Commuters who frequent Interstate 24 in Coffee County may need to adjust their travel plans next week. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has notified the public that maintenance work will require lane closures along a section of the highway. From today and tomorrow at 7:00 am until late afternoon at 4:00 pm, parts of I-24 West will be shut down from mile marker 118 to mile marker 124 as part of efforts to repair the pavement.
The scheduled work has been designated to last two days, during which the department's crews are set to selectively close lanes intermittently throughout each day. To help alleviate traffic congestion, workers are going to flush queued traffic frequently. TDOT encourages those driving through this area to stay vigilant and consider alternate routes before heading out. This reminder comes with a caveat: the construction schedule is contingent on good weather, and it might have to be pushed back due to rain or unforeseen circumstances.
According to the TDOT announcement, recommended tools for motorists include the TDOT SmartWay Map and statewide travel information accessible by dialing 511. The department has underlined the importance of not using phones for texting or calling while driving, to ensure full attention on the evolving traffic conditions.
Besides navigating the road work, drivers are also reminded of their legal obligations under Tennessee’s Move Over Law. This regulation mandates that drivers must change lanes or slow down when approaching highway work crews and emergency responders actively present on the road. Failure to comply could not just endanger lives but also lead to legal consequences, including fines up to $500 and a possible jail time for up to 30 days. Let's all work together to keep the roads safe by adhering to these rules and staying updated on traffic conditions.
