvements to the street and sidewalk in addition to utility and stormwater upgrades.

The street will remain open during this initial part of the project.

That section of Market will be closed for construction however, beginning on November 29, though pedestrian access to businesses along that section will be maintained throughout the work.

The effort is part of a street improvement project the City of Knoxville's Engineering Department put out for bid last August for that section of Market Street and for the section of Union Avenue between Gay Street and Market Street.

Design Construction Services Inc., of Knoxville, was awarded the contract for the two improvement projects.

Both street sections are relatively short but important because they serve as entrances to Market Square.

The existing sidewalks on the section of Market that will be closed are narrow, buckling in places and in generally poor repair. The city plans to replace and widen the sidewalks, repave the street, install new pedestrian-scale lighting and improve the utilities.

Contractors will also install new trees and permeable pavers that will funnel water to the trees, and add some other streetscape details like bike racks, a new bench and additional on-street parking spaces.

Work on Union Avenue will not begin until at least January 3, 2011.