JOHNSON CITY — A forthcoming road construction initiative along University Parkway, spanning from West State of Franklin Road to West Pine Street, is set to commence on Sunday, May 19, as part of the West Walnut Corridor Redevelopment Plan.

Contractors collaborating with the Johnson City Water and Sewer Services and Public Works departments will oversee the endeavor, which aims to enhance the thoroughfare in line with the broader redevelopment scheme. The construction will prompt lane closures, necessitating traffic diversions to one lane in each direction within the designated construction zone. The project is structured to unfold in sequential phases.

Initially, during the project’s inaugural phase, access to University Parkway from the east, specifically at West Walnut, Lynn, and West Maple streets, will be restricted. This phase is anticipated to span a duration of six to eight weeks. Subsequently, the second phase will witness the reopening of access to these streets, while simultaneously closing access on the west side, particularly affecting Lynn and Maple streets on the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) side. West Walnut Street on the western periphery will remain inaccessible throughout the project’s entirety. Moreover, additional lane closures and intermittent traffic disruptions are envisaged.

Emergency vehicles will retain passage through the construction zone. However, heightened congestion is expected, owing to the construction activities, resulting in protracted delays. In light of this, motorists and pedestrians are strongly advised to seek alternative routes to mitigate inconvenience.

Weather permitting, the project is slated for completion within an approximate timeframe of three months. Motorists are urged to exercise caution within the construction zone, adhere to posted speed limits, and anticipate delays for their safety as well as that of the workforce involved.