A public meeting to discuss the rehabilitation of the two-lane Wilcox tunnel will be held Thursday, November 15 at Eastdale Community Center, located at 1312 Moss Drive. City officials will discuss the history of the project, present the alternatives for improvements, discuss environmental studies centered on the geology of the tunnel and answer questions.
According to city officials, the Wilcox tunnel does not meet current safety standards and prohibits bus, bicycle and pedestrian movements. Also, firefighters cannot currently use the tunnel for the transportation of their equipment because of the limited vertical clearances. Plus, many motorists avoid the tunnel because of its condition, placing an extra burden on other transportation routes.
The Wilcox Tunnel Improvement Project proposes construction of a new two-lane eastbound tunnel and rehabilitation to the existing tunnel, which will be converted to a one-lane westbound facility. Improvements will also be made to the roadways approaching the tunnel from each direction.
The tunnel project begins at the intersection of North Chamberlain Avenue and Wilcox Boulevard and ends at the intersection of Greenwood Road and Wilcox Boulevard. The project length is 0.85 mile. This project will provide capacity and safety in the tunnel and allow access by emergency vehicles, CARTA buses, pedestrians and bicyclists.
Source: City of Chattanooga