Concerns raised after I-24 crash snarled traffic

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga is notorious for its heavy traffic but after an accident involving an overturned semi-truck, City Council is discussing if there’s any way to mitigate traffic nightmares.

Earlier the month, Interstate 24 Westbound was shut down near Brown’s Ferry Road, leaving other driver with few detour options.

During the meeting, city officials say their goal is to help find solutions on how to fix the gridlock that happens in the Lookout Valley area every time there is a wreck on the interstate.

Neighbors shared their concerns and how they feel unable to move about their daily lives when incidents like these happen.

Joe Hitchcock, a local community member, says, “It’s nothing new is what I’m saying. It’s been that way for a long time. You can look at the freeway any day, and there’s a lot of traffic on it.

City council officials say that the accident took ten hours to clear up and caused a major gridlock on Cummings Highway.

They believe they will soon have an action plan in place for future incidents, so it won’t leave community members stuck in traffic.

Hitchcock continues saying, “About all they can do is add another lane. Coming in East Bound, west Bound, that would help us.”

Not only did we speak with local community members about their concerns with I-24 but also truck drivers as they have to use it frequently, on their route.

Joshua Creasman , Truck Driver for Lewis Bakery, says, “Overall, the roads are in poor condition. You know it’s very rough, the speed limit is limited, for truck drivers. With it being a delay, you know a 7-hour delay, you know that stops people from getting product from stores in a timely manner. So, for that, it’s going to affect everybody, not just me, but the consumers overall.”