Chattanooga I-24 Improvements

[Rothman]

The NEPA process is not all negative.  Had it existed when the IHS was conceived, the system actually might have been built better in much more helpful locations due to increased public input.

That assumes your public input doesn't consist entirely of unhelpful litigious NIMBYs and hardcore environmentalists, who tend to drown out other voices in these types of spaces. Agreed that NEPA isn't a total negative, but because it's so easy to challenge a big project, it usually winds up being a losing situation for everyone except the lawyers.

I disagree with your assessment of NIMBYs and environmentalists being the only ones showing up, given my experience with public involvement.

The flip side of your argument -- just building wherever without local input or concern for impact is just as destructive as being litigated into paralysis.

I mean, I attended a public meeting just the other night for a major bridge replacement and village downtown revitalization -- tens of millions in cost.  It was well intended by the public, whose comments and questions were pointed and informed -- especially ensuring that the Village's snow removal practices were taken into account and pedestrian accommodations on the bridge.  I don't think we would have been better off not putting sidewalks on the bridge or taking into account how business owners are responsible for clearing the sidewalks on their property.

[Plutonic Panda]

The United States should build more tunnels like the Big Dig and the Alaskan Way Viaduct Tunnel replacement. If they can do it overseas, they most certainly can find a way to do it here.

Completely agreed. It's so frustrating to see so many countries announce massive road tunnel projects and yet if it's proposed in the US it's too big or expensive for us to handle.

[Georgia]

They may have to improve the road farther to the east soon too given all the hazmat being spilled on the thing this year(residents have counted 4 spills in '23).

Even at 1am, there is still a small stretch closed over Kelly Street.

[Plutonic Panda]

Looks like this project has experienced a hiccup is being paused. Hopefully it resumes quickly: https://www.newschannel9.com/news/local/unforeseen-circumstances-forces-tdot-to-pause-i-24-bridge-construction-in-chattanooga-roadwork-traffic-delays-hamilton-county-i-75-interstate-interstate-24

[wriddle082]

I don't believe Wright Brothers Construction Co has the cleanest track record in Tennessee.  They were the contractor who built the farthest western section of I-840 over 20 years ago, and not only did a couple of bridges on I-40 not meet TDOT's standards, but I believe they had sediment runoff into Big Turnbull Creek (which bordered my parents' former land that they sold a few years ago).  This was the last straw that caused the SW Williamson County NIMBYs to go up in arms, and prompted Governor Phil Bredesen to pause 840 and several other TDOT projects for intensive executive review.  Of course 840 was ultimately built, with modifications including bridges in lieu of culverts as this area has numerous springs and small creeks.

[Tom958]

Looks like this project has experienced a hiccup is being paused. Hopefully it resumes quickly: https://www.newschannel9.com/news/local/unforeseen-circumstances-forces-tdot-to-pause-i-24-bridge-construction-in-chattanooga-roadwork-traffic-delays-hamilton-county-i-75-interstate-interstate-24

Those aren't AASHTO beams! What sorcery is this? Seriously, Tennessee used to use that type of beam routinely if not frequently but hasn't done so lately AFAIK.