Split ends: $328M, two-phase I-75/I-24 interchange project on final lap

After seven years of construction, the major interstate junction in Chattanooga is nearing completion.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:08pm

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The $328 million, two-phase project to rebuild the Interstate 75/Interstate 24 interchange in Chattanooga, Tennessee, known as "the split", is nearing completion after seven years of construction. The project has added lanes and reconfigured the interchange to improve safety and traffic flow. While the project has caused disruptions during construction, commuters are reporting improved conditions as the final touches are being put in place.

Why it matters

The I-75/I-24 interchange is a critical gateway for the Chattanooga region, with thousands of motorists passing through it daily. The improvements are expected to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and support continued economic growth in the area for years to come.

The details

The project was split into two phases, with the first phase completed in 2021 at a cost of $133.5 million and the second phase, costing $161.6 million, nearing completion in March 2026. The work has included widening ramps, replacing bridges, adding lanes, and reconfiguring the interchange. While there were some delays, such as issues with concrete beams, the project is now 98.7% complete and the final touches, including pavement markings, reflectors, and concrete finishing, are being put in place.

  • In May 2019, the first phase of the project began.
  • The first phase was completed in 2021.
  • The second phase began in July 2023.
  • The second phase was originally targeted for completion in late 2025 but was delayed to March 2026 due to scheduling conflicts.
  • The project is expected to reach 100% completion in mid-spring 2026.

The players

Tennessee Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for overseeing the I-75/I-24 interchange reconstruction project.

C.W. Matthews Contracting Co.

The contractor that completed the $133.5 million first phase of the project.

Wright Brothers Construction Co.

The contractor that completed the $161.6 million second phase of the project.

Bell & Associates

The contractor that completed the $32.9 million contract for the replacement of the Belvoir Avenue bridge over I-24 and the bridges on I-24 over South Germantown Road.

John Thomas

A commuter who has been driving through the split for the past two decades and has noticed improvements in traffic flow.

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What they’re saying

“The I-75 at I-24 interchange is a critical gateway for the Chattanooga region and the thousands of motorists who travel this corridor every day. With the project nearing completion, these improvements will enhance safety, improve traffic flow and support continued growth in the region for years to come.”

— Danny Oliver, TDOT Region Director

“It's definitely better coming in in the morning than it ever was. Going home is better, especially since they got those extra lanes coming in finished where they merge.”

— John Thomas, Commuter

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This project highlights the ongoing efforts to improve Chattanooga's critical transportation infrastructure, which is essential for supporting the region's economic growth and quality of life for residents. While the construction process has been disruptive, the end result is expected to provide significant benefits in terms of safety, traffic flow, and future development.