Chattanooga residents talk proposed interstate widening

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Erick Hunt-Hawkins, left, with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, speaks with resident Dave Lowther on July 8, 2025, during a public comment session about the proposed widening of a segment of Interstate 24. The session took place at the Chattanooga Public Library's downtown branch. Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Erick Hunt-Hawkins, left, with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, speaks with resident Dave Lowther on July 8, 2025, during a public comment session about the proposed widening of a segment of Interstate 24. The session took place at the Chattanooga Public Library's downtown branch.

By Ellen Gerst July 9, 2025 6 min read

As congestion backs up traffic on Interstate 24 around Chattanooga’s Moccasin Bend, state officials are looking at adding lanes to the highway.

Residents Tuesday heard from the Tennessee Department of Transportation at a public comment session at the downtown library in Chattanooga. Another public input session is planned for Thursday.

Some said they think widening I-24 could alleviate the traffic they’re often stuck in, while others argued it isn’t a long-term solution.

“One more lane is not going to fix this,” Chattanooga resident Dave Lowther said at Tuesday’s meeting.

How you can participate

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will hold another public meeting on the proposed widening.