The bad news: According to a recent report from TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit, two of the top 20 trucking bottlenecks in the nation are in Tennessee, and the No. 7 worst bottleneck? Chattanooga’s I-75 interchange at I-24.

The good news: You may remember that earlier this year, work began on a project for the I-75 interchange at I-24 in order to solve this problem, as well as “increase the safety, efficiency, and operation of the interstate.” Phase I of the project was completed back in August, with Phase II set to begin in spring 2023.

What did Phase I do?

Added a new ramp at Ringgold Road to help alleviate back-ups from those merging onto I-75 North
Added a fifth lane north of the Ringgold Road overpass to accommodate more cars

What will Phase II do?

Widen I-24W to allow for three lanes coming from both the north and south I-75 ramps — making a total of six lanes where the ramps meet
Complete the widening of I-75 to the East Brainerd Road interchange
Replace the bridges at Moore and McBrien Roads over I-24
Modify on + off ramps to North and South Terrace along I-24
Continue the widening of I-75 from the bridge over the railroad to the East Brainerd Road exit
Replace both bridges over the railroad on I-75

US Highway 27 Project

And if all this road talk is making you curious about that other local highway project — you know, the $143.3 million one on US 27 — here’s a brief rundown of the final stages:

The beautification part of the project is being split into two phases thanks to a scarcity of trees, bushes, and flowers.
Now, the project will use available funds to work on Fourth Street beautification, and will raise funds later to complete work on MLK.
Work is expected to begin on this portion of the project late this month, early January, or potentially next fall.