KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Crews are working this week to install new retractable, metal bollards in downtown Knoxville meant to keep pedestrians safe during events.
A release from the city said crews would install a total of 17 retractable, metal bollards on Union Avenue and Market Street. It said Knoxville currently uses standard, movable barricades to block streets. The new bollards can instead pop out of the street and block vehicles from entering parts of the road.
They're also stronger than the city's standard barricades. Chip Barry, Knoxville's deputy chief of operations, said in the release the bollards are also better looking and could help improve Knoxville's downtown aesthetics.
“The Market Square pedestrian zone is one of our busiest pedestrian intersections, and being able to get rid of the large barricade equipment will allow people to see cross street traffic and ensure pedestrian safety when moving through the city,” said Barry.
The release also said because the bollards are quicker to pop up and take down, streets will also be closed for shorter durations during special events.
They are being stalled on Union Avenue, between Walnut Street and Gay Street, as well as on Market Street, between Clinch Avenue and Market Square. Installation is expected to be complete by mid-December.
