BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — There will soon be more room to walk, bike and run along the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway.
That's because the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority Board recently approved an agreement to extend the greenway from the airport to the Smith and Wesson headquarters in Maryville.
"This is a 2.5-mile stretch off the greenway that is going to be implemented," said Jeff Muir, the Blount County Partnership spokesperson. "Completion will be slated for late 2025. It begins near the airport, extends down Louisville Road, crosses over and goes into Blount Partnership Park North, where Smith and Wesson is located."
The extension of the Greenway marks the first time McGhee Tyson Airport is part of the path that many use for walking, biking and leisure activities in Blount County.
"The greenway project that's on airport property is part of the Smith and Wesson deal to get them here," Muir said. "Part of it is they wanted to be connected to the Greenway and the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway system is very unique, and also used by a lot of people."
All Blount County industrial parks are connected to the airport.
Bidding for this part of the Greenway project starts Feb. 20 and Muir said the cost of developing that part of the pathway depends on the bidder, cost of supplies and labor.
Muir said the new path is a welcome development in the area.
"It gives people new access, new areas to explore in the county," Muir said. "It's also good for exercise as well."