If you drive around downtown Chattanooga much, you’re probably already aware that U.S. Highway 27 is under construction. But it may not be clear exactly what’s happening with the multi-million-dollar project, so we’re here to break it down for you.

Currently, the main concentration on the project is bridge work, and most of it is taking place on the substructures beneath the bridges on U.S. 27 throughout the project area.

The goal of the project is to rework U.S. 27 from Interstate 24 to the Olgiati Bridge to create a straighter path with new traffic lanes.

Let’s start with some fast facts.

🚧 Total area affected = 2.288 miles

🚧 Total project cost = $143 million

🚧 It’s funded with state + federal funds — 80% federal, 20% state.

🚧 Dement Construction Company LLC won the contract for the project in December 2015 slated to be completed in January 2020.

Why the change?

The changes affect a part of the road that was built in the 1950s + ‘60s, Tennessee Department of Transportation spokeswoman Jennifer Flynn said via email.

“Reconstruction is needed to address safety and capacity issues to better serve the nearly 70,000 vehicles that travel this route every day,” she said.

Project highlights

Crews are modifying the interchanges at West Main Street, Martin Luther King Boulevard + East 4th Street.
The project includes the addition of a collector-distributor road on U.S. 27 South to improve access to 4th Street, 6th Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard.
There will also be a dedicated ramp to 4th Street on U.S. 27 North and a dedicated ramp from Martin Luther King Boulevard to U.S. 27 North

What are the phases of the project?

There are four phases and we’re in phase three, so you’re probably already seeing some of the above-mentioned changes.

Phase three consists of:

Traffic shifted, southbound bridge work underway
Construction of the new 4th Street overpass and ramps continues
Construction of the new MLK interchange ramps continue
Reconstruction of the city streets under U.S. 27 underway
Olgiati Bridge widening continues

Phase four consists of:

Final asphalt paving and striping work completed
Lighting and Intelligent Transportation Systems completed