The Tennessee Department of Transportation opened bids and awarded a contract on Friday for the emergency repair of the State Route 153 ramp from Access Road/Lake Resort Drive to SR-153 North that has been closed since Jan. 6 because of pavement failure. The contract was awarded to Highways, Inc. of Brentwood, Tn., for the amount of $455,346.25.
Work will begin on Monday, and the target date for reopening the ramp is Friday, Feb. 7.
Because the contractor will have to excavate and rebuild the entire slope and roadway, it will require the total closure of the ramp during the work. This includes both the on-ramp to SR-153 North that has been closed as well as the off-ramp from SR-153 to Access Road/Lake Resort Drive, which has until now remained open. Once work commences after 9 a.m. on Monday, traffic will be unable to access the area until work is completed. Signed detour routes will be in place.
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.