South Capitol Pedestrian Access Changes Begin July 20

Pedestrian access to the Tennessee State Capitol from the south will shift back to the permanent stone stairs beginning Monday, July 20, as work continues on the Capitol renovation project.

Visitors approaching the Capitol from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard should review the map below, which highlights the pedestrian route that will open and the temporary route that will close.

Beginning July 20:

• The permanent stone stairs on either side of the Motlow Tunnel will reopen for pedestrian use.
• The temporary wooden stairs at the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Eakin-Weakley Drive will close permanently.
• Fencing adjacent to the permanent stairs will remain in place while construction continues on the surrounding lawn areas, including installation of sidewalks and irrigation systems.

Following this transition, construction will continue in the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds. Upcoming work includes removing the temporary stairs, relocating the Sam Davis statue, constructing a sidewalk connecting the permanent stairs to the Motlow Tunnel, and installing irrigation systems in the south lawn areas.

Motlow Tunnel Remains Closed

The reopening of the permanent stairs does not mean the Motlow Tunnel is reopening.

The Motlow Tunnel will remain closed while interior construction continues and is expected to reopen later this year. Until then, pedestrians should continue to follow the designated routes shown on the map below.

The State appreciates the public's patience as work continues to preserve and improve the Tennessee State Capitol for future generations.