It is perhaps the most troublesome highway interchange in this part of the state.
TDOT says it's time to get to work on the I-24/I-75 split.
The 100 million dollar project was laid out for stake-holders Wednesday afternoon.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation may have expected more opposition when they scheduled a meeting of all local stake-holders to hear the initial plans.
But despite a packed room at the Development Resource Center, there was more curiosity than complaining as TDOT's Steve Allen laid out the project.
STEVE ALLEN, TDOT, DIRECTOR OF PROJECT PLANNING "We had 55 mph design speed up to a 70 mph design speed..the existing condition is right at 50 mph."
TDOT is looking to stop all those truck turnovers in the northbound lanes of I-75 at the split.
And,the agency wants to build another northbound flyover to I-24 west, and improve the entrance and exit of the Tennessee Welcome Center.
East Ridge could be affected by the changes.
TIM GOBBLE, EAST RIDGE CITY MANAGER "I think its going to be a positive development for East Ridge.
We'd like to see this interchange happen. I think it'll be a plus for us..it help move traffic through the area much better."
As in all major highway projects, the talking starts years before the work begins.
An initial figure of 100-million dollars may be low by the time Phase One work begins in 2016.
There are federal hoops to jump through also, like environmental approval next year, design approval in 2014, right-of-way clearance in 2015, and work starting a year or two later.
One observer at the meeting wonders if it will address a major problem.
PETER HOLT, BELVOIR RESIDENT "The interchange as discussed with us may not alieviate the morning traffic coming southbound on 75. "
Although more I-75 lanes will be added near Collegedale, I-24 east of the Ridge cut will remain the same.
Once its underway, work on the interchange and I-75 will take about 3 and a half years.
Once its underway, work on the interchange and I-75 will take about 3 and a half years.
