State transportation officials this week provided a more detailed timeline for the multimillion-dollar Wilcox Boulevard Bridge replacement project, extending the anticipated start of construction to 2027 and completion of the project to 2030.
In August 2025, the Tennessee Department of Transportation and Chattanooga officials estimated construction could begin in fall 2026 and finish in 2029, but as planning has progressed, the timeline has been refined.
State transportation officials declined to provide estimated costs for the two-phase project, citing state law requiring pricing and cost estimates to remain confidential until contracts are awarded to the winning bidders, said spokesperson Rae Anne Bradley.
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“This protects the integrity of the bid process and helps to ensure fair competition,” Bradley said in an emailed answer to questions about the project sent Aug. 20. “Once awards are made, TDOT will be able to share full cost information publicly.”
The bridge replacement will be completed as a single project with two distinct phases, she said, describing an estimated timeline.
“Design work for the first phase of construction, the replacement of the bridge over the Norfolk Southern rail yard, has progressed to construction‑level plans,” Bradley said. “Wright Brothers Construction Company Inc., selected as the construction manager in early 2025, submitted their proposal for this portion earlier this month, and TDOT is currently reviewing it. If accepted, construction on phase one could begin in early 2027.
“Design work for the second phase, which includes construction of a ramp bridge into the rail yard, will continue through spring 2027, with review and award by TDOT to follow, once plans are complete,” she said. “The project is currently planned for completion in spring 2030.”
The project is being delivered through the construction manager/general contractor process, which Bradley described as an alternative delivery method allowing TDOT to work closely with the contractor during design to improve cost efficiency and reduce risk.
In addition to $25 million in federal RAISE grant money, remaining project funding will come from multiple partners, including the state, the city of Chattanooga, Norfolk Southern Railroad, and Hamilton County, Bradley said.
“Each partner will contribute to the project,” she said, “and the state agency will share specific breakdowns once the construction awards for both phases are finalized.”
OLD BRIDGE
The 820-foot-long Wilcox Boulevard bridge is listed in Tennessee’s National Bridge Inventory Report as an off-system bridge, one side finished in 1954 and the other completed in 1958. The spans are made of multiple cast-in-place concrete rated in poor condition, and the deck geometry on both sides is rated as critical, requiring monitoring for further deterioration.
The state transportation agency defines off-system bridges as those owned, operated and maintained by local governments.
The bridge was closed to semitruck and city bus traffic in 2021 after weight limits were applied to prevent further damage. The Chattanooga Fire Department can’t send a fully loaded fire truck across the span because of its condition. The city is matching the $25 million Rebuilding American grant it received for the project in 2022 with almost $13 million.
NEW BRIDGE
Plans show the new four-lane bridge will be built for modern weight capacity and restore access for CARTA buses, fire trucks and heavy freight trucks, which have been banned or restricted for years. The CARTA agency’s offices are nearby at 1617 Wilcox Blvd. The bridge will be Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant and include a 12.5-foot shared-use bike and pedestrian path, which will ultimately provide access to the Tennessee Riverwalk via a new connection to be developed by the city in the future.
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When completed, according to city officials, the new bridge will expand equitable access to jobs, parks, trails, essential public services and improve overall mobility for the communities it connects.
“Residing on a critical national freight corridor, the Wilcox Boulevard Bridge replacement is a testament to what strong partnerships can achieve to help advance economic development throughout the region,” state transportation commissioner Will Reid said in a statement attributing the comment to him. “TDOT is proud to help the city of Chattanooga deliver a modern bridge using an alternative delivery approach that brings our contractor to the table earlier in the process, strengthens coordination and supports more efficient construction of the project.”
Bradley said more project information is coming soon.
Contact Southeast Tennessee reporter Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569.