Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDoT) has approved a transport alternative grant for Phase II of the Coops Creek Greenway Project in Dunlap.

The project includes the construction of parking, bicycle racks and a gathering area for public events.

It is located at the start of Highway 127 and runs along the edge of the creek, connecting residential areas near Coops Creek with the downtown business district and educational centres.

"In addition to providing residents and visitors with critical connections to areas of the city, this project will also improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists."

State governor Bill Haslam said: "In addition to providing residents and visitors with critical connections to areas of the city, this project will also improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists."

"Tennessee’s downtowns are the heart of our communities and projects like this enhance the lives of Tennesseans and make our communities more livable."

The $591,141 transport alternative grant to the project was provided through a federally funded programme and was administered by the TDoT.

TDoT commissioner John Schroer said: "This programme has assisted communities all over the state in their efforts to revitalise downtowns, highlight historic areas, provide alternative means of transportation and increase opportunities for economic development."

TDoT has already invested more than $306m in non-traditional transportation projects.