During the most recent Knoxville City Council meeting on Oct. 28, Mayor Indya Kincannon and City Council members approved amendments on two contracts worth over $200,000 to reopen the Gay Street Bridge to cyclists and pedestrians.
The amendments to the contracts were with the construction company Charles Blalock & Sons Inc. and consulting firm Gresham Smith, which combined, cost the city an additional $254,200. Originally, the project was not supposed to exceed $1.94 million.
The contract with Gresham Smith increased by $64,130, which is not to exceed $512,630. The Charles Blalock & Sons Inc. contract increased by $190,070.50, for a new contract total not to exceed $2.185 million.
Each of these amendments and increased costs stay within the budget for the bridge construction. This newest work involves improving safety measures on the north and south sides of the bridge, as well as new vehicle accommodation on Hill and Blount Avenue.
The Gay Street Bridge in downtown Knoxville. Monday, Nov. 3, 2025.
Following the approval of amending both contracts, Councilwoman Lauren Rider of District 4, clarified the contracts’ budgetary concerns.
“These projects are still within budget . . . I think it’s important for the public to understand why we’re voting on these . . . These numbers and adjustments stay within budget, it’s just fine-tuning the amount, because we didn’t approve the previous, specific numbers,” Rider said.
The project’s cost adjustments bring the total up to roughly $2.7 million, though the City of Knoxville has assured residents that it is still within the initial budget of the project.
Upon reopening, the Gay Street Bridge will also include new, green areas, coupled with the narrowing of the entrance for designated bicycle lanes. The city will also install ADA-accessible seating with modified ramps for improved accessibility.
Because the bridge no longer supports vehicular traffic, vehicle turn lanes were removed, and a new plaza will be constructed at the Gay Street and Hill Avenue intersection.
Knoxville City Council also approved the Federal Highway Administration’s grant of $1 million to monitor options for long-term replacements for the Gay Street Bridge to accommodate vehicles.
