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The bad news: According to a recent report from TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit, two of the top 20 trucking bottlenecks in the nation are in Tennessee, and the No. 7 worst bottleneck? Chattanooga’s I-75 interchange at I-24.
The good news: You may remember that earlier this year, work began on a project for the I-75 interchange at I-24 in order to solve this problem, as well as “increase the safety, efficiency, and operation of the interstate.” Phase I of the project was completed back in August, with Phase II set to begin in spring 2023.
What did Phase I do?
- Added a new ramp at Ringgold Road to help alleviate back-ups from those merging onto I-75 North
- Added a fifth lane north of the Ringgold Road overpass to accommodate more cars
What will Phase II do?
- Widen I-24W to allow for three lanes coming from both the north and south I-75 ramps — making a total of six lanes where the ramps meet
- Complete the widening of I-75 to the East Brainerd Road interchange
- Replace the bridges at Moore and McBrien Roads over I-24
- Modify on + off ramps to North and South Terrace along I-24
- Continue the widening of I-75 from the bridge over the railroad to the East Brainerd Road exit
- Replace both bridges over the railroad on I-75
US Highway 27 Project
And if all this road talk is making you curious about that other local highway project — you know, the $143.3 million one on US 27 — here’s a brief rundown of the final stages:
- The beautification part of the project is being split into two phases thanks to a scarcity of trees, bushes, and flowers.
- Now, the project will use available funds to work on Fourth Street beautification, and will raise funds later to complete work on MLK.
- Work is expected to begin on this portion of the project late this month, early January, or potentially next fall.