I-24 Resurfacing Project Begins Soon in Chattanooga, Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Transportation will soon begin a resurfacing project on I-24 between mile markers 177 - 183 in and around downtown Chattanooga, Hamilton County.  In addition to paving, the project includes partial and full depth concrete repairs to portions of the roadway and some bridge deck repairs.  The project area is approximately 5.2 miles in length and begins at the Missionary Ridge Cut near South Crest Road and extends to west of Chattanooga Creek near Moccasin Bend.

 

The contractor for this $5.3 million project is Highways, Inc. from Brentwood, Tennessee, and the estimated completion date for the project is August 31, 2011. Most of the work is scheduled to take place at night between the hours of 7:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays. However, there will be at least eight weekends where the contractor will be allowed to have lane closures beginning at 7:00 p.m. Friday night and ending by 6:00 a.m. Monday morning.  

 

It is planned that two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction during construction except between the hours of 10:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m. at which time traffic could be restricted to a single lane in each direction.

 

“Because of the area where this resurfacing will take place, this project will impact traffic no matter how we approach it,” said TDOT Region Two Director Ray Rucker. “However, by working at night and on weekends, we hope to lessen the inconvenience to drivers.”

 

The contractor will not have lane closures on holiday weekends, such as Easter and Memorial Day, or at any time that might adversely impact Riverbend or Bonnaroo festival traffic. 

 

TDOT will use the Dynamic Message Signs throughout the Chattanooga area to provide information on the closures that will take place during the project. In addition, the speed limit in the work zone will be reduced from 55 mph to 45 mph. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and expect delays. The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be on-site in the work zone to assist with traffic control as the work is being performed.  TDOT asks drivers to use caution, obey the posted speed and be alert to changing traffic conditions in the work zone.

 

As the project progresses TDOT will provide the media with regular updates through advisories and construction reports. Updated project information can also be found on the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or you may call 5‑1‑1. You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511. 

 

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

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For more information contact:
Jennifer A. Flynn
TDOT Region Two Community Relations Officer
Jennifer.Flynn@tn.gov
423-510-1164