Building stronger connections in Chattanooga

Norfolk Southern joined the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County, Tenn. today to celebrate the ceremonial signing of the federal grant that will support the Wilcox Boulevard Bridge Replacement Project.

The project represents a collaborative investment in Chattanooga's transportation network, replacing the nearly 70-year-old bridge spanning Norfolk Southern's DeButts Yard while improving safety, strengthening mobility, and maintaining one of the region's most important freight corridors.

A partnership years in the making

Since 2022, Norfolk Southern has worked alongside TDOT, the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County to develop a solution that meets both community and transportation needs.

The project, supported by a $25 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) grant, brings together investments from public and private partners, including significant investment from Norfolk Southern.

Improving mobility for Chattanooga

When complete, the new Wilcox Boulevard Bridge will ensure a lasting connection for Chattanooga communities while improving safety and mobility for residents, businesses, and visitors.

The project also supports continued freight movement through DeButts Yard, one of Norfolk Southern's key rail facilities, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week supporting the critical movement of goods.

To help maintain community access during construction, Norfolk Southern is also restoring the nearby Wilder Street Bridge to its original intended capacity, providing an alternate route while work on the Wilcox Boulevard Bridge is underway.

What they’re saying

“Norfolk Southern is proud to support a project that will improve safety, strengthen mobility, and better connect Chattanooga communities for decades to come. Through strong collaboration with TDOT and our local and federal partners, we’ve found a solution that meets the needs of the community while protecting the critical freight rail network that helps keep the region’s economy moving.” — Mike McClellan, Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Norfolk Southern

Looking ahead

The ceremonial signing marks an important milestone for a project that will strengthen Chattanooga's transportation infrastructure for decades to come.

By working together, Norfolk Southern, FHWA, TDOT, the City of Chattanooga, and Hamilton County are delivering infrastructure improvements that benefit local communities while supporting the safe, reliable movement of freight across one of the region's most important transportation corridors.