The Walnut Street Bridge is officially closed for renovations

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Walnut Street Bridge is officially closed for renovations, marking the start of an 18-month construction project aimed at preserving one of Chattanooga’s most iconic landmarks.

The bridge, which first opened in 1891, has long been a staple of the city’s skyline.

However, due to its age, city officials say extensive repairs are necessary to ensure its safety and longevity.

We spoke with community members about the impact of the closure and how they feel about using the Veterans Bridge as an alternative route.

Luke Davis, a Chattanooga resident, shared his disappointment about the temporary closure.

“It’s sad. We always look forward to walking here, grabbing some ice cream, and just enjoying the ease of moving between areas. It’s something everyone loves doing,” Davis explained. “When you think of Chattanooga, you think of the aquarium, the walking bridge, and other landmarks. So, it kind of sucks that it’s closing. But I do think it’s for the better because it’ll be safer in the long run.”

Davis also reflected on the lengthy timeline for repairs.

“Eighteen months is a long time,” he added. “I think it’s a little excessive, but I guess we have to do what we have to do to keep it safe.”

For some residents, the closure carries a deeper emotional weight.

Andrea Scale, who moved to Chattanooga just over a year ago, spoke about how much the bridge has meant to her.

“The Walnut Street Bridge was one of the first attractions I learned about when I moved here,” Scale stated. “I do a ‘100 Days of Working Out’ challenge every year, and I spent a lot of time jogging across that bridge. I loved coming down late at night, when the weather was beautiful, just to walk and listen to the street musicians. It’s such a wonderful attraction, and I’m really going to miss it.”

Scale recalled a particularly emotional moment on the bridge just before its closure.

“Last night, I was there with a lot of people. It was windy, but there was a musician, Matt Hicks, playing, and it really made me tear up. The difference between walking on the Walnut Street Bridge and the Veterans Bridge is that when you get to the end, you have the beautiful hotels, the ice cream shops, and seating areas where you can just sit and take in the city. It’s an amazing experience, and I’ll definitely miss that connection from Frazier Avenue down to the aquarium area.”

Not all residents are entirely disheartened by the changes.

Aiden Ross, another local, expressed mixed feelings about the renovation project.

“Personally, I’m really excited that it’s getting revamped and fixed up. I think it’ll be a great improvement,” Ross stated. “But I’m also sad because I look forward to walking the bridge every summer when the weather gets warmer.”

Ross acknowledged that while the Veterans Bridge provides an alternative pedestrian route, it’s not quite the same.

“I don’t think it will compare to the Walnut Street Bridge because that one was specifically designed for pedestrians and cyclists,” he elaborated. “But at least we still have a way to walk across the river and enjoy the view.”

To accommodate pedestrians and cyclists during the construction, an additional lane has been opened on the Veterans Bridge.

The Walnut Street Bridge project is expected to take approximately 18 months, with plans to reopen the bridge in the fall of 2026.

News 12 will continue to provide updates throughout the construction process and looks forward to covering the bridge’s grand reopening.