News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A consultant will soon begin negotiating the right of way acquisitions needed to begin Cookeville’s Interstate Drive sidewalk project.
City Manager James Mills said negotiations will start in the next few weeks, so the project can hopefully move towards the final design and construction phases. Mills said the main reason this project is moving slow is the red tape involved when using state money.
“If everything went along without a hitch, it’s possible we could bid the project out later this year,” Mills said. “Based on past experience with these kinds of projects, we’re probably looking at next year for the project to be bid out.”
Mills said sidewalks on Interstate Drive are essential for business and pedestrian traffic in the area. He said this is project is a key component in Cookeville’s master pedestrian and bicycle circulation plan.
“Sidewalks are vital in that area,” Mills said. “That’s where a lot of our restaurants are and hotels are. We’ve got a lot of pedestrians that walk through there. So, we want to make it as safe as possible for people to walk in that area.”
Mills said it is unknown how long the right of way acquisition negotiations will take. Cookeville City Council approved hiring a consultant for negotiations at the end of 2020.
