News Summary
Chattanooga is set to begin road maintenance on Cherokee Boulevard, raising safety concerns for cyclists and motorists who will share a lane. Concurrently, a section of the Tennessee Riverwalk will close for the construction of a new stadium, disrupting critical access routes for cyclists and community members. City officials are exploring alternative routes to address these concerns, while enhancements to the Riverwalk are planned amidst the disruptions.
Chattanooga Faces Safety Concerns As Road Maintenance and Riverwalk Closure Begin
Chattanooga, TN – Road maintenance on Cherokee Boulevard is set to begin on Sunday, causing combined traffic conditions for cyclists and vehicles that advocate groups warn may jeopardize safety. Concurrently, a significant closure of a portion of the Tennessee Riverwalk due to construction of a new Chattanooga Lookouts stadium will take effect on July 14, 2025, lasting approximately nine months.
The road work on Cherokee Boulevard will require cyclists and motorists to share a single traffic lane. This situation has raised alarms among cycling advocates, as many believe it places cyclists at greater risk of accidents. The Cherokee Boulevard section is crucial for commuters and recreational cyclists, making the planned configurations concerning for many.
The Riverwalk closure will affect about a quarter-mile stretch, starting just south of the Chestnut Street Crossing and ending at the Wheland Foundry Trailhead parking lot. With safety already a pressing issue highlighted by several recent accidents involving cyclists, there is anxiety within the cycling community regarding worsened commuting conditions during the closure.
Alternative Routes Under Consideration
The lack of safe alternate routes during the Riverwalk’s closure has amplified frustrations among cyclists who feel marginalized in the city’s planning processes. City officials acknowledged the inconvenience and have explored potential detours, including routes along Broad Street. However, these were deemed unfeasible due to stringent safety regulations.
In response to these concerns, Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley has proposed a rerouting plan through the Alton Park neighborhood, which has garnered a positive reaction from the biking community. Efforts are underway to conduct a test run of this detour, although a specific date for this trial has yet to be established.
Enhancements Amidst Disruptions
Despite the impending closures, enhancements to the Riverwalk are also planned. Proposed improvements include widening the sidewalk to 16 feet, upgrading outdoor lighting, and adding new landscaping features. City officials aim to maintain safety and transparency throughout the project, promising regular updates regarding construction progress and alternative route suggestions.
Community Connectivity and Cycling Popularity
The current Riverwalk segment being closed was completed in 2016 and has become a significant artery for cyclists, recording over 21,000 trips logged in 2024 alone. Its closure is expected to disrupt connectivity for neighborhoods like St. Elmo and Alton Park, alarming community members about the loss of an important access route.
Chattanooga’s public transport also has limitations for cyclists, as the free shuttle service operating every 30 minutes does not accommodate bicycles, further adding to the challenges for cyclists who utilize this route for commuting.
As the city prepares for the upcoming road work and Riverwalk closure, officials have taken steps to communicate with the cycling community by collecting email addresses during community meetings. This initiative is aimed at keeping cyclists informed about alternative routes and the current status of construction efforts.
City representatives have emphasized that ensuring the safety of all commuters and maintaining transparency regarding project activities will remain a top priority as these critical developments unfold over the forthcoming months.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Delays Push Chattanooga Interchange Project Completion to 2026
Hamilton County Welcomes New Businesses
Tennessee Allocates $246 Million for I-24 Widening Project
Major Traffic Disruptions Expected at I-75 and I-24 Interchange
Website Woes: User Access Issues Reported
Hamilton County School Board Endorses Multi-Million Dollar Wish List
Chattanooga Prepares for CARTA’s 2026 Budget Amid Financial Challenges
Hamilton County Commissioners to Vote on Hamilton Plan
University of Tennessee Proposes Tuition and Fee Increases
Market Street Bridge Closure for Maintenance in Chattanooga
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Residents Raise Alarm Over Cherokee Boulevard
- Local 3 News: Riverwalk Closure Sparks Safety Concerns Among Chattanooga Cyclists
- Times Free Press: With No Detour for Riverwalk Closure, Push for Alternatives
- Chattanoogan: Upcoming Special Event Road Closures
- Wikipedia: Cycling in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
