Firms sought to design pedestrian bridge to South Waterfront

Knoxville is moving closer to having a pedestrian bridge and bicycle bridge across the Tennessee River that will connect UT's Thompson-Boling Arena with the South Waterfront.

The city is seeking three engineering firms to compete for the contract to design the bridge. Leaders recently issued a request for qualifications from companies interested in being selected as one of the three firms that will submit their designs for the new bridge as part of the competitive process to win the contract.

"This is just the beginning of a lot of work that will have to be done to complete the bridge," said Mayor Bill Haslam in the city's press release. "This project will require patience and strong communications to satisfy all the permitting requirements and to address the concerns of affected property owners and the other government agencies that are involved."

Also in the release, the city also announced that funding for bridge construction may be available through a $7.2 million federal grant - including city matching funds - it has already obtained for transportation improvements in the South Waterfront area. The design phase will be paid for with a $533,000 federal grant Knoxville was awarded in 2008 along with a $133,000 city match.

According to the city, bridge landings will be located at Clancy Avenue near Scottish Pike on the south side of the river and at the upper level pedestrian concourse between Thompson-Boling Arena and Pratt Pavilion on the north side.

Firms interested in being selected to complete the necessary design; civil engineering and environmental permitting work for the new bridge have to submit qualifications to the city by April 2, 2010. The selection process will be completed in August and City Council would be asked to approve the contract for the services.

The design and permitting process is expected to take two to three years.