Mayor Rogero will hold a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016 to celebrate the completion of Phase I of the reconstruction of Cumberland Avenue.

The event will be held in the grassy area just north of the Three Rivers Rambler depot, 2560 University Commons Way.

Along with Mayor Rogero, those attending will include: 1st District City Councilman Nick Pavlis and other Council members, Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association members, City of Knoxville Office of Redevelopment staff, Engineering Department staff, representatives of Knoxville Utilities Board, and representatives of Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers and Southern Constructors, Inc.

Phase I of the reconstruction of Cumberland Avenue, between the Alcoa Highway ramps and 22nd Street, has ended – on time and under budget. Improving traffic flow was a key objective of the Phase I work. Synchronized traffic flow at Metron Center Way and a dedicated turn lane onto northbound Alcoa Highway have lessened decades-long issues with congestion.

Phase II work is underway in the section of Cumberland Avenue between 22nd and 17th streets. Scheduled to be completed in August 2017, the reconstruction will change the existing four-lane street on the eastern end of the corridor to a three-lane cross section with a raised median and left-turn lanes at intersections.

In both the Phase I and Phase II work, Cumberland Avenue sidewalks are being widened, and utility infrastructure relocated and upgraded, to create a more attractive, safer, pedestrian-friendly corridor.

Anyone needing a disability accommodation to attend the Jan. 6 ribbon cutting should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Stephanie Cook, at [email protected] or 865-215-2034. For an English interpreter, contact Kim Scarborough at [email protected] or 865-215-2029.