Lane Closures on I-24 in Hamilton County as Oversize Load Moves Through

TVA Transporting Large Transformer to Raccoon Mountain Pumped-Storage Facility

Chattanooga, Tenn. – The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will be transporting a large transformer to the Raccoon Mountain Pumped-Storage Facility in Hamilton County on Sunday, November 18, 2012.  Moving this oversize load will require temporary lane closures on I-24 near Exit 174 on Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18. 

On Saturday morning, Edwards Moving & Rigging, the company that will be performing the move, will close the inside (fast) lane on I-24 East and West at mile marker 174 from 7:00 a.m. to noon EST to remove the cable guardrail and to construct a median crossover for the truck that will haul the transformer. 

On Sunday morning, November 18, TDOT HELP trucks and vehicles from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office will pace traffic on I-24 beginning at 8:00 a.m. EST as the load is moved across the interstate and onto U.S. 41 at the Tiftonia exit.  After the transformer has been moved across the interstate, the inside lane on I-24 East and West will remain closed while the median crossover is removed and the cable guardrail restored.  All lanes should be reopened to traffic by noon at the latest.

Drivers who usually use U.S. 41 in the Tiftonia area should be aware that the traffic on U.S. 41 will also be affected as the large load is taken to the Raccoon Mountain Pumped-Storage Facility. 

Motorists are urged to be alert and watch for changing conditions on I-24 as this equipment is moved through the area.  For travel information visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or 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 motorists information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination.  Drivers 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
Office 423-510-1164