TDOT Expands Rural Roadside Assistance Program to I-24 in Marion County

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The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced the expansion of its Highway Emergency Local Patrol (HELP) program into rural regions across the state, including along I-24 in Marion County. The new Rural Service Patrol initiative is scheduled to commence this spring, starting in the Chattanooga region, and TDOT anticipates providing coverage for more than 870 miles of interstate highways statewide by the summer of 2026.

Why it matters

This expansion of TDOT's roadside assistance program aims to improve safety and service for motorists traveling on rural Tennessee interstates, which often lack the same level of infrastructure and resources as more urban areas. The new HELP trucks will provide critical aid to drivers experiencing breakdowns or other emergencies on remote stretches of highway.

The details

The Rural Service Patrol initiative will deploy HELP trucks to assist stranded motorists, change flat tires, provide fuel, and perform other minor repairs on the side of the road. This service will initially launch in TDOT's Region 2, which includes the Chattanooga area, before expanding to other rural interstate corridors across the state.

• The Rural Service Patrol program is scheduled to begin this spring.
• TDOT anticipates providing statewide coverage along more than 870 miles of interstate highways by the summer of 2026.

What’s next

TDOT plans to closely monitor the initial rollout of the Rural Service Patrol program in the Chattanooga region and make any necessary adjustments before expanding the service to other parts of the state.