Grant signing for $130M Wilcox bridge project
State, federal and local officials celebrated the signing of a $25 million federal grant to support the Wilcox Boulevard Bridge replacement project, set to start in early 2027 at an estimated cost of almost $130 million.
The $25 million RAISE grant — short for Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity — comes from a U.S. Department of Transportation discretionary grant program for surface transportation projects that have a significant local or regional impact.
The $25 million grant will be teamed with more than $100 million in funding from the state, city, county, Norfolk Southern and federal block grants to the state, according to officials. Funding for the project is about $2.7 million short of the full $126.1 million estimated price tag.
State Sen. Bo Watson, R-North Chattanooga, praised the joint effort.
"This is a team sport, and I want to particularly thank my teammates in the Hamilton County (legislative) delegation."
Plans show the new four-lane bridge will be built for modern weight capacity and restore access for CARTA buses, fire trucks and heavy freight trucks, which have been banned or restricted for years. The CARTA agency's offices are nearby at 1617 Wilcox Blvd.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, according to transportation officials. The anticipated finish date is April 30, 2030.