I-75 at I-24 Interchange Proposed Modifications

EAST RIDGE, TN, (WDEF)-TDOT says changes will need to be made to cope with traffic demands at the i75 and i24 interchange, especially at the Tennessee Welcome Center.

Jennifer Flynn, TDOT,"To try and get on to 24 to go towards Nashville you have to drive creatively at times, there’s a weave movement there that this would eliminate"

Flynn says these changes include the addition of more i75 northbound lanes but they would come at a cost.

"In light of the funding problems we have been having  with the highway bill, our funding is just very unpredictable that’s another thing that we have to take into consideration and the total project itself would cost about 89 million dollars">

An open forum was held with 60 East Ridge residents Thursday night to hear about environmental concerns.

Flynn added any changes would not affect Camp Jordan or local wildlife.

Those in the business community here in East Ridge say something has to be done sooner rather than later as they are dealing with more and more cars and customers in recent years.

Jim Coke, Commutes To East Ridge For Job,"It would be a great idea, having to use the interstate on the days i work, i work part time, i know its very very hard to get on and off here in the peak traffic times"

Coke feels improved road infrastructure will bring more business to i75’s exit 1.

"Ballfield deal, if you build it they will come, the nicer we get the roads the more traffic we get it will continue to build"

TDOT says they have re-surfaced the intersection for the time being and will do all they can to cope with current congestion levels.

Chester.Sutherland@TN.gov can be contacted for those who have concerns or would like to add comments on the interstate proposal.