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The City of Johnson City’s two-phase Downtown Water and Wastewater System Improvements Project will begin Monday, Oct. 12. This project includes the rehabilitation of 2,600 feet of sewer line and over 550 feet of waterline installation.
“The City of Johnson City has a responsibility to provide our customers safe and reliable utility services,” said Director of Water and Sewer Services Tom Witherspoon. “This cast iron and concrete sewer line was installed around 1970. As we’ve continued to deliver water and wastewater amid the challenges of COVID-19, we know that repairing and replacing aging infrastructure remains critical to our mission to protect the public health and strengthen communities. This project will allow us to provide service for the next 100 years.”
Phase one of the improvements project involves the rehabilitation of the large sewer line that runs under Buffalo Street from the Cherry Street intersection through the South Roan Street intersection and under Water Street.
Construction crews will begin their work at the Cherry Street end of Buffalo Street and progress in sections until phase one is complete. Construction activities will result in a variety of impacts to pedestrian and vehicle traffic including:

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Closure of brick paver area in median of Buffalo and Tipton streets intersection for up to two months
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Temporary road ramp across Buffalo Street near Tipton Street intersection
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Temporary road and sidewalk closures along Buffalo Street and State of Franklin Road
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Loss of parallel parking along Buffalo Street in the areas where construction crews are working
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Night and/or weekend work

The first phase is expected to be complete by Dec. 31. The second phase will begin in January and involve water and sewer work on East Market Street from Buffalo Street to South Roan Street.
The City of Johnson City is reinvesting over $1 million in the project. A portion of the project is being funded through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
Additional information about the Downtown Water and Wastewater System Improvements Project and updates to changes in traffic patterns will be available on the City’s website at www.johnsoncitytn.org/downtownimprovementsproject.