CHATTANOOGA — A sinkhole on the sidewalk leading to the Walnut Street Bridge Plaza widened on July 23, 2026, prompting an urgent safety response from city officials. The Public Works Department issued an urgent safety advisory regarding the sinkhole at the intersection of 1st Street and Cherry Street.

The depression is situated at the top of First Street and across Cherry Street, placing it near a major pedestrian thoroughfare. Officials secured the perimeter of the sinkhole to prevent public access while assessments are underway. Emergency response crews, public works personnel, and structural engineers are evaluating the situation to determine the extent of the ground instability.

Public Works Department spokesperson Errol Williams addressed the immediate risks posed by the widening void. "The primary concern is the safety of local residents, business owners, tourist, and homeowners in the immediate area," Williams said. He emphasized the need for public cooperation during the evaluation phase. "Engineers are assessing the ground stability, and we ask that everyone respect the posted barricades so our team can work safely," Williams said.

The Walnut Street Bridge Plaza serves as a critical connector in Chattanooga, located at the nexus of the Walnut Street Bridge and Holmberg Bridge landings. The plaza is designed to accommodate large public events and is one of the most active pedestrian intersections in the city. The Walnut Street Bridge itself measures 2,376 feet (724 meters) in length and is recognized as one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 23, 1990.

The bridge has a history of significant structural investment. It was originally built in 1890 by the Smith Bridge Company and carried vehicle traffic until 1978, when it was deemed unsafe. A community-driven restoration effort began in 1991 with $2.5 million in federal funds and $2 million in local fundraising, leading to its reopening as a pedestrian walkway in 1993.

More recently, the bridge underwent a major structural overhaul in 2026 that cost $47 million. That project included the replacement of corroded steel and the installation of new wood decking, lighting, and security systems, and was completed in September 2026. City officials stated that a detailed follow-up on plans and progress of repairs will be released when the initial structural evaluation is complete.