Portion of West Walnut ‘substantially complete,’ project moves west to University Parkway
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The West Walnut Corridor Redevelopment Project is nearing the finish line as it moves west toward University Parkway.
The lengthy Johnson City project is one that nearby businesses and homeowners have had to juggle for the last two years.
The project is “substantially complete” from Buffalo Street to Watauga Street, Johnson City Engineer Wallace McCulloch said. According to McCulloch, the project area needs a final paving and landscaping before full completion.
“It’s drivable, there’s no dust to speak of,” McCulloch said. “We’re pretty far along on this.”
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The Firehouse Restaurant sits at the corner of Watauga and West Walnut and has had a front-row seat to the years of construction.
Co-owner Tom Seaton said it’s a relief to see the progress being made.
“Access has been greatly improved to this end of the street,” Seaton said. “We’re just excited for the future and what it’s going to turn out to look like.”
Dozens of light posts are up and pavement is down on the east side of the corridor. McCulloch said that more greenery and landscaping will go into the area over the course of the year.
McCulloch said the opening of bike lanes will take place later down the road, due to manhole covers sticking up in certain spots. McCulloch said that could pose a safety issue for cyclists for now.
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As of May 1, the project continues west toward University Parkway.
“From Boyd down to Simple Smiles, we’re going to be getting ready to do curb and gutter,” McCulloch said. “And so that will follow with asphalt not too long after that.”
McCulloch said dust could be an issue as the project moves west, which nearby residents have dealt with for the past few summers. He said crews have learned how to avoid kicking up the dirt for the most part.
“We’re going to have to water more often,” McCulloch said.
The goal is to have the entire project largely complete by Thanksgiving.
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