KNOXVILLE (WATE) – A pedestrian bridge that would span the Tennessee River connecting the University of Tennessee’s campus with South Knoxville is taking shape after years of planning. The project is part of a 20-year revitalization strategy to redevelop Knoxville’s south waterfront.

More: South Knoxville Waterfront Project

The Knoxville City Council approved a $24 million application for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Discretionary grant from the United States Department of Transportation. The grant requires a 20 percent local match.

If approved, the city would match $6 million to construct the bridge from the 2016-2017 Capital budget. Grant winners will be announced in Fall 2015.

In 2005, the City of Knoxville adopted the Knoxville South Waterfront Vision Plan. City leaders said they hope the bridge will offer safe bike and pedestrian travel from South Knoxville to the University of Tennessee’s campus.