KNOXVILLE, Tenn — The city of Knoxville will turn over a busy section of Gay Street downtown to pedestrians starting next month as part of a pilot program.
Gay from Wall to Union avenues will be closed 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. during four weekends in November and December. The specific dates: Nov. 10 and 11; Nov. 17 and 18; Dec. 8 and 9; and Dec. 15 and 16, the city announced Monday afternoon.
No vehicles will be allowed on the closed section during the pertinent times and dates, according to the city. The point is for pedestrians to experience what it's like to enjoy an open section of Gay all to themselves.
It's a section of Gay that includes popular restaurants and bars.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said in a news release the closure will turn Gay into a community space "much like Market Square."
While the section of road is closed, no parking will be allowed on Gay. Public parking exists at nearby garages and at streetside meters.
"Information gathered during these weekends will help city leaders decide if this project will proceed on a more regular basis and/or if other city streets may be opened up, as well," Monday's release states.
This isn't the first time Gay has been closed to traffic. During other special events, pedestrians have been able to take over. In 2018, parts of it were open for a time during road construction.
The city also has allowed other sections of roadways to be closed as part of the Open Streets concept.
