Disabled vehicles and weekend traffic together amounted to near-gridlock on Interstate 24 through Chattanooga this afternoon, according to the Department of Transportation's SmartWay website.
A disabled vehicle on the shoulder at mile marker 180 in the eastbound lanes and another on the westbound side at mile marker 178 contributed to traffic slowdowns.
Both were cleared by 4:30 p.m., but afternoon traffic congestion persisted.
Motorists were advised to use extra care and watch their speeds. Traffic began clearing about 6:30 and began flowing normally by 7.