Here we go again with the same pitiful news reports about the Cummings Highway Interstate interchange with I-24 - Flooding yet again after a heavy rain. TDOT is derelict in not having repaired this years ago. How hard is it to get some excavators out there to dig up the collapsed drainage pipes which TDOT says are the cause of the flooding and replace them with new pipes? It's really very easy if you want to fix it. This is embarrassing to our city, our county and our state. TDOT, quit treating this like it does not matter, and no more excuses that we don't want to hear.
The same can be addressed to the city regarding the 12th Street flooding. This has gone on since the 70's in my personal experience. It seems to me that in the years since then, a solution to the stormwater runoff in these low areas should have been determined and implemented, given all of the EPA mandates for stormwater.
How about we fix these problems before we spend any money on any more new projects?
Ward Crimmins
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Below is a copy of an email I sent today to our state and local government representatives:
Good afternoon.
My name is Ricky Hendricks Smith. I reside in Lookout Valley.
I am writing to both of you regarding the years-long flooding issue at the Cummings Highway exit ramp from I-24 West. Each and every time we get even a medium size amount of rain, the bottom of the ramp and surrounding road is flooded to the point of being totally impassable. It's beyond ridiculous. I have heard rumors that there has been blame placed on the State, County, and City for stating that each government is the actual responsible party, by each other. Arguments over which government is responsible is ludicrous. It has to be fixed. It's atrocious and embarrassing to residents and visitors. It creates such a danger as well. Highway 41 is a vital artery for transportation as well as Emergency Services. Not to mention that visitors to our city can't access the Days Inn or Waffle House. Never mind the residents of Black Creek and those that live along Highway 41. Can something please be done? Can we please figure out the issue and get it rectified? This needs to happen before someone drowns!
Thank you for your time.
Ricky Hendricks Smith
Chattanooga
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Get in touch with Senator Gardenhire, sirs, and ask him to forward to you details of what TDOT is doing to resolve exit 174 issues. They have in place a plan to put piping from the west side exit under the interstate to mitigate most of the issue. Work is scheduled to commence in July. Granted as of today no dirt moving with 14 days left of the month.
I do wonder a bit what is happening with all highway maintenance as downtown and outlying exits resemble a feral cityscape.
It baffles me that one can visit this city, enjoy the good lodging, food and attractions, and pay 13.25 % room tax and 9.25% retail tax with a backdrop of little roadside care that exists in most towns and cities I go through in the Southeast.
Am I alone here or is there a collective willful blindness?
Prentice Hicks