Shepherd Rd. Bridge in Hamilton Co. closed this weekend as contractor demolishes old structure

SHEPHERD ROAD BRIDGE IN HAMILTON COUNTY CLOSED THIS WEEKEND TO ALLOW CONTRACTOR TO DEMOLISH OLD STRUCTURE

SR-153 will also be closed in both directions beneath the bridge during this work

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is currently constructing a new bridge on Shepherd Road over SR-153 in Chattanooga.  As part of the project, the current bridge must be demolished.  Beginning on Friday evening, November 20, 2015, at 8:00 p.m. EST and ending on Monday morning, November 23, 2015 at 6:00 a.m. EST the contractor will be demolishing the current Shepherd Road Bridge over SR-153 and switching traffic to a portion of the newly-constructed bridge.  This phase will allow the contractor to begin construction on the second half of the new bridge. 

Shepherd Road will be totally closed to all traffic at the bridge during this time.  Those wishing to access the Chattanooga Airport will follow signed detour routes and use either Lee Highway or Shallowford Road to Airport Road. 

Additionally, SR-153 North and South beneath the bridge will be closed to all traffic during this work for the safety of the traveling public.  During this closure, SR-153 traffic will be required to utilize the Shepherd Road ramps.  

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will assist with traffic control as necessary on the project.

The contractor for the $5.3 million project is Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC of Nashville, and the estimated completion date is on or before October 31, 2016.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic.  Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511 or any of TDOT’s other Twitter pages. 

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

# # #

For more information contact:
Jennifer A. Flynn
TDOT Region Two Community Relations Officer
Jennifer.Flynn@tn.gov
Office 423-510-1164