The Wilcox Tunnel opened today around 2 p.m. after being closed since Aug. 17, 2015, for a $2 million renovation promising a safer tunnel with better lighting and a new inner tunnel liner to halt water seepage.
Chattanooga Department of Transportation will routinely analyze the condition of the inner roadway and meet with neighborhood leaders in the even ongoing maintenance is needed, such as diamond-grinding.
After hearing from business and community leaders, the City of Chattanooga created the new Construction Mitigation Program in March to assist local merchants impacted by long-term construction projects. Since the program’s launch, business owners have been able to seek assistance in the form of small business grants, paid advertising, signage, parking and enhanced communication through a website and hotline.
Neighborhood Services will be scheduling a community meeting in the coming weeks to go over next steps and follow up on the Construction Mitigation Program. In addition, the City plans to work with the connecting neighborhoods and businesses for a Community Celebration in the coming weeks.