(WBIR - KNOXVILLE) An eastbound lane on Cumberland Avenue is set to reopen between Alcoa Highway and 22nd Street on Saturday.
The reopening is a part of the $17 million reconstruction of Cumberland Avenue.
"This represents a big step forward for all Cumberland Avenue stakeholders," said Knoxville project manager Anne Wallace said.
Wallace said reopening traffic in both directions prior to the start of fall classes at the University of Tennessee is on schedule, and a "major milestone."
Phase I of work also remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2015. Phase I of work includes upgrading aging utilities, improving traffic flow and adding amenities on the western section of Cumberland Avenue.
Once the Phase I work is completed, the project will move into Phase II, which includes the reconstruction of Cumberland Avenue from 22nd Street to just east of 17th Street. Phase II is scheduled for completion in August 2017.
