November 7, 2014 - The pedestrian bridge over Henley Street is closed for approximately the next four months, as part of a $2.68 million infrastructure upgrade that will improve the experience of pedestrians approaching World's Fair Park and the Knoxville Convention Center from two sides. The Henley Street pedestrian bridge was first constructed for the 1982 World's Fair and then modified in the '90s during the construction of the Knoxville Convention Center.

Work on the pedestrian bridge will be conducted at night and will require staggered lane closures from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Henley Street under the bridge.

Pedestrians should use the marked and signalized pedestrian crossing at the north side of the intersection of Henley Street and Clinch Avenue. During major events at the Convention Center, such as Fantasy of Trees after Thanksgiving, the Knoxville Police Department will be providing assistance to pedestrians at the signalized crosswalk on Henley Street.

Infrastructure improvements include:

The gabled metal roof on the Henley Street pedestrian bridge is being removed and replaced with frosted glass panels, similar to those used for the State Street Garage pedestrian bridge. The metal cage fencing on the exterior of the bridge is being replaced with decorative, perforated metal panels to make the bridge more attractive to motorists on Henley Street. The bridge will be cleaned and re-painted to protect the structure from the elements. The elevator tower at the west terminus of the pedestrian bridge will be improved by adding a glass exterior wall and glass elevator car. The stair tower and elevator tower will be closed for roof replacement, cleaning and painting. The crosswalk canopy at Locust Street and Clinch Avenue and the sidewalk canopy next to the Hilton garage will be replaced with frosted glass roof panels. The Clinch Avenue Viaduct will get a new look with Streetscape additions. The three traffic lanes will be reduced to two lanes, and bicycle lanes will be added on both sides.

The sidewalks on the viaduct will be widened, and street trees, landscaping and benches will be added to make it a better pedestrian and bicycle connector between Fort Sanders, World's Fair Park and Downtown.

Johnson and Galyon Construction is the project contractor. The Public Building Authority is managing the project, which was designed by McCarty Holsaple McCarty.