From worries about disaster evacuation and thoroughfares in East Brainerd with narrow lanes, to questions about ongoing projects, concerns about roads were abundant at the recent D4 Summit hosted by City Councilman Larry Grohn.
One major project that was discussed is the Goodwin Road extension that will open up traffic flow on Goodwin Road from Gunbarrel to Jenkins roads.
“We’re planning to have the project fully completed by the end of the calendar year,” said Chattanooga Department of Transportation Director Blythe Bailey. “Goodwin is almost ready to be opened to traffic. I believe within the next couple of weeks we plan to start construction [of the roundabout] at Igou Gap [where it intersects Jenkins Road].”
During the construction of the roundabout, he said the intersection will be closed and there will be a “fair amount” of detour, but the intersection should be mostly open and functioning by August.
“Construction projects are difficult and inconvenient,” Bailey said. “During the summer, when there’s the least amount of traffic, is the best time to put that roundabout under construction.”
TDOT also presented meeting attendees with information about the upcoming widening of East Brainerd Road. For more on that project, refer to the article at community.timesfreepress.com/news/2014/apr/30/permitting-could-delay-east-brainerd-road-widening.
Check back next week with East Hamilton Weekly to read more about long-term planning in the East Hamilton area.