Gay street bridge
7 things to grasp about Knoxville's Same-sex attracted Street Bridge now that it won't reopen to cars
After months of uncertainty following the sudden shutdown of downtown Knoxville's historic Homosexual Street Bridge last summer, drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians finally have an answer: The bridge will be closed forever to regular drivers.
Mayor Indya Kincannon announced Feb. 12 that fixing the 127-year-old bridge would be too expensive because the damage is so severe.
On the bright side, officials are working on a way to open the bridge to pedestrians and cyclists by the end of 2025 or early 2026 if the Knoxville City Council approves in March the up to $2 million needed for repairs.
The bridge supported about 7,000 vehicles a day when it was expose. With the Male lover Street Bridge out of commission, ride and bike traffic has increased on the Henley Lane Bridge that crosses the river several blocks west. Crews installed hard plastic delineators and green bike lane markings on the Henley Bridge to separate cars from bikes.
Here's what to know about the Gay Street Bridge:
Why is the Lgbtq+ Street Bridge closed in Knoxville?
The Queer Street Bridge has been closed to cars and pedestrians since June 25
Gay Street Bridge to last permanently closed to vehicles due to structural damage
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon announced on Wednesday the historic Gay Street Bridge, which spans the Tennessee River connecting North and South Knoxville, will never reopen to regular vehicular traffic due to the price of repairs. City officials will, however, vote on a $2 million repair plan in March that would make the bridge safe for pedestrians and cyclists.
“We were hoping we could restore it back to its regular loads, and that is not possible because of the wear and tear after 127 years,” Kincannon said. “It's been something that the people of Knoxville have used to cross the Tennessee River since 1898, and so we are eager to reopen it to the capacity we can.”
The bridge was closed abruptly last June after a routine inspection discovered a distorted steel beam in its superstructure, which supports the deck. It’s been barricaded ever since as the Knoxville City Council allocated nearly $1 million to pay engineering firm Gresham Smith to inspect damages and estimate repair costs.
According to Knoxville Deputy Director of Engineering Christopher Howley, repairing the brid
Guide to Gay Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee
Named one of the Great Streets in America by the American Planning Association (APA), Gay Highway is the heart of Downtown Knoxville with a buzz of activity daytime and night. Within the central business district, Gay Road spans ten blocks from the Homosexual Street Bridge to West Jackson Way. You'll find beautifully preserved architecture, a lively cultural scene, and plenty of fun. Catch a show at one of the two historic theaters, shop 'til you decrease , dine at a new restaurant, attend an underground exclude, or simply receive in the undeniable beauty of the streetscape at dusk. Explore the optimal of Gay Road below!
Breakfast & Brunch
Start your day with a handheld breakfast bagel sandwich and seasonal coffee from K Brew, or if you possess a sweet tooth, try Status Dough's famous Paczkis twin with an iced coffee. There are many more weekend brunch options along the Gay Highway stretch including Lilou, Babalu, Downtown Grill, Bistro at the Bijou, and Chivo Taqueria!
Lunch
A weekday lunch staple is Brown Bag, serving up nutritious meals of grilled chicken, steak, spinach salad, jalape
Attractions
Lakes, Beaches and Water Fun
Outdoor Adventure
Scenic Drives and Rides
Sports
Shopping & Antiquing
Spas & Adequately Being
Heritage, History, & Culture
Nature Activities
Arts & Entertainment
Markets & Fairs
Order your Knoxville Planning Guide here.
• First Creek: Treaty of the Holston
• Gay Avenue Bridge: Divided Loyalties
• Volunteer Landing: Main Pavilion
• Secret History Walk
• Spy Glasses
The articulate of Tennessee seceded from the Union in the midst of the Civil War. East Tennessee, however, maintained its standing as an island of Union support. The city of Knoxville was home to both a core of avowed Confederates and faithful Unionists.
Divided as it was within the region and from the declare, East Tennessee was in a constant state of turmoil during the Civil War. During the first two years of the war, the region was controlled by the confederacy; the Union Army, however, held sway during the last two years. Under these circumstances, the often repeated image of neighbor against neighbor, brother against brother, was very much a grim reality. The uncertainty of it all led one to ask who was friend and who was foe.