News Summary
The construction timeline for the I-75 and I-24 interchange in Chattanooga has been delayed until spring 2026 due to challenges with a railroad overpass. While the I-24 segment is on track for completion in fall 2025, the I-75 segment faced setbacks with bridge replacements. Seasonal complications are adding to the delays, but officials assure no increase in costs. As construction continues, motorists should expect rolling roadblocks and road closures.
Chattanooga, TN – Major construction delays at the interchange of Interstates 75 and 24 have pushed the completion timeline to spring 2026, significantly later than the initially planned end-of-year deadline. Tennessee transportation officials made the announcement citing challenges with the construction of a railroad overpass on the I-75 segment of the project as the primary reason for the delay.
The project, which involves constructing a multi-span bridge on I-75 while maintaining highway and rail traffic, has faced numerous setbacks. While the I-75 portion is now expected to be completed later than anticipated, the I-24 section continues to remain on track. New lanes and ramps on I-24 are set to open by fall 2025, with construction on this segment having commenced in June 2023.
Construction on I-75 itself did not begin until early 2024 due to careful planning required for replacing the bridge over the CSX railroad. This bridge is projected to be completed in late 2025, closely influencing the overall project timeline. As the seasons change, transportation officials have noted that seasonal limitations further complicate the final schedule.
Project Details
The construction at the I-75 and I-24 interchange involves several critical components aimed at enhancing vehicle flow through the intersection. This includes the replacement of multiple bridges on I-24, specifically at Spring Creek Road, McBrien Road, South Moore Road, and Belvoir Avenue. Additionally, a new bridge will be built on I-24 over South Germantown Road. For I-75, the bridge over South Chickamauga Creek has already seen expansion; the focus remains on the remaining bridge over the railroad.
Bridge work at Belvoir Avenue and South Germantown Road has already been completed through separate contracts, and these efforts are not included in the overall cost of the ongoing project. The larger project, which has faced scrutiny following a bridge railing collapse in 2019 that resulted in injuries, began its initial phases in May 2019. Subsequent inspections in 2024 revealed construction deficiencies related to the South Moore Road and McBrien Road bridges, resulting in their delayed reopening until Thanksgiving that same year.
Ongoing Construction and Traffic Impacts
Wright Brothers Construction Co. has been assigned as the contractor for this project, successfully winning the bidding for its second phase in 2022. Despite the ongoing challenges, state officials have confirmed that there have been no reported increases in the project’s cost, which currently stands at approximately $133.5 million. The delays are primarily attributed to difficulties in accessing the railroad’s right-of-way needed for the construction of the new bridge.
As construction progresses, motorists can expect short-duration rolling roadblocks lasting 15 to 30 minutes for specific tasks such as pothole repairs and guardrail work. Portions of North and South Terrace will also be closed for drainage and sewer improvements, retaining wall, and noise wall construction. Additionally, the I-24 west entrance ramp from Germantown Road is currently closed due to ongoing work related to noise wall construction and other project specifics.
To ensure safe travel during these disruptions, motorists are encouraged to use available travel tools before heading out. Options such as the TDOT SmartWay Map or calling 511 for real-time travel updates can provide necessary assistance in navigating through the construction zones.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Increased Traffic Crashes Linked to Chattanooga’s I-24/I-75 Split Construction
Chattanooga Public Meetings to Discuss I-24 Corridor Widening Project
Hamilton County Schools Enhance Safety Measures After Cave Rescue
Tennessee Allocates $246 Million for I-24 Widening Project
Tensions Rise Over Hamilton County School Funding
Major Traffic Disruptions Expected at I-75 and I-24 Interchange
Bradley County Man Arrested for Threatening Judges
Market Street Bridge Closure for Maintenance in Chattanooga
Tennessee Business Owners Struggle with Rising Swipe Fees
Winter Weather Preparations Underway in Chattanooga Schools Ahead of Snowstorm
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Completion of I-75 Portion of Split Project
- Wikipedia: Interstate 75
- News Channel 9: Weekend Detours in Chattanooga
- Google Search: Chattanooga I75 construction delays
- Chattanooga Pulse: Closure of Interstate 24
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga traffic construction
- News Channel 9: Delays in I-75 Expansion Projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee Interstate construction
- Times Free Press: I-24 West Weekend Closure
- Google News: I75 I24 interchange project
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
