Data revealed by a recent survey showed that the Chattanooga interchange from I-24 to U.S. Route 27 was one of the worst roadways in the nation when it comes to bottlenecking, as well as the worst overall for the state of Tennessee.

Chattanooga

, home to the Tennessee Aquarium, the Rock City Gardens, and Ruby Falls, is a picturesque city situated on the banks of the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Chattanooga is known for its out-of-this-world landscape, vast underground caves, and, yes—its bad traffic.

But how bad could the traffic in Chattanooga really be? Here to answer that and more is

Jerry

, the

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comparison app. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide on traffic in Chattanooga, Tennessee to help you navigate the city’s sometimes busy streets like a pro, even if you’re only passing through temporarily.

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How bad is Chattanooga traffic?

According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Chattanooga’s interchange from Interstate 24 to U.S. Route 27 was ranked the 11th worst interchange in the country, leading to extensive bottlenecking.

Texas A&M University

also reported that drivers in Chattanooga lost an average of 15 hours to rush hour traffic jams in 2020 alone, down from 32 hours in 2019, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the public health restrictions that followed.

MORE:

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Why is Chattanooga traffic so bad?

Backed-up traffic can be caused by a number of factors, and, unfortunately, it’s a staple of most U.S. cities. A few factors that can lead to especially bad traffic jams are things like large metropolitan populations, geography, and commercial traffic. Here is a breakdown of Chattanooga’s traffic snafus.

Population size

Chattanooga has a sizable metropolitan population exceeding 423,000 in 2021. Add on to this number the frequent tourist traffic and bypassing drivers on I-24 and Route 75, and you’ve got yourself a perfect storm for traffic-jammed roadways, especially during rush hour periods.

Geography

Chattanooga has a particularly difficult geographic layout when it comes to road traffic. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga suffers from steep hills and sharp turns, even on its major roadways, including the climb up and over Missionary Ridge.

Additionally, the city features several natural barriers, such as the Tennessee River and the mountain ranges, which have few crossover points, leading to bottlenecking and traffic jams.

Commercial traffic

While Chattanooga might not be the busiest city in the United States, it does serve as a byway en route to many other major cities including Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta, and Birmingham. Because Chattanooga is central to all of these other major cities, its roads are often filled with commercial truck traffic.

Combine this with the city’s daily commuters and tourists, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for stand-still traffic during rush hour.

MORE: The best type of car insurance to get if you commute long distances

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How to navigate Chattanooga traffic like a pro

Traffic jams, on top of being

generally annoying

, can also be potentially dangerous, leading to accidents that can, at times, prove fatal.

The Chattanooga Police Department reported that they’ve already seen seven fatal accidents in the first three months of 2022, compared to only two by the same time in 2021. That being said, even if a collision doesn’t result in a fatality, it can still be a huge financial burden in terms of repair costs, medical bills, and

car insurance premium increases

You can avoid this hike in your insurance costs, however, by practicing safe and defensive driving skills whenever you’re behind the wheel. Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you steer clear of accidents in Chattanooga.

Avoid rush hours if possible. Chattanooga, like most cities, experiences heavy flows of traffic between 6 am and 9 am as well as from 3 pm to 7 pm. Staying off the road during rush hour whenever possible can help you to avoid clogged roadways and potential collisions.

Take backroads. Avoiding highways and interstates whenever possible is an easy way to get from point A to point B without the hassles and danger of traffic-jammed streets. While these routes may appear longer than your typical commute at first glance, by avoiding traffic, you may actually end up saving time in the long run.

Tune into a traffic radio station. Several radio stations in the Chattanooga area offer real-time updates on current traffic statuses including accidents, construction, and detours that are likely to affect your daily commute. In Chattanooga, these stations include 1150 AM and 92.7 FM.

Stay focused. Even when you’re in standstill traffic, it’s important to stay focused and

avoid distractions

, including your phone. It’s also important to leave sufficient distance between yourself and other cars.

MORE:

The 3 best apps for avoiding traffic jams

Prepare for Chattanooga traffic by updating your car insurance

Driving in any traffic-heavy area can be dangerous, therefore you may want to think about

upgrading your insurance coverage

to protect you and your vehicle against increased accident rates.

Changing or upgrading your insurance policy is easy with

Jerry

. As a

licensed insurance broker

and the #1-rated car insurance comparison app, Jerry can match you with multiple competitive quotes from more than 50 of the top insurance providers in the Chattanooga region, all in less than 45 seconds!

All you have to do is answer a few short questions, and Jerry takes care of the rest. We can even help you cancel your old insurance policy.

Even more, with Jerry, you’ll benefit from an average of $887 a year in savings on your car insurance policy.

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FAQ

Is Chattanooga hard to drive in?

Chattanooga’s interchange between Interstate 24 and U.S. Route 75 is notoriously challenging, but practicing safe and defensive driving anytime you’re behind the wheel and investing in a reliable GPS system can help you navigate Chattanooga without any trouble.

What is the best time to drive through Chattanooga?

If you want to avoid rush hour, your best bet is to hit Chattanooga’s roads either before 6 am, between 10 am and 3 pm, or after 7 pm.

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