Phase 2 of I-24/I-75 split underway in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has started Phase 2 of construction near the I-24 and I-75 split.

Ramps to Moore Road and Belvoir Avenue were the first things to close. That can make getting where you’re going in East Ridge and Brainerd a bit of a challenge.

“So, in regard to the noise, we are constructing several noise walls essentially on both sides of I-24, from near Germantown Road to near McBrien road,” said Rae Anne Bradley, community relations officer for TDOT. “These noise walls are going to significantly alleviate the noise concerns that residents are currently experiencing.” 

Wednesday after the morning rush, bridge work will begin on North and South Terrace. Crews will also be making pavement repairs, restriping and working on signals. Drivers will need to follow detour and speed limit signs.

“Speed limits will be reduced to 45 miles per hour on the interstate during construction,” said Bradley. “We encourage folks to pay attention to those signs, follow the posted speed limit signs.”

All of this is going to take a while, but there are ways to get around it and the roads will be clearly marked.

However, officials say they are speeding up the construction process.

“We are talking a year for those two [bridges]. Both are going to be done at the same time,” said East Ridge City Manager Scott Miller. “However, under the old way, they would be doing one bridge for one year and another bridge for two years. So, we are taking the two years and make it one year now.”

Construction is expected to start Wednesday, July 19.