MANCHESTER, TN (WSMV) -
Most of us take them for granted, but missing sidewalks near two schools keeps causing concern for students and neighbors.
Two years ago, the city of Manchester secured a grant for new sidewalks, which were supposed to provide a safe route for kids heading to class. But the sidewalks are still not built, and now a lot of people want to know what the holdup is.
Martha Bryan keeps close watch from her front porch with a concern that has been brewing for more than 25 years.
"No sidewalks, never. We've been needing them for years," Bryan said.
In southwest Manchester, homes line the streets near Westwood Elementary and Middle School, but sidewalks do not.
Two years ago, Channel 4 News first covered the concern when city leaders passed on a plan for sidewalks but opted to approve a $500,000 purchase of land near a park.
The decision sparked a fight over priorities.
"The kids have no where to walk, and you see them dodging in and out of traffic. You got teenagers driving in there. The speed limit's 30, and they're driving a lot faster than that," resident Steven Jones said.
Soon, though, the city received a federal Safe Routes to Schools grant. But for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, building sidewalks takes more than a load of concrete.
"A lot of people may say, 'Why is it taking two years to get sidewalks out there?' But there's a lot that goes into it. For example, just in the environmental phase, that consists of a long-term study to determine that the environmental effects of putting those sidewalks out there will be a good thing," said TDOT spokeswoman Deanna Lambert.
Add to that the design phase, then installing the appropriate right of way.
"So all these things take time," Lambert said.
In fact, TDOT will soon buy five easements to finish the work. It's welcome news for those who have long hoped for a safer walk to school.
TDOT said it tries to finish these types of projects within two years, but delays can happen.
In this case, TDOT hopes to start the final stage of construction within the next six months.
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