(Editor’s note: First of two parts)
Happy New Year, 1929! On Jan. 2, 1929, the Chattanooga Daily News reported “Bachman Tunnel to be Opened Soon” and noted “Twin Tubes Under Ridge Virtually Completed.”
Construction of the two tunnels connecting East Ridge with Chattanooga began in February 1927, and by 1929, the costs were approaching $450,000. Plans for an elaborate dedication ceremony were tentatively scheduled for late January in hopes of a large citizen attendance from Chattanooga, “East Ridge, Mission Ridge and adjacent communities.”
Paving in both tunnels and on the approaches was completed, while more than 100 employees of M.P. Smith Construction Company of Knoxville, the contractor for the project, finalized the sidewalks allowing pedestrian access and any other items on the “punch list.” The three-foot wide sidewalks within the tunnels were described as elevated above the road surface and safeguarded by four-foot high cyclone fences. An electric lighting system was installed and connected, illuminating the tunnels 24 hours a day and allowing “pedestrians and dogs” to use the passage “around the clock.” Local garden clubs designed flower beds that would be planted within concrete curbs in the spring at both entrances. The landscaping plan included a fountain with a 40-foot high waterfall atop the ridge.
The next day, W.O. Watts, superintendent of Hamilton County roads, announced that “charting of the three approaches, one on the east and two on the west side of the Bachman tunnel,” was completed. Compacted pea-gravel was laid on the approaches, and after the “fills” had settled sufficiently, concrete surfaces were to be added. He then awaited an inspection by the Hamilton County Highway Commission to certify the official opening date.