The Walnut Street Bridge has served residents and visitors for many years, providing a scenic pathway across the Tennessee River. However, the passage of time, exposure to the elements, and heavy use have contributed to the natural wear and tear of the bridge's infrastructure. A recent comprehensive inspection has revealed areas of the bridge that need critical attention and repair, making renovation no longer an option but a necessity.
Walnut St. Bridge Repair
Project Highlights
- Structural Repairs: Over time, moisture has weakened the structural integrity of the bridge. Areas where water can accumulate, like the joints or where the steel meets the foundation, are especially vulnerable.
- Wooden Deck Replacement: From rot to exposed fasteners, the wooden deck of the bridge needed an upgrade to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
- Electrical Upgrades: Safety upgrades to the electrical systems on the bridge will ensure we can meet future power needs for events.
- A New Coat: Repainting the bridge will restore the vibrant blue hue and help protect the steel from future corrosion.
Detours
During the Walnut Street Bridge renovation, pedestrians are encouraged to use the Market Street Bridge and Veteran's Bridge as alternate routes.
Directional signage will be installed at key locations to guide pedestrians and cyclists along the detour routes.
Project Timeline
Project Budget
Total Spent
- $57,369,093
- $24,279,068
Walnut St. Bridge Repair Images
Project Map
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FAQs
The city of Chattanooga is working to address safety and structural items along the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge. Correcting these items also provides an opportunity to freshen paint and lighting. The project includes structural steel repairs, repainting, new decking, new electrical, and new lighting.
Bridge users will not be able to cross the bridge entirely during the renovation while the contractor performs the work. However, users will be able to access certain parts of the bridge before or after renovations begin on those sections.
While the Walnut Street Bridge renovations are completed, the city will use the Market Street Bridge as a temporary detour route for pedestrian travel across the Tennessee River. This is the shortest route. The city will provide signage directing pedestrians to travel west on East 1st Street for two blocks to Market Street.
A second route will be available across the Veterans Bridge.
The City of Chattanooga is committed to maintaining the most effective communication with our residents, business stakeholders, commuters, media outlets, emergency services, and the general population. Community members can receive updates by signing up on our website at walnutstreetbridge.com.
The city will also post timely updates to inform the public on social media, the city's mobile app, and in print, with additional help from media outlets and public text notifications throughout the duration of construction.
There are several events that use the bridge. The contractor will halt work and make the bridge crossable for these iconic events, to include the following:
Chattanooga Marathon [March], Ironman 70.3[May], Riverbend and Riverbend Run [May], Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon [June], Moon River Festival [September], Ironman [September], 7 Bridges Marathon [October], and Head of the Hooch [November].
The plaques will be pulled up, kept in a safe place, and returned in the new wood before completion of the bridge renovation..