Knoxville bridge closures likely to impact July 4th traffic

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WATE ) — If you plan on celebrating Independence Day at Festival on the Fourth, city officials say to plan ahead for traffic detours as both the Gay Street and Henley bridges will be closed for repairs and fireworks.

The Fourth of July falls on a Thursday this year, and the City of Knoxville is preparing for its celebration at World’s Fair Park as well as traffic issues after the closure of the Gay Street Bridge last week due to repairs ; plus, other events and reminders for residents this week leading up to the national holiday.

Traffic, traffic

The city shared that on Thursday, “southbound travelers should utilize detours at Summit Hill Drive to Hill Avenue to James White Parkway, as well as Church Avenue to Howard Baker Drive to Hill Avenue to James White Parkway. Northbound travelers on Chapman Highway should take Moody Avenue to James White Parkway.”

World’s Fair Park Drive between Clinch and Grand avenues will be closed to vehicular traffic between 2 and 11 p.m. on Thursday. Clinch Avenue between Henley and 11th streets will also be closed.

According to the city, the Henley Bridge will be closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic on July 4 from 4 p.m. to midnight for Pyro Shows to stage the fireworks for the Festival on the 4th. The Gay Street Bridge has been closed since last week after a routine inspection by the Tennessee Department of Transportation resulted in the discovery of a support component in need of repair. The city added that once the state inspection is completed, repairs will begin .

Parking

The city advised drivers that if they are attending the Festival on the 4th, to “be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to detour around the bridge closures and get parked downtown.” Parking is also free at city-owned garages on Thursday.

Other holiday schedule reminders:

• Waste Connections will collect garbage and recyclables on neighborhood routes on July 4. Downtown trash and recycling crews will also run their regular schedule.

• City parks and outdoor pools will be open July 4. Ed Cothren (1737 Reynolds St.) and Inskip (4204 Bruhin Road) pools operate 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1-6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit KnoxvilleTN.gov/aquatics .

• Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park will not be held on Wednesday, July 3. The next event is July 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Morningside Park, 1600 Dandridge Ave.

• The 311 Center for Service Innovation, which operates the 311 and 211 phone numbers, will not take calls on July 4. Residents who need to report non-emergency issues such as overgrown lots and abandoned vehicles are encouraged to use the My Knoxville app for Apple and Android, which can be downloaded at KnoxvilleTN.gov/app. Social service resources are available online at East Tennessee 211. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911. KPD’s non-emergency line (865-215-4010) can be used to report fireworks, loud music and parties, found animals, and other non-life-threatening incidents.

• The City’s Solid Waste Facility, 1033 Elm St., will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and resume normal business hours on Friday, July 5.

• City of Knoxville Community Centers and indoor pools will be closed July 4.

• Knoxville Area Transit buses and trolleys will not operate on July 4, and the service desk at the Knoxville Station will be closed.

• City recycling centers will be open on July 4; however, the Goodwill attendant will not be on site to accept household goods donations. Please don’t leave donations at unattended centers.

First Friday

Friday, July 5, is First Friday, which means that the 100 block of Gay Street (between Jackson and Vine avenues) will be open to pedestrians only from 4-10 p.m. for a block party hosted by the Arts and Culture Alliance from 6-9 p.m.

Parking meters on the 100 block will be bagged at 2 p.m. to remind drivers to move their vehicles.

City Offices

The City of Knoxville offices will be closed on Thursday for the July 4th holiday.

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