After a week of preparation and work to relocate concrete barriers, state transportation officials announced lanes will be reduced Friday on Interstate 24 east.
Traffic will shift to a new alignment Tuesday morning as part of the $161 million reconstruction project at the Interstate 75/Interstate 24 split.
Starting Friday at 9 p.m., crews will reduce I-24 east from three to two lanes from exit 181 for Fourth Avenue to South Moore Road. The closure will last until 6 a.m. Tuesday, officials said in a news release.
When the roadway is fully reopened to traffic, the three lanes on I-24 east will have been shifted to a new alignment, officials said. Drivers should use caution when navigating the new traffic pattern.
I-24 west will not be affected by this work.
Drivers should consider an alternate route and are encouraged to avoid the area, officials said. Significant delays are expected.
An important note for commercial truck drivers: Rigs over 10 feet high should not use the Bachman Tubes through Missionary Ridge into East Ridge as a detour. Warning signs are posted on both ends of the tunnels.
The work is weather-dependent and could be rescheduled to take place at a later date.
Uniformed police officers will be present to assist with traffic control and law enforcement.
– Compiled by Ben Benton