Seigenthaler bridge concerns arise at East Bank meeting

A recent deal struck between Metro and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to build a new venue in the East Bank is raising concerns among some Metro Councilmembers about the update to and potential closure of the adjacent John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

Metro and TPAC reached an agreement on Nov. 19 that will bring a new performance hall to the neighborhood, which followed months of uncertainty over the venue’s location. Metro will be responsible for costs related to extensive reconstruction to the pedestrian bridge, renovations that are required to accommodate the current designs for the forthcoming TPAC facility. The exact cost of the bridge work has not yet been determined, but estimated infrastructure costs presented at a meeting on Thursday total at least $21.7 million.