CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Drivers in the Chattanooga area should prepare for significant traffic disruptions this weekend as the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) continues its work to improve the I-75/I-24 interchange.
As part of the second phase of a major interchange widening project, TDOT crews will fully close Interstate 24 West near Exit 183 beginning Friday, June 20 at 9:00 p.m. ET, with the closure lasting through Monday, June 23 at 6:00 a.m. ET. The closure is necessary to tie new construction into the existing elevation of I-24 West.
The shutdown will affect I-24 West traffic from just beyond the Belvoir Avenue bridge to the Germantown Road entrance ramp. During the closure, westbound traffic will be detoured onto North Terrace at Oriole Drive, re-entering I-24 West at Germantown Road via the existing ramp. However, North Terrace will be closed to through traffic at Belvoir Avenue, and Germantown Road will be inaccessible between the I-24 West entrance and I-24 East exit ramps.
In a permanent change, a new I-24 West entrance ramp near Marlboro Avenue will be opened to traffic.
Additional lane reductions are scheduled for Friday, June 20 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET, when North Terrace will be reduced to one lane between Belvoir Avenue and Germantown Road to allow traffic control setup.
TDOT advises drivers to seek alternate routes and avoid the area if possible, warning of expected significant delays. Uniformed police officers will assist with traffic management, and motorists are urged to follow posted detours and remain alert to changing conditions.
The scheduled work is weather-dependent and could be postponed if inclement conditions arise. TDOT encourages drivers to use tools like the TDOT SmartWay Map or call 511 for real-time travel updates. Safety reminders also include adhering to Tennessee’s Move Over Law, which carries penalties of up to 30 days in jail and $500 in fines.
Motorists are reminded to plan ahead, drive cautiously, and avoid distractions while behind the wheel.