Bristol’s infrastructure priorities include immediate needs and long-term economic strategy. The city is advancing major road improvements with construction anticipated to begin in 2026. “We’re actually working on widening and improvements to the Lee Highway area,” Chapman says. “It’s going to include turn lanes, raised median, and pedestrian enhancements.”Additional work focuses on Interstate 81 around Exit 5, targeting ramp improvements and interchange modifications to support commercial development at The Falls. Alongside physical infrastructure, Chapman emphasizes economic diversification as essential to the city’s resilience. Bristol’s traditional reliance on manufacturing and retail leaves it vulnerable to sector-specific downturns.“It’s more of a concept to diversify our economy away from just manufacturing and retail,” he explains.“We want to also bring in tech jobs and boost healthcare. If one sector is struggling, then we have other sectors to continue to boost the economy.” 66 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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