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Major interstate construction near Camp Jordan will last years

By Staff, 09/27/19, 1:45PM EDT

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Highway construction on the I-75/I-24 split near Camp Jordan is officially underway and will stay that way at least until June 2021.

The $132.6 million project will shift the interchange to the west, widen the existing roads, and modify the Welcome Center area traffic circulation. The project will also include 11 new bridges.

The I-75/I-24 Interchange Modification Project was funded through the state’s IMPROVE Act . Traditional construction occurring outside the existing lanes of travel will allow the interstate to remain open and limit the impact to motorists. The estimated completion date is June 2021.

VIDEO EXPLANATION OF PROJECT

Purpose and Need

The existing I-75/I-24 interchange is a heavily traveled corridor that serves Tennessee and Georgia. Both I-75 and I-24 provide a direct connection to downtown Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, and other area attractions, while I-24 also serves as a direct link between I-75 and I-59.

Continued growth and increased traffic volumes along the I-75 and I-24 corridors have increased concerns for the safety of the interchange. A review of the project area revealed ramp geometry, merging distances, and Welcome Center access as operational deficiencies.

Interchange modifications are necessary to increase capacity, correct merge points, and enhance ramp function. The planned design will improve the safety and operation of the interchange, while providing a facility that meets traffic demands.

Design

The existing project area is along the I-75 and I-24 corridors located southeast of Chattanooga in Hamilton County. The project extends from Spring Creek Road over I-24 to approximately one mile west of the I-75 interchange to East Brainerd Road. The total roadway length is 2.7 miles.

Within the project area, I-24 is primarily a six-lane, controlled-access facility, separated by a concrete barrier wall with a right-of-way width of approximately 500 feet. I-75 is primarily an eight-lane, controlled-access facility, separated by a concrete barrier wall with a variable right-of-way width of approximately 300 to 600 feet.

The planned design consists of widening the existing roads and ramps, increasing ramp radii, reconfiguring I-24 ramps to enter and exit I-75 from the right side, shifting the interchange to the west, and modifying the Welcome Center area traffic circulation.

The project will also include new bridges for Spring Creek Road over I-24, as well as interstate bridges. Retaining walls will be required along interstate ramps and between I-75 and the Welcome Center area.

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