Easing Congestion at Hamilton Place
The project is in the early stages of development, but it will involve TDOT, the city of Chattanooga and CBL and Associates, the owner of the mall.
For years Hamilton Place was the largest mall in the state. West Town Mall in Knoxville now hold that distinction, according to Wikipedia.
But the Chattanooga mall, and the shopping area around it, is so popular that it has the predictable traffic snarls. That may change for the better in the next two years.
TDOT and the city are joining with the mall owners to open a new southbound entrance off the interstate.
CURT HAMMONTREE, CBL SENIOR PROJECT MGR. "If you’re heading south you won’t have to get off at Shallowford any more. There will be an exit for you to get off at Hamilton Place Boulevard."
The project will also include another connection from Hamilton Place Boulevard to I-75 northbound.
BLYTHE BAILEY, ADMINISTRATOR, CHATTANOOGA TRANSPORTATION DEPT. "This will create another way…it improves the network of the entire area…..it will significantly improve traffic for 10’s of thousands of Chattanoogans."
To move the idea ahead, CBL and Associates has agreed to pay the city’s share, which is 8-million dollars. That’s 20 percent of the cost.
The project is now on the state transportation improvement plan
BLYTHE BAILEY "Projects that are on that list are eligible for 80-percent of their funding coming from the federal government."
The three entities are working to move the project quickly, and preliminary planning is scheduled for this fall. Construction is expected to begin in about 2 years.
CURT HAMMONTREE "This is really about the sustainability of the Hamilton Place area. Hamilton Place…the entire area is an economic driver for the city and the state" .
CBL will appear before city council on Tuesday evening to outline plans for the 40-million dollar project.
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