Bridge Deck Repairs Scheduled on I-24 East in Chattanooga, Hamilton County
Repairs are Part of Resurfacing Project, Major Traffic Impact Expected
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Beginning at 9:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, May 31, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) contract crews will perform bridge deck repairs in Hamilton County on I-24 East at U.S. 41/Cummings Highway (MM 174) and Browns Ferry Road (MM 175). Traffic on I-24 East will be split into two 11-foot wide lanes at the site of the bridges, allowing the deck repair work to take place in the middle. This work will continue for several days, and is slated to be complete by Tuesday morning, June 5, 2012.
Two lanes will be maintained during daylight hours, but there are times that the interstate will be reduced to one lane as necessary. Crews will reduce the interstate to one lane on Thursday night beginning at 9:00 p.m. and ending by 6:00 a.m. the next morning; Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 10:00 p.m. and ending by 9:00 a.m. the next morning; and Sunday and Monday nights beginning at 9:00 p.m. and ending by 6:00 a.m. the next morning. Although there will be two lanes of traffic maintained for the majority of the time during the work, delays are still expected due to the narrow width of the lanes and speed limit reductions. Wide loads will be required to follow posted signs and use the exit and entrance ramps at the bridges to bypass the narrow lanes in the work zone on I-24 East.
Because of the narrow lanes and no paved inside shoulder on I-24 as this work takes place, TDOT asks that drivers use extra caution, obey the posted speed and be alert to changing traffic conditions in the work zone. Motorists wishing to exit at the Lookout Valley or Browns Ferry Road exits are advised to stay in the right lane through the work zone.
This work is being done as part of a resurfacing project on I-24 in Hamilton County between mile markers 171-177 in and around the Lookout Valley/Tiftonia area to the Georgia state line that includes bridge deck repairs. The contractor for this $4.1 million project is Talley Construction Company, Inc. from Rossville, Georgia, and the estimated completion date for the project is July 31, 2012.
TDOT will use Dynamic Message Signs throughout the Chattanooga area to provide information on 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 who must travel through the work zone 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.
As the project progresses TDOT will provide media outlets 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
Office 423-510-1164