Contractor to Implement Traffic Modification on US 27 Project in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – As part of the Tennessee Department of Transportation's US 27 widening project, from the I-24/US 27 interchange to north of the Olgiati Bridge over the Tennessee River, the contractor will implement a traffic modification on Friday for US 27 North and South, weather permitting.
Recently, as part of Phase 2 of the project, traffic on US 27 was shifted to the outside in both directions to allow the contractor access to the middle portion of US 27 for the next construction phase. As a result of traffic shifting to the outside, the ramps at MLK Boulevard in both directions and the 4th Street ramp on US 27 South were shortened, requiring traffic to yield when entering US 27. Since this traffic pattern has been in place, the number of traffic incidents in the work zone has increased. Therefore, beginning at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, August 18, 2017, yield signs will be changed to stop signs at the following locations.
- 4th Street ramp onto US 27 South
- Westbound MLK Boulevard ramp onto US 27 South
- Eastbound MLK Boulevard ramp onto US 27 South
- Eastbound MLK Boulevard ramp onto US 27 North
One ramp at a time will be closed as this work takes place. As soon as the stop signs and pavement markings are installed, all traffic will be required to stop at these locations. Drivers are encouraged to obey the signage and pay close attention to changing conditions in the work zone. After this change is implemented, there will be increased law enforcement presence within the project limits. Please note that the speed limit on US 27 in the construction zone is 45 MPH.
Drivers who wish to avoid this area altogether can access a map with suggested alternate routes on the project website at www.tn.gov/tdot/section/projects and on the City of Chattanooga’s website at http://www.chattanooga.gov/
From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511 or any of TDOT’s other Twitter pages. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
In 2016, the Tennessee Department of Transportation lost three workers in the line of duty. All three were struck by passing motorists. Those tragedies bring the total number of TDOT lives lost to 112. We don’t want to lose another member of our TDOT family. We’re asking you to WORK WITH US. To learn more go to the website at http://www.tn.gov/tdot/section/work-with-us.
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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