CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – September 2, 2025 – Today the Public Works Department
released an update on the progress of the Heritage Landing Drive sinkhole
repair, outlining a new repair approach and an expedited timeline for the
project.
Following an extensive camera inspection of the underground drainage line,
city engineers discovered the damage is more widespread than initially
estimated. The affected area extends well beyond the visible sinkhole and
passes beneath a large seven-foot wastewater pipe. To prevent potential
damage to the critical sewer line during the repair, the design team has
pivoted to a specialized repair method.
City staff are finalizing the design, with the complete package expected in
mid-September. The project will then move to an emergency bid process, a
method that shortens the typical bidding period by approximately three
months. The emergency bid process is anticipated to take 3-4 weeks, with a
final contractor selected in mid-October. The bid will also take into
consideration the timelines of specialty contractors needed for the work.
"We are committed to a safe and efficient repair that not only fixes the
immediate problem but also protects our critical infrastructure," said City
Engineer Bill Payne. "Our team is working diligently to prepare all the
necessary bid documents, and we are confident the emergency bid process
will help us mobilize a contractor and reopen the road as quickly as
possible."
Construction is currently estimated to take 4-6 months once a contractor is
on-site. However, a more accurate timeline will be determined after the bid
process is complete and the winning contractor's proposed schedule is
evaluated. In the interest of efficiency, city staff also plan to inspect
several other drainage lines in the same area while the road is closed to
address any additional needs. The city will continue to provide updates as
new information and a more precise construction timeline become available.
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 hazardous waste; parks
maintenance, programming and operations. Follow @CHAPublicWorks on Facebook
<https://www.facebook.com/CHAPublicWorks/> and
<https://twitter.com/CHAPublicWorks>Instagram.
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