August 1, 2025

Knoxville City Council Approves $19 Million Road Improvement Project

News Summary

The Knoxville City Council has approved a $19 million infrastructure project to enhance Pleasant Ridge Road, addressing safety and congestion concerns raised by local residents. The initiative will improve turn lanes near Pleasant Ridge Elementary School and construct a greenway extension, providing better access to recreational areas. Public meetings will be held to gather further community input before construction begins this fall, with completion expected by 2027.

Knoxville – The Knoxville City Council has approved a comprehensive $19 million infrastructure project aimed at revamping Pleasant Ridge Road, a crucial thoroughfare in northwest Knoxville. This project is expected to enhance safety and accessibility for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and students in the area, addressing long-standing concerns raised by local residents about the road’s condition.

The project was given the green light during a City Council session held last Tuesday, and it will focus on a stretch of Pleasant Ridge Road that extends from Merchant Drive to the city limits of Knoxville. This area has been highlighted for needing significant improvements, particularly surrounding Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, which has experienced heavy traffic during drop-off and pick-up times.

In response to community feedback, pivotal upgrades will include the addition of new turn lanes near the elementary school at the intersection with Walnoaks Road. These adjustments are intended to alleviate congestion, especially during peak hours when parents are transporting their children to and from school. Additionally, new turn lanes will be constructed at Sullivan Road and Murray Drive, reflecting the area’s growing housing developments.

An important aspect of the project includes the construction of a greenway extension of more than a mile, which will connect Pleasant Ridge Road to Victor Ashe Park, promoting recreational access and encouraging outdoor activities. Furthermore, the addition of sidewalks aims to significantly improve pedestrian safety, making it safer for residents to travel on foot.

This initiative is considered Phase II of a broader development effort, following prior improvements that had already introduced turn lanes and sidewalks between Merchant Drive and I-640. Such comprehensive planning reflects the city’s commitment to developing safe and accessible infrastructure for all residents.

Before construction commences in the fall, the city plans to hold a public meeting to gather further community feedback. This meeting’s date will be announced in August, allowing residents a chance to voice their opinions and ask questions regarding the upcoming changes.

The construction phase is projected to begin later this year, with an estimated completion date set for 2027. This timeline ensures that local residents will soon benefit from safer road conditions that cater not only to vehicles but also to pedestrians and cyclists.

The necessity for the revamp arose largely from a growing number of community complaints highlighting traffic concerns and safety issues in the area. City officials, acknowledging these complaints, moved swiftly to prioritize the project, underlining the importance of public input in municipal decision-making processes.

This infrastructure investment is a significant step toward modernizing transportation facilities in Knoxville, enhancing overall urban mobility while simultaneously promoting a healthier lifestyle for the community through improved access to parks and recreational spaces.

As the project unfolds in the coming years, residents and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to ensure the enhancements meet the evolving needs of the area. The city remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all modes of transportation are safe and accessible.

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Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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