Motorists in the Chattanooga area should prepare for traffic delays and road closures this weekend as the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon returns to downtown on Sunday.
The annual event is expected to bring thousands of athletes and spectators to the Scenic City, with race activities beginning early Sunday morning and continuing throughout the day. Several downtown streets, ramps, and traffic lanes will be closed or restricted to accommodate the swim, bike, and run portions of the competition.
According to Chattanooga officials, race festivities begin Friday afternoon with the opening of the IRONMAN Village and Official IRONMAN Store at Ross’s Landing and Riverfront Parkway. The village will remain open through race day Sunday.
On Sunday, the Tennessee River will be closed to recreational boat traffic between Ross’s Landing and the Hubert Fry Center from 5 a.m. until approximately 10:30 a.m. Boat ramps at Rivermont Park and the Tennessee Riverpark will also be temporarily closed during that time.
The swim portion of the race begins around 6:50 a.m., followed by the cycling course, which is expected to create intermittent traffic holds between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. in several areas including Riverfront Parkway, Broad Street, Market Street, West 20th Street, and Alton Park Boulevard. Cyclists will also travel through portions of St. Elmo and Tennessee Avenue near the Georgia state line.
The running portion of the event will affect traffic near the Riverwalk, Amnicola Highway, Veterans Bridge, Barton Avenue, and Riverfront Parkway from late morning into the afternoon. Officials say some downtown streets and ramps have already begun closing for race setup and will remain closed through Sunday evening.
Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time, follow posted detours, and use caution around athletes and pedestrians throughout the weekend. Chattanooga officials also recommend using public parking garages, the city’s free electric shuttle service, or Bike Chattanooga for easier access to downtown race activities.
View the full closure list/map below:
