As part of the U.S. 27 widening project from the I-24/U.S. 27 interchange to north of the Olgiati Bridge over the Tennessee River, the contractor will implement a traffic modification Friday night on U.S. 27 North and South, weather permitting.
Recently, as part of Phase 2 of the project, traffic on U.S. 27 was shifted to the outside in both directions to allow the contractor access to the middle portion of U.S. 27 for the next construction phase. As a result of traffic shifting to the outside, the ramps at MLK Blvd. in both directions and the 4th St. ramp on U.S. 27 South were shortened, requiring traffic to yield when entering U.S. 27. Since this traffic pattern has been in place, the number of traffic incidents in the work zone has increased. Therefore, on Friday, beginning at 7 p.m., the contractor will be changing the Yield signs at these locations to Stop signs. The locations are as follows:
- 4th St. ramp onto U.S. 27 South
- Westbound MLK Blvd. ramp onto U.S. 27 South
- Eastbound MLK Blvd. ramp onto U.S. 27 South
- Eastbound MLK Blvd. ramp onto U.S. 27 North
One ramp at a time will be closed as this work takes place. As soon as the Stop signs and the pavement markings are installed, all traffic will be required to stop at these locations. Drivers are encouraged to obey the signage and pay close attention to changing conditions in the work zone. After this change is implemented, there will be increased law enforcement presence within the project limits. Please note that the speed limit on U.S. 27 in the construction zone is 45 MPH.
Drivers who wish to avoid this area altogether can access a map with suggested alternate routes on the project website atwww.tn.gov/tdot/section/projects and on the City of Chattanooga’s website at http://www.chattanooga.gov/