Weather permitting, on Thursday evening, TDOT contract crews will implement lane closures on U.S. 27 South in Chattanooga between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. to shift the southbound lanes to a new alignment. The new alignment will be in effect on Friday morning, resulting in traffic traveling south on U.S. 27 being routed onto the newly-constructed southbound lanes from Signal Mountain Boulevard to the closed Whitehall Road slip ramp. U.S. 27 South traffic will merge into the existing center lane, and the right lane will become an “exit only” lane. Traffic entering from Signal Mountain Boulevard onto U.S. 27 South will also be routed onto the new southbound lanes.
Because of the new traffic alignment, motorists are strongly encouraged to remain alert and follow directional signs when approaching the construction zone. The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be on duty several mornings to assist with traffic control and speed enforcement as drivers get accustomed to the new traffic pattern. Overhead signs and message boards will also be used to inform drivers of the new traffic pattern.
This traffic configuration will remain in effect until the remaining southbound retaining walls and the ramps to Manufacturers Road are completed, which is scheduled to take place by early June 2013. This phase of construction is part of the large project underway to reconstruct U.S. 27 from the Olgiati Bridge over the Tennessee River to Signal Mountain Boulevard (SR-8/U.S. 127). The contractor for the $104 million project is Wright Brothers Construction Co., Inc. of Charleston, TN. The estimated completion date for the entire project is December 21, 2014.
Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances prevent this traffic shift from occurring as scheduled, it will be rescheduled to take place as soon as possible.
For travel information visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or call 5-1-1. You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511.
Android and iPhone users can download TDOT’s SmartWay Mobile App to assist them in navigating Tennessee highways. The app provides up-to-the-minute customized traffic information and enables the user to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs, and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes. The TDOT SmartWay App is free and available for download in the Apple App Store and Play Store for Android.
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.