Chattanooga, TN, August 2, 2025
News Summary
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has announced the initiation of the final traffic alignment phase for the I-75/I-24 interchange, aimed at easing congestion. The project includes ramp widening and is part of a larger $161 million construction effort to improve traffic flow at this critical junction. Nightly construction is set from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., with the completion of the I-24 improvements expected by the end of August, while I-75 will continue into 2026.
Chattanooga’s I-75/I-24 Split Project Moves to Final Traffic Alignment Phase This Weekend
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will begin its final traffic alignment phase for the Interstate 75/24 interchange this weekend, crucial for alleviating traffic congestion at the Tennessee-Georgia border. The traffic adjustment is set to take place over two weekends starting Sunday and is scheduled to continue until Tuesday.
During this time, the ramps from I-75 south to I-24 west and I-75 north to I-24 west will undergo widening to reach their final configuration. The new setup will expand capacity on both interstate ramps from two lanes to three lanes, which is expected to significantly improve traffic flow in the area.
This comprehensive construction project, known as Phase 2, has an allocated budget of $161 million and aims to rectify the longstanding traffic challenges reported at this interchange, which ranks as one of the busiest in the region. It follows an initial phase completed at a cost of $133 million, directly linked to the ongoing improvements.
Construction Timing and Impact
Nightly construction work is scheduled from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. during which traffic will be limited to one lane on the affected ramps. Although the ramp widening is progressing, I-24 west will maintain its existing three-lane configuration until the project reaches completion, currently projected to wrap up by the end of August.
Additionally, work is progressing on the I-24 side of the interchange. However, the segment of I-75 between East Brainerd Road and the split has been delayed due to scheduling conflicts associated with a CSX railroad line. The completion of this segment is now expected by spring 2026.
Context and Background
The I-75/I-24 split has been acknowledged for its traffic difficulties, ranking No. 28 on the American Transportation Research Institute’s Top 100 Truck Bottlenecks for 2025. In 2017, the TDOT Commissioner declared this interchange to be “about the worst interchange in the state of Tennessee.” To address these concerns, Phase 2 of the project initiated in May 2019 includes multiple bridge replacements and widening efforts.
As part of this ongoing construction, several bridges over I-24, along with the I-75 bridge over South Chickamauga Creek, have been reconstructed. Noise wall construction continues, but motorists should be aware of a closed ramp from Germantown Road to I-24 west due to ongoing work. Additional nighttime lane closures will also occur in the following weeks as the project progresses.
Key Features of the I-75/I-24 Split Project
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project Name | I-75/I-24 Split Project |
| Phase | Phase 2 |
| Budget | $161 million |
| Ramp Capacity Increase | Two lanes to three lanes |
| Construction Timing | Weekends, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. |
| Projected Completion Date | End of August 2023 (I-24); Spring 2026 (I-75) |
| Bottleneck Ranking | No. 28 in 2025 |
FAQ
When will the final traffic alignment phase occur?
The final traffic alignment phase is set to take place over two weekends, starting this Sunday and continuing until Tuesday.
What is the budget for the current phase of the I-75/I-24 project?
Phase 2 of the project has a budget of $161 million.
What changes are being made to the ramp configurations?
The ramp capacity will be increased from two lanes to three lanes for both interstate ramps during the final alignment phase.
When is the anticipated completion date for the project?
The I-24 improvements are expected to be completed by the end of August 2023, while the I-75 segment is projected for completion by spring 2026.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tennessee Allocates $246 Million for I-24 Widening Project
Major Traffic Disruptions Expected at I-75 and I-24 Interchange
Market Street Bridge Closure for Maintenance in Chattanooga
Chattanooga Authorities Promote Alternate Routes to Alleviate Traffic Congestion
Weekend Lane Closures at I-75/I-24 Interchange in Hamilton County
Chattanooga’s Transportation Authority Proposes Budget Increase for 2026
Hamilton County Announces Weekend Lane Closures at I-75/I-24 Interchange
Additional Resources
- Local 3 News
- NewsChannel 9
- Times Free Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Interstate 75
- WDEF News
- Google Search: I-75 I-24 project
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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