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PAGE 6 July/August 2026 • VOL. 44 NO.2

Tennessee Public Works Magazine
Online at tnpublicworks.com

5 Recognizing PW Professionals as First Responders 24 From Rot to Rebuilt: Knoxville’s Ulmer (Zig Zag)
6 National Public Works Week Celebrated in TN Bridge Rises Again
Public Works departments statewide celebrated the annual What began as a routine repair quickly revealed a bigger
Public Works Week with multiple events such holding challenge on one of Knoxville’s most recognizable stretches
luncheons, supporting area food banks and working on parks of its Third Creek Greenway, the Ulmer (Zig Zag) Bridge. The
beautification efforts, to hosting competitions ranging from 200-foot-long structure had to be completely rebuilt in less
their own equipment rodeos, to contests involving water relays, than two months, since the Greenway was part the annual
nuts and bolts challenges, and even a Granny Toss. Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon’s route.
12 TPWI: Maintenance Technologies in PW Class 25 City of Chattanooga Bridge Flag Program
The recent 2026 Maintenance Technologies in Public Works Honors Service Through Community Dedication
class of the Tennessee Public Works Institute (TPWI) was Chattanooga’s Veterans Bridge Flag Program stands as more
held at the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts’ Training than a ceremonial initiative. It represents Chattanooga’s
Station in Murfreesboro, with 28 students in attendance. ongoing commitment to honoring service, preserving the
14 TPWI 2026 Class Schedule stories of veterans, and strengthening the connection between
the community and those who defended our freedoms.
The Tennessee Public Works Institute (TPWI) classes resumed
this year with four classes. The final offering, Leadership and 26 Lower East Branch Lunch & Learn
Administration, still has space for additional students. The City of Chattanooga hosted a Lunch & Learn at the Paul
16 Registration is Now Open for the Clark Building in early May, featuring Environmental Products
2026 TCAPWA/SWANA Annual Conference Group, Inc. and their innovative PB Pothole Patcher Truck.
The session drew strong interest, with over 35 participants
The Annual Conference is scheduled for October 13-15 in attending from various departments, along with guests from
Knoxville at the Downtown Marriott and Exhibition Hall. Online Hamilton County and the City of Red Bank.
Registration is open now for Attendees and Exhibitors. Make
your plans now. 28 West Branch Q2 Lunch & Learn
20 Call for TCAPWA Annual Awards Nominations The TCAPWA West Tennessee Branch hosted its Q2 Lunch &
Learn with Oversite in late May at the Town of Collierville Public
22 Proactive vs. Reaction Approaches: Utilities Complex. Approximately 20 attendees joined the
Underground Utility Construction event for lunch, door prizes, and an afternoon of networking,
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Though professional development, and discussion on emerging
this Benjamin Franklin 1753 phrase referenced fire safety, it technology solutions in Public Works.
remains highly relevant to today’s Public Works professionals, 29 Contributors to This Issue
who can be tasked with managing aging infrastructure,
including stormwater systems, water distribution systems, and 30 Local Government Buyers’ Guide
roadways and sidewalks. Cover: The City of Kingsport always attracts a young crowd to their
National Public Works Week events. This little guy had a blast!

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ISSN 0893-5380. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the publisher of TN Public Works Magazine.