2012 city population estimates

[keithps]

Originally Posted by Shakeesha

I'll give you that but there really isn't the same excuse for I-24. Much of it is in flat terrain that would make traffic headaches for widening, however, it is no different than many parts of Nashville or Knoxville that have received major widening/expansions over the years. Chattanooga's roads still look mostly the same since the interstate network was put in place. Interstate 24's terminus at the Atlanta/Knoxville split is desperately in need of new configuration. Highway 27/Interstate 24 split is also outdated and inefficient given the amount of traffic that passes through every day. The short exit/entrance ramps are very dangerous at high speeds, especially the exits in the downtown area and along I-24 East. I will say that I-75 north toward Knoxville was a nice project that helped the Hamilton Place/Ooltewah areas, and definitely helped in attracting Volkswagen.

If anything needs work on I-24, it's the ridgecut. That said, I don't know how you fix that, the dang interstate is hanging off the side of a ridge already.

[Shakeesha]

Originally Posted by keithps

If anything needs work on I-24, it's the ridgecut. That said, I don't know how you fix that, the dang interstate is hanging off the side of a ridge already.

Lol yeah it used to scare my brother when we were kids to go around those curves. It will cost a lot of money, but something will need to happen, eventually. I hope the state prioritizes Chattanooga in future budget plans. The proposed light rail would help out a lot, as would the city's progressive biking/pedestrian friendly mindset continued outside of the downtown area. I don't see Chattanooga widening any of the current arteries, but new striping/paving/bike lanes/crosswalks could make all the difference in the world. A good example is Brainerd Road, it could use the pedestrian treatment.

[keithps]

Originally Posted by Shakeesha

Lol yeah it used to scare my brother when we were kids to go around those curves. It will cost a lot of money, but something will need to happen, eventually. I hope the state prioritizes Chattanooga in future budget plans. The proposed light rail would help out a lot, as would the city's progressive biking/pedestrian friendly mindset continued outside of the downtown area. I don't see Chattanooga widening any of the current arteries, but new striping/paving/bike lanes/crosswalks could make all the difference in the world. A good example is Brainerd Road, it could use the pedestrian treatment.

Light rail won't do anything at all. Its only going to cover areas already covered by the bus. If they want to accomplish anything, they need to expand to the suburbs. I'd love to get on a train and ride to work, but 20 miles outside the city, nothing. In fact, unless you live right downtown, it does no good.