No snowflake lights on the Walnut Street Bridge

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Due to electrical issues during the installation of the snowflake lights, Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors has decided not to decorate the Walnut Street Bridge this year.

Many community members have noticed the absence of the twinkling lights that usually decorate the Walnut Street Bridge.

Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors said that unforeseen electrical issues was the reason for not putting up the iconic decorations.

Brian Smith, Communications Director for Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors, explained, “I know the iconic snowflakes—people look forward to them each and every year—and we’re just as sad that we’re not able to showcase them this year. But when we were installing them, we ran into some electrical issues. As we started assessing the situation, we realized it wouldn’t be cost-effective to repair right now, especially knowing that in March, the Walnut Street Bridge is scheduled for a complete restoration. Trust me, they’re going to come back better than ever.”

With plans for a full remodel of the bridge, including upgrades to its electrical system, the decision not to light the bridge this year was finalized.

Local residents Hadley Brewer and her father Oby took a walk on the bridge, hoping to see the lights, but left feeling disappointed.

“I would love for the lights to come back on. I loved them so much,” Hadley says. “You can always walk in the park and see them.”

Smith also mentioned what the upcoming renovation will involve.

“Starting in March, Walnut Street Bridge will close for an 18-month project. That might sound like a long time, but it’s a complete renovation—something we haven’t done in several years. This includes sandblasting and repainting the entire bridge, replacing all the wood, and upgrading the electrical system. This is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the country, so it’s a big task, but an important one.”

Community members expressed excitement about the upcoming improvements while also hoping the lighting tradition continues in the future.

“I think this bridge is very important to Chattanooga,” said Oby Brewer. “A lot of families like to come here to walk with their kids and dogs, and they enjoy the lights. The lights are a big part of it. I think the renovation is going to be great, but I hope they bring back the lights too.”

Smith reassured residents that the bridge’s future is bright: “A lot of the issues right now, like missing lights or broken snowflakes, will all be resolved. The Walnut Street Bridge is a big part of Chattanooga’s history, and while this renovation might take a while, it guarantees the bridge will be here for many, many years to come.”

To learn more about the Walnut Street Bridge’s renovation project, click here.