Tuesday’s deadly flash flooding, which closed Interstate 24 for hours Tuesday night and left a new section of highway under water, has raised questions about whether the $161 million project was built with adequate protection against inundation.
“I think there’s a lot of concern about whether the new construction on the interstate is sufficient, and we’re talking with the state about that now,” Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly said.
Asked if the flooding raises any questions about whether the I-24 project is appropriately rated for massive flood events, Kelly said it’s too early to say.
“Obviously, we need to answer that question,” Kelly said. “It’s all critical to the economic lifeblood of this community, so we’re going to be working with the state to take a look at it.”
The mayor noted the state has spent a lot of time, energy and money on the project at “the split,” where Interstate 75 and Interstate 24 meet.