I-24 East In Grundy County Reopens to Traffic

Chattanooga, Tenn. – I-24 East at mile marker 127 in Grundy County near the Coffee County Line is now open to traffic. The roadway reopened at approximately 6:00 a.m. CT Saturday, May 22. I-24 had been closed for several days as a result of a massive sinkhole that developed suddenly on the morning of Tuesday, May 18.

TDOT awarded an emergency repair contract to Highways, Inc. who worked around the clock to stabilize and repair the area. The initial sinkhole was 25’ deep and covered the entire inside lane and a portion of the outside lane of I-24 East between mile marker 127 and Exit 127. Crews had to excavate 35 feet to reach the bottom of the sinkhole and remove unstable material. The area was then filled in with more than 5400 tons of graded solid rock and repaved.

For up to date travel information, please visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information or can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel information. TDOT also has multiple Twitter accounts including interstate specific accounts.

Motorists are reminded to use all motorist information tools responsibly. Drivers should refrain from texting, tweeting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle. TDOT advises drivers to “Know before you go!” by checking traffic conditions before leaving for your destination.