Well, folks, it looks like the time to cross that bridge is here — the Walnut Street Bridge renovations are starting Monday, March 17. To help ease the stress of this 18-month-long project, here are some best ways to navigate your way around.
Staying in the know
During the process, you can expect real-time weekly/ monthly updates when you:
- Bookmark the official project website
- Text “WSB” to 423-249-9181 for text alerts
- Give your info for email updates
- Download the Walnut Street Bridge app
- For Android users, the city is currently awaiting approval with Google for the app to be available (but text alerts and info from the website will still be of help to you)
- Bonus: You’ll also get reminded of when the bridge reopens for special events — like in May when the Ironman 70.3 comes to town
Bridging the transportation gap
To help drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, there are a few options in place + directional signage will be installed. Bonus: The detours are only a one-mile difference.
- Veterans Bridge is the preferred detour route — one lane has been altered for pedestrian + cyclist traffic with barriers, and an art installation will be put up on Thursday, March 13.
- Market Street Bridge (which is owned by TDOT) will feature extra guardrails between driving lanes + the sidewalks.
- Coolidge Park will remain accessible from both River Street + the Riverwalk — pro tip: Use the Riverwalk when needing ADA accessibility.
- Not feeling the walk anymore? A new free shuttle will connect you to the NorthShore + downtown area.
Answering some common questions
“Why will it take so long to reopen?” — Denise C. | The Walnut Street Bridge has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1990, so there are a number of precautions and gentle care going into restoring it.
“What will happen to all of the nameplates currently lining the bridge?” — @benacrossborders | Construction crews will remove all dedicated plaques and safely store them + will place them back after the restoration.
“Will the color remain the same?” — Jean M. | Yes, during this process, the bridge will get freshly painted to look as new as it was when it was first built.
Other improvements made will be new decking (yay to no longer tripping while you walk), steel repairs + installing new lights and cameras to enhance safety.
