CHATTANOOGA, TN (May 28, 2026) – The City of Chattanooga Department of Public Works is announcing the temporary closure of the Wilson Road bridge over Chattanooga Creek due to structural deficiencies in the 64-year-old bridge, as identified by a recent state inspection.
To remain in compliance with Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) safety regulations, the bridge, which connects Georgia and Tennessee, will be fully closed to all traffic starting Thursday, June 4, 2026, until repairs have been performed that satisfy state and federal requirements.
Chattanooga Public Works staff will install advanced warning signage and physical blockades to divert traffic. The city is developing traffic control plans for implementation alongside the Walker County Department of Public Works. All residents are advised to follow the posted detour and avoid the Wilson Road crossing until further notice.
City staff are also working to identify the scope, funding, and project delivery plan to remediate the deteriorating structural elements and return the bridge to service. Once a repair plan has been created and executed, the bridge will be re-inspected before it is reopened to the public.
The Wilson Road bridge is among a large number of aging bridges that allow Chattanoogans to cross rivers, creeks, interstates, railroads and valleys. The cost to repair Wilson Road Bridge, built in 1962, is not yet known.
Recommended detour routes per Chattanooga Public Works and Walker County Public Works:
Northbound Detour Route (leaving Georgia)
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- Turn onto Glentana Street
- Continue onto Maple Street
- Turn left onto Williams Street
- Continue onto Hooker Road northbound to reconnect with your route
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Southbound Detour Route (leaving Tennessee)
- Turn onto Workman Road
- Turn onto Rossville Boulevard southbound
- Turn onto McFarland Avenue southbound
- Merge/Continue onto Maple Street
- Turn onto Glentana Street to reconnect with your route
- Please follow all posted detour signs and allow extra time for your commute.