Press Releases

Expanded Tennessee Riverwalk and Enhanced W.26th Street Trailhead

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CHATTANOOGA, TN (April 13th, 2026) –

The Tennessee Riverwalk and the W. 26th St. Riverwalk Trailhead outside Erlanger Park and within the Foundries District are now open to the public after months of construction to greatly improve and expand both community assets.

Entrance to Erlanger Park showing industrial architecture, a red brick power house, and a white water tower with red lettering.

The Riverwalk, which serves as the ‘front door’ to Erlanger Park, has been greatly enhanced with new lighting and unique landscaping that incorporates native trees and reused materials salvaged for this purpose from the U.S.
Pipe and Wheland Foundry site, preserving the industrial heritage of the district. Additionally, public parking at the W 26th St. Riverwalk Trailhead has been more than doubled, from 9 to 26 parking spots, to
accommodate future increased public use of the Riverwalk in the Foundries District.

The successful improvement of these public assets is yet another tangible result of Mayor Tim Kelly’s One Chattanooga initiative, which ensures that everyone in our city, especially those in historically overlooked and under-invested neighborhoods, enjoys the benefits of Chattanooga’s growth and prosperity.

The Riverwalk is a vital artery for many walkers, runners, and bicycle enthusiasts, serving both recreational and commuter needs. Public Works thanks the citizens of Chattanooga for their patience and trust, and Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley for working closely with the City and her constituents throughout the temporary closure.

About Department of Public Works:

The Department of Public Works delivers a variety of services that Chattanooga's citizens rely on daily. Responsibilities include the design, construction and maintenance of the City's infrastructure; the interceptor sewer system; the City's stormwater system; the collection and disposal of garbage, brush, recycling, and household ha ardous waste; parks maintenance, programming and operations. Follow @CHAPublicWorks on Facebook
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