A two-month-long closure of the U.S. Highway 27 North to West Fourth Street off-ramp starting this weekend will create some problems for drivers headed into downtown Chattanooga.
As work aims for completion by the end of the year on the $143.2 million U.S. 27 reconstruction project that started in late 2015, northbound U.S. 27 motorists destined for the downtown area will have the choice of getting off at one of two remaining exits south of the Olgiati Bridge and one north of the bridge, according Tennessee Department of Transportation spokeswoman Jennifer Flynn.
Drivers headed downtown on Highway 27 North will have to take exits at Carter Street, M.L. King Boulevard or Manufacturers Road, on the north side of the Olgiati Bridge, to reach points downtown, according to TDOT.
“This closure will be in effect until mid-September 2020 and will allow the contractor access to the area needed to safely construct a new exit ramp,” Flynn said.
The project through downtown Chattanooga aims to widen and straighten the roadway’s original winding path and to improve on- and off-ramps between the river and Interstate 24. Jackson, Tennessee-based Dement Construction Co. is the contractor on the project.