Ga. 151 widening project in Ringgold still on schedule

slightly but we are still on schedule. The project still has the same completion date of Dec. 31, 2020.”

Stage 1 to Stage 2

About a year ago, in February 2018, alternate traffic patterns were implemented as crews began working on the westbound lanes at the South Chickamauga Creek Bridge.

On Feb. 8, work shifted again, and officials made the public aware of the changes.

“Work on the new westbound lanes, which we call Stage 1, for the bridge over I-75 and bridge over South Chickamauga Creek is almost complete,” Dr. Arafa said in late January. “We are moving forward to the second stage (Stage 2) of construction, which will focus on building the new eastbound lanes and median portion of both bridges.”

Arafa says the traffic shift for Stage 1 will be completed by late March and work will continue on the eastbound Stage 2 lane(s) for both bridges.

Currently, traffic flow along the I-75 overpass bridge has also been impacted, along with the exit ramps for exit 348.

Traffic on both the south and northbound lanes of the I-75 off-ramps has been shifted to the right.

Traffic turning left from these ramps onto Ga. 151 in both directions have been shifted to where the concrete island previously existed.

Both traffic patterns are expected to shift again in late March with the completion of Stage 1 of the project and transition to Stage 2.

Traffic congestion and frustration

While it has certainly created some congestion for motorists, the construction work is part of a huge project designed to ultimately remedy flow issues that have plagued the highway for years.

The widening of the road will alleviate a lot of the holdups near the 348 exit, as well as the ones at Poplar Springs Road.

For the duration of the work, GDOT hopes that drivers will be conscious of the changes, and be patient as the project develops.

“We certainly hope that all motorists watch out for these traffic shifts and be extra cautious while approaching this work zone,” Dr. Arafa said. “We understand that this project may be causing the public some inconvenience, but upon completion, it will improve the flow of traffic in the area, make it safer, and help the public get where they need to go Ringgold and in Catoosa County.”

/ Adam Cook The bridge at the I-75 overpass has been under construction for months, and motorists can see the new foundation when passing by. The widening of Ga. 151 (Alabama Highway) is an ongoing process that is expected to be fully completed by December of 2020.

/ Adam Cook Lanes of traffic have been altered during Stage 1 of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s nearly $35 million widening and bridge replacement project along Ringgold’s Ga. 151 (Alabama Highway). Officials say more flow changes will occur as the work progresses to Stage 2.