Georgia Department of Transportation has major improvement plans along Ga. 151 in Ringgold.

Traffic has been backing up in every direction, including on Ga. 151 and both entrance and exit ramps.

Plans include a major overhaul of the interchange to help traffic flow smoothly and alleviate blind spots.

“We will be widening Ga. 151 from two to four lanes from Rollins Industrial Park at Holcomb Road through the I-75 interchange to U.S. 41,” said Mohamed Arafa, communications officer for Georgia DOT.

The portion from U.S. 41 to the I-75 interchange is already four lanes, but will receive some upgrades.

Since built, the interchange has seen increased traffic volumes. According to Arafa, over 13,000 vehicles utilize the road daily, and in 1996, 795 accidents occurred along that stretch of highway.

He said the improvements coincide with Catoosa’s Comprehensive Growth Plan and with projections by Coosa Valley Regional Development Center. Both expect future development for Rollins Industrial Park on Ga. 151 as well as commercial development in the area.

“There is a need,” he said. ”Traffic volumes are expected to increase. Accident rates there exceed the statewide level.”

Arafa expects the project to begin some time after July 2003 at an estimated cost of $8 million. While schedules for completion are not set until the project is contracted, Arafa said similar projects tend to take 18-24 months