Chattanooga workers began a $3.5 million road project last week to extend Goodwin Road, create a new traffic circle to relieve congestion along Gunbarrel Road and create a direct route for the new East Brainerd Elementary School.
The project, which has been part of the city’s long-term plan to curb traffic near Hamilton Place mall, will provide a way in and out of the future school where the old David Brainerd school currently sits.
The Hamilton County Commission put the brakes on the elementary school project, extending the deadline until August 2015 because of complications involving a three-way land swap, plans to explore using the old building and to work out a deal with the city to extend Goodwin Road.
Chattanooga Transportation Director Blythe Bailey said the city plans to complete the roundabout in front of the baseball fields by spring and the road project by August 2014.
Currently, Goodwin Road deadends behind Walmart near Gunbarrel Road, but the construction will connect the road past the elementary school to Jenkins Road. The road will also include a roundabout.