Drivers in Bradley County west of Interstate 75 will find a new alignment on the state's $54 million Highway 60 widening project this week.
State contract crews will shift a portion of the existing Highway 60 from Eveningside Drive to Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School to a new alignment starting Wednesday to begin work on the remaining portions of the project, according to Rae Anne Bradley, spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
The shift is part of the widening project started in October 2021 that stretches from north of Interstate 75 to Eureka Road west of the town limits of Cleveland, according to Bradley.
(READ MORE: Chattanooga-area lane closures planned on I-24 till end of year for bridge work)
"The roadway will be two lanes through the traffic shift — one lane in each direction with an added center turn lane where necessary," Bradley said in a state news release. "The intersection of SR 60 at Cleveland Middle School will be modified but will maintain a dedicated turn lane into the school from both directions."
Drivers should use caution as they navigate the traffic shift and subsequent section of Highway 60, especially during school drop-off and pickup times, Bradley said. Signs will be posted directing drivers through the lane shift.
The state project design widens Highway 60 — also known as Georgetown Road — from a two-lane road with roadside ditches to a five-lane road with two lanes in each direction and a dedicated center turn lane, according to transportation officials.
(READ MORE: Early work on I-75 widening between Cleveland and Ooltewah under way)
The project will add paved shoulders, curb and gutter, sidewalks and street lighting in work performed by the contractor, Johnson City, Tennessee-based Summers-Taylor Inc. The completion date on the project remains Aug. 25, 2025.
Travelers can dial 511 from any landline or cellphone for information regarding statewide travel. Drivers are reminded to "Know Before You Go!" by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination and never to use social media, text or talk on a cellphone while behind the wheel.
— Compiled by Ben Benton
Staff Photo by Ben Benton / A state Route 60 marker stands along the roadway near Clevelan