LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN — The Lookout Mountain planning panel voted 5-2 against approving the Rock City Enterprises gondola project. The Lookout Mountain City Council will make the final decision.

The company released a 197-page traffic assessment document developed by engineering consultant Kimley-Horn. It seeks approval from the city of Lookout Mountain, Ga., for the gondola to land within city limits.

Rock City officials stated the study will add 1,680 daily trips through the St. Elmo neighborhood on an average weekday. Increased traffic trips primarily will occur between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The assessment projects St. Elmo Avenue will operate at a similar level of service compared to existing conditions. Approximately 25 percent of available capacity will remain south of Ochs Avenue after the parking facility is relocated.

A December 2025 report evaluates redirecting traffic from the top of Lookout Mountain to a 20-acre site near Chattanooga Valley Road in Walker County, Ga. The assessment indicates Ochs Highway will experience a traffic reduction. Peak day traffic counts on affected routes are projected to decrease by 2,800 trips. Traffic on Battlefield Parkway is projected to increase by 842 trips on an average weekday.

The traffic assessment evaluates peak season conditions, projected 2028 conditions, and 2033 Horizon Build conditions. Rock City will post the assessment and additional planning reports to its website.

Doug Chapin, president and CEO of Rock City, said the company relied on a traffic engineering firm to provide detailed factual information regarding traffic impacts. He stated decisions about the business are made with careful consideration and professional expertise.

No independent assessment was available for this report.