Plans for some prescribed burning near the Interstate 75/Interstate 24 split in Chattanooga will affect traffic Thursday, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Burning activities will start at 9:30 a.m. Thursday and continue until 1:30 p.m. while the Tennessee Division of Forestry works near the northbound lanes of I-75 near Exit 1 and the split. During this period, the two outside lanes — on the right side — on I-75 will be closed, agency officials said in a news release.
(READ MORE: TDOT closing lanes on I-24 in Chattanooga for 16 consecutive weekends)
"As part of this work, the I-75 north on-ramp from Ringgold Road and the welcome center will be closed for the duration of the event," agency spokesperson Rae Anne Bradley said in the release. "Smoke will be present during this time, and drivers are encouraged to refrain from stopping on the interstate in an effort to help keep traffic moving."
Prescribed burning removes underbrush and overgrown trees and shrubs that can act as fuel for wildfires, according to forestry officials.
All work is weather-dependent, officials said.
Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed through the area, Bradley said.
From a desktop or mobile device, drivers can get the latest construction activity and live-streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any landline or cellphone for travel information.
— Compiled by Ben Benton