News Summary
Bristol, Tennessee officials are advancing plans for a new gateway sign nearly 12 years after the previous one was destroyed in a traffic accident. The updated design will highlight Bristol’s branding and its tagline, ‘The Birthplace of Country Music.’ City Council approval is awaited, and installation is expected by late summer. The project aims to enhance local identity and community pride while utilizing funds from an insurance settlement from the original sign’s damage.
Bristol, Tennessee officials are moving forward with plans to install a new gateway sign nearly 12 years after the original sign was destroyed in a traffic accident. The proposal for the replacement design was presented to the Bristol Tennessee City Council by Terry Napier, the Director of Community Engagement & Events, during a recent work session.
The new gateway sign will showcase Bristol’s updated branding and incorporate the tagline, “The Birthplace of Country Music.” This sign is set to be located in front of the Regions Bank branch and directly across from the well-known guitar and Bristol Motor Speedway sign situated at the local chamber of commerce.
The construction of the new sign comes in response to a significant gap since the original brick structure was completed in 2012 and subsequently destroyed in an accident on October 15, 2013. A police report from the incident indicated that a 2007 Chevrolet pickup truck driven by a resident of Bristol, Virginia collided with two vehicles before veering off the road into the original sign. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in the three-vehicle accident, but the original sign, valued at $40,000, was extensively damaged.
Initially, city officials hoped to rebuild the sign shortly after the accident occurred, but the project faced numerous delays. A $25,000 insurance settlement was awarded to the city following the 2013 incident and has been earmarked specifically for the construction of the new sign. The total cost of the sign project has now been revised to $31,586.52, with the majority of the funding coming from the insurance settlement, while the remainder will be provided by city resources.
Napier reported that the design for the new sign features internally lit channel letters, enhancing visibility for motorists and pedestrians alike. The project is being managed entirely by Snyder Signs, a local firm that has integrated the updated design elements into the new sign.
The proposed sign design was submitted for review to the Believe in Bristol Design Committee, which seeks to maintain aesthetic consistency in the region. However, no comments have been received regarding the design thus far. The approval from the city council is now awaited, and if granted, the installation of the new gateway sign is anticipated to be completed by late summer of this year.
This project not only marks an important step in reinforcing Bristol’s identity as the birthplace of country music but also signifies a long-awaited resolution to a community concern. The original gateway sign served as a focal point for local pride and recognition, and its replacement has been a subject of interest for residents since its destruction. The collaborative effort between city officials and local businesses highlights the community’s commitment to enhancing Bristol’s image and welcoming newcomers and visitors alike.
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