News Summary
Ongoing construction at the I-24/I-75 split in Chattanooga has been connected to a troubling rise in traffic accidents, marked as the worst intersection in Tennessee. An alarming spike in crashes from May 2020 to May 2021 has returned, exacerbated by a rise in freight traffic. A recent fatal incident has heightened safety concerns among residents. As the state continues Phase 2 of construction, efforts are underway to improve traffic safety, including deploying police for traffic control. Local authorities hope upgrades will lead to safer roads by 2025.
Chattanooga’s I-24/I-75 Split Construction Linked to Increased Traffic Crashes
Chattanooga’s I-24/I-75 split is facing increased scrutiny as ongoing construction efforts have been associated with a surge in traffic accidents. State officials have deemed this intersection “the worst in Tennessee,” with daily traffic counts reaching 121,000 vehicles—equivalent to approximately 84 vehicles per minute, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
An open records request revealed alarming data that highlighted the spike in crashes at this busy interchange, peaking between May 2020 and May 2021. After this period, there was a temporary decline in collision rates; however, as of 2023, the number of crashes has resumed its upward trajectory. This increase coincided with a gradual rise in freight traffic, which had decreased during the pandemic but has significantly rebounded since. The correlation between the uptick in freight and traffic crashes has raised concerns among local authorities and residents alike.
A fatal incident on Mother’s Day underscored the gravity of traffic safety issues in the area. The crash, which resulted in three fatalities, has heightened community anxiety about safety on the roads. The driver involved, Joseph Antoinier, is currently facing multiple charges, including two counts of reckless homicide. This tragic event has spurred TDOT to review existing traffic signage and safety measures; despite the findings that the construction project is safe, there remains a palpable sense of unease among commuters.
Ongoing Construction Efforts
The current construction effort, Phase 2 of the I-24/I-75 split project, commenced in June 2023 and has a budget of approximately $161 million, allocated to Wright Brothers Construction Company. This phase will include significant enhancements such as widening I-75 to eight lanes, replacing bridges, and improving on-ramps. Although work on I-24 remains on schedule, additional repairs on I-75 have introduced unexpected delays into the construction timeline.
TDOT anticipates that traffic conditions will begin to normalize by Labor Day 2025, although this projection considers the impact of ongoing construction and repair work. In the meantime, drivers should expect lane closures near the SR 153 interchange as crews repair concrete roadway slabs.
Safety Measures and Traffic Management
To enhance safety during the construction, TDOT has instituted additional protocols, including deploying uniformed police officers for traffic control. Nightly lane closures on I-75 and I-24 will be implemented for various construction activities from April 11-14, 2025. Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and to consider alternative routes to avoid congestion in the construction zones.
Furthermore, the Apison Pike project aims to improve connectivity to I-75, with completion expected by June 2025. These improvements are part of a broader strategy to alleviate traffic issues in this critical area of Chattanooga.
As construction progresses and safety measures are reinforced, local authorities and residents remain vigilant, hoping that these upgrades will eventually lead to a safer and more efficient traffic environment in and around the busy I-24/I-75 split.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
19-Year-Old Arrested for DUI and Vehicle Theft in Chattanooga
Chattanooga Man Arrested for Felony Child Neglect
Chattanooga Man Leads Police on High-Speed Chase Endangering Passengers
Chattanooga Chill Week to Celebrate Local Flavors
Tennessee Riverwalk to Undergo Enhancements in Chattanooga
Three Men Arrested After High-Speed Chase in Chattanooga
Garage Fire Causes $300,000 Damage in Middle Valley
Local Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase on July 4th
Chattanooga Public Meetings to Discuss I-24 Corridor Widening Project
Chattanooga Riverwalk to Undergo Major Improvements
Additional Resources
- Chattanooga Pulse: Construction Prompts Lane Closures on Interstate 75
- News Channel 9: TDOT Announces Delays in I-75 Expansion Projects
- Times Free Press: I-75 Part of Split Project Behind Schedule
- Local 3 News: TDOT Road Construction and Repair Projects for the Week
- Wikipedia: Interstate 75 in Tennessee
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.
