TDOT Breaks Ground on I-24 Interchange Improvement Project in Marion County

Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely joined Congressman Lincoln Davis, and state and local officials in Marion County today to break ground on a new project to improve the interchange on I-24 at Exit 152 in Marion County. 

During the project, workers will replace the bridge on I-24 at the Kimball/South Pittsburg exit and will make a number of changes to the interchange to improve traffic flow and safety. 

“The new bridge on I-24 will be higher to allow for safer passage of large trucks on U.S. 72, which will improve access to I-24 for many businesses in Marion County,” said Nicely.  “The project will also improve the overall function of the interchange, reducing congestion and making it safer for all motorists.”

Tennessee House Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Harmon, Senator Andy Berke, and U.S. Congressman Davis were involved in the development of this project, and joined Nicely at Thursday’s groundbreaking.

“Improved access into Marion County is vital for economic development in this area,” said Congressman Davis.  “The improvement of this interchange will enhance safety and improve traffic flow in the area, and I am very pleased to see federal funds used for this important project.”

“Improvements to the Kimball/South Pittsburg interchange have long been a top priority of mine,” said Chairman Harmon. “I look forward to the construction of the new bridge and the completion of this vital project.”

“This is an exciting day for Marion County,” added Senator Berke. “I’m pleased I could work with TDOT to bring this important investment to the Kimball community.”

Dement Construction, LLC from Jackson, TN is the contractor for the $13.5 million project that will modify the interchange and replace the bridge on I-24 at Exit 152, which is the Kimball/South Pittsburg exit. 

The new bridge will be built with a higher grade to provide adequate clearance beneath the bridge and comply with today's design standards.  It will also alleviate the problems that have faced the existing I-24 bridge over U.S. 72, which was constructed in 1965 and has been struck several times by log trucks that are illegally overloaded with logs stacked too high.  In addition to the new bridge, a new westbound off-ramp will be constructed and all the off-ramps will be signalized. 

While the project is under construction, there will be some temporary lane closures and shifts that will occur, but the interchange and U.S. 72 will otherwise be open to traffic. 

TDOT and the contractor will work to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction to the maximum extent possible.  Any necessary temporary lane closures will be communicated in advance in our weekly traffic report.

The project is slated for completion on or before September 30, 2012.