Gay Street Bridge in Knoxville crosses the Tennessee River. Image by Knoxville Daily Sun staff

KNOXVILLE - The Gay Street Bridge has reopened to pedestrians and bicyclists – on time and within budget.

The historic Gay Street Bridge, a vital connection within the city's infrastructure, has reopened to pedestrians and bicyclists – marking a significant achievement as it was completed on time and within budget.

“This is a significant turning point,” Mayor Indya Kincannon stated, adding, “After 18 months, we’re reopening the bridge to pedestrians and bicyclists – and this development greatly enhances our efforts in reconnecting downtown and our South Waterfront.”

In June 2024, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) ordered the closure of the bridge after a routine inspection revealed a seriously compromised element. Two subsequent inspections identified defects in the bridge, which has stood for 127 years, highlighting the challenges posed by aging infrastructure.

The City collaborated with a team of experts – nationally-renowned bridge design consultants Gresham Smith, along with a trusted, experienced local contractor, Charles Blalock & Sons Inc. – to efficiently stabilize and renovate the bridge. They specifically reconfigured the north end where Gay Street and Hill Avenue converge, enhancing both functionality and safety.

“I was as shocked and saddened as anybody when TDOT informed us of the need to close the bridge,” Mayor Kincannon remarked. “Like many others, I had hoped that the bridge could continue to support the weight of vehicles – but that just wasn’t possible or responsible, especially considering public safety concerns.”

“Public safety was always the top priority, overshadowing everything else. I’m proud of our team for conducting the bridge stabilization repairs in an appropriate manner,” she added.

The City invested more than $2.7 million to repair the bridge, while also pursuing a $1 million Federal Highway Administration grant to explore long-term options for possibly replacing the antiquated Gay Street Bridge with a modern new structure that meets current safety standards.

Motorized vehicles are now prohibited from using the bridge. For details on permitted activities and restrictions, visit www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/GayStBridge.

Originally opened July 9, 1898 to accommodate horses and buggies, the bridge was designed with an expected service life of 75 years. It is now functioning beyond its intended lifespan, entering its 127th year. Multiple earlier bridges existed at the site, including Civil War-era pontoon and wooden bridges, before the current steel structure was built.

At the north end of the bridge, a newly designed entrance at Gay Street and Hill Avenue is now present, which significantly maximizes safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists sharing that intersection. Vehicle turn lanes that are no longer necessary have been removed, thereby creating space for new landscaped areas complete with benches, trees, shrubs, and perennial flowers, enhancing the overall aesthetic and usability of the area.

The City is also pursuing federal grant funding to study long-term options, including the possibility of building a modern replacement that could carry vehicles again.

Looking ahead, the City will host a celebration with community members, downtown and South Waterfront merchants, and other stakeholders in January to commemorate this important milestone.