Chattanooga Unveils $3 Million Greening Project at Fourth Street Interchange

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Landscaped Fourth Street interchange in Chattanooga

News Summary

Chattanooga embarks on a transformative $3 million landscaping project at the Fourth Street-U.S. Highway 27 interchange, enhancing the city’s gateway. Spearheaded by the Tennessee Interstate Conservancy, this initiative has involved extensive planning and collaboration with local entities. As spring approaches, the project has already begun planting over 300 trees and aims to create a vibrant ecosystem for residents and wildlife alike by the project’s completion in 2025.

Chattanooga’s Landscape Makeover: A $3 Million Transformation at Fourth Street-U.S. Highway 27 Interchange

Chattanooga is on the brink of a major transformation with the launch of a stunning new landscaping project valued at $3 million. This ambitious initiative, designed to serve as a true “Gateway to Chattanooga,” has been in the planning stages for over eight years. Spearheaded by a dedicated group, the Tennessee Interstate Conservancy, this project is set to beautify one of the city’s most frequently traveled interchanges.

Behind the Scenes: The Masterminds of the Project

The visionary behind this exciting project is former Circuit Court Judge Neil Thomas III, who has worked closely with the Tennessee Interstate Conservancy to bring this vision to life. The project collaborates with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), local governments, and various businesses to ensure a successful outcome.

Breaking Ground with a Local Touch

In March 2024, the contract for the landscaping work was awarded to Knoxville-based Stansell Electric Co., who have since rolled up their sleeves and begun the groundwork. As of March 2025, crews have been busy digging trenches, boring lines for an irrigation system, preparing planting beds, and moving dirt around in anticipation of the beautiful greenery that will soon bring this area to life.

Spring Into Action: The Planting Begins

As the weather warms up, landscape crews are now planting trees and shrubs to welcome spring in style. So far, approximately 3.5 acres have been cultivated, with more than 300 trees and 100 shrubs already in the ground, showcasing a variety of species. This is just the start! The planting of wildflower seeds and mulching will continue in April and May, further enhancing the area’s aesthetics.

What’s In Store for the Flora?

The project team isn’t stopping at just a few trees and shrubs. Future plantings are set to include:

6,000 individual ornamental grasses
828 purple cone flowers
3,866 vibrant lilies
1,247 beautiful irises
1.5 acres of wildflower and grass seed mix

These added elements will create not just a beautiful entrance but also a vibrant ecosystem for wildlife and local residents to enjoy.

The Road to Success: Overcoming Challenges

This beautification project initially faced a few hurdles. Originally estimated to cost around $2.2 million, the ongoing pandemic caused a surge in expenses, leading to rejected initial bids due to high costs. As a result, the project has been divided into phases to manage the budget better. The first phase focuses on the Fourth Street interchange, with plans for a second phase at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard left unfunded and unscheduled.

Complementing a Bigger Picture

Neil Thomas was inspired to embark on this beautiful journey after seeing similar efforts in North Carolina, and rightly so. This beautification project is set to complement the recent $143 million Highway 27 widening and straightening project that wrapped up in 2021. It’s all part of an ongoing effort to not only improve infrastructure but also enhance the overall experience in Chattanooga.

Looking Ahead: A Flourishing Future

The project is expected to reach its beautiful conclusion by the end of 2025, with additional work on flora and irrigation elements planned. Once the project is complete, the Tennessee Interstate Conservancy will take on the maintenance of the landscaping, ensuring that this vibrant gateway to the city remains a welcoming sight for years to come.

As Chattanooga grows and evolves, projects like this one play a crucial role in creating a pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike. It’s an exciting time for the city, and everyone is eager to see the blooms of this ambitious initiative flourish!