KNOXVILLE, Tenn — Gay Street Bridge has been closed for around two months. It closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic on June 25 after a routine inspection by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. TDOT's spokesperson said the inspection revealed a "compromised element" which led to the complete closure.
Tuesday night, the Knoxville City Council approved funding for analysis and design services on the bridge. The money will not be used for actual repairs to the bridge.
City leaders said they are working as quickly as possible to get the bridge reopened. Vice Mayor Tommy Smith lives in and represents South Knoxville. He said he understands residents' concerns about the closure.
Monte Stanley, a resident and family business owner, said he didn't realize the issue with the bridge was so serious.
"I think within the last 10 years it had some work done on it and was reopened at that point. But we're kind of blindsided by the fact that we didn't know that we had such a big problem," Stanley said.
He said his business isn't affected, but newer businesses on Sevier Avenue might be. Stanley said because the bridge is closed that means a less direct connection from South Knoxville to downtown.
"We really would like to see it back open again. We've had so much redevelopment over here on the south waterfront and having one less bridge is somewhat of a problem for access," he said.
City Councilwoman Gwen McKenzie said the bridge has undergone years of damage, so it will take time to fix.
"It's going to be a lengthy process. That bridge is extremely old and we're always gonna err on the side of safety and caution for all of our citizens," McKenzie said.
While there is no set timeline, Smith said residents shouldn't worry.
"Everything is on an immediate basis. So the engineering study, the recommendations, and the funding are all at the highest priority and moving as fast as possible," he said.
Until the inspection is completed, the city has alternatives in place to help with traffic congestion.
"The 40 Bus' routing has been changed. Some of the lighting and intersection timing have been changed. Scooters are now allowed along Henley Street and we've asked TDOT to consider some more pedestrian safety on Henley Street while this is closed," Smith said.