Seeking Answers to Frustrating Interstate Wrecks

If you think there are too many interstate traffic crashes like the one Tuesday morning–especially at the Ridgecut, you’re right!
The frustration level of local drivers is understandably great.
The area’s transportation troubles are being studied by several power groups, and, at present, there are few alternatives .
Here’s a report on one of those groups–Thrive 2055.

RUTHIE THOMPSON, THRIVE 2055, COMMUNICATIONS MGR. ” Suddenly we’re finding that the tried and true option which is get in your car and get on the interstate to get somewhere fast, isn’t working any more…and we saw that today.”

Heading to work, trying to get to a doctor’s appointment, meeting friends. Chances are you’ve been late because of wrecks on the interstate.
Is there any solution to those bottlenecks? Not now!

RUTHIE THOMPSON “We know that the money’s not there to build new roads. It’s just not there. So what are we going to do about it? ”
The best TDOT can do is set the stage for a campaign to raise money for roads and infrastructure here and across the state.

JOHN SCHROER, TDOT COMMISSIONER, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 “What we’re trying to do right now is just educate everybody and to make sure that that the people agree with us that the projects that need to be done in the next 10 to 20 years across the state.”

And the daily crush is made worse because Chattanooga is one of the top ten cities in the country for freight volume coming through. That means 18-wheelers. 80% of the cargo is going somewhere else.

RUTHIE THOMPSON ” You can look at a map of the Chattanooga region and see that we’re a crossroads. Now you look at the Interstate systems coming ..we’re a crossroads and we’re also a pinch point.”

Those pinch points include the Ridgecut, the I-24/75 split, and I-24 around Moccasin Bend.

Thrive 2055 is working with CARTA and elected officials in urging all entities to get together and come up with a plan soon.

RUTHIE THOMPSON “The commuter has options. The logistics professionals have options. They can look forward 40 years…do we want to be stuck in jams like we were today…all the time?”

Everyone in the tri-state area responds with a resounding “no” to that question.
But the solution, is a work in progress.

Those options mentioned by Ruthie Thompson include finding other routes through the city, and using public transportation whenever possible.