GDOT tree-trimming, bridge projects improve visibility, safety

WILDWOOD, Ga. — Motorists who regularly travel Interstate 24 west of Chattanooga have noticed by now the trees on Georgia’s curvy stretch of highway along the state border have been cut back for a longer view.

Maj. Tommy Bradford with the Dade County, Ga., Sheriff’s Department has patrolled the county for almost a quarter of a century and says heavy traffic through the corridor is dangerous.

“The biggest problem is there’s so much traffic coming through there for a two-lane that it stays congested,” Bradford said. “Before, when we would have one wreck and traffic starts backing up on that and you’d get into those curves, you usually have another wreck back behind that.”

While the hidden curves remain, the longer view should allow “more warning to be able to see in time,” Bradford said.

“This project is intended to enhance safety along these portions of the two interstates. One of the most effective ways of doing so is to maintain a ‘clear zone’ and removing overgrown vegetation that may impede the driver’s visibility,” Georgia Department of Transportation spokesman Mohamed Arafa said via email. “This can increase the likelihood that a roadway departure results in a safe recovery rather than a crash, and mitigate the severity of crashes that do occur.”

Motorists bound for Trenton and points south on Interstate 59 can see similar work, he said. “With some cooperation from Mother Nature, it is expected to be completed in a couple of months.”

GDOT also has a $7.27 million bridge replacement project going just inside the area trimmed of trees at the Wildwood exit.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation is working with its Georgia counterpart to help with traffic, lane closures and the like.

“As you know, any crashes or incidents that occur on I-24 in Georgia have a direct effect on I-24 in Tennessee, so anything that can be done to improve safety in that area is welcomed,” TDOT spokeswomen Jennifer Flynn said in an email.

Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569.