Toll Bridge Proposal

Lawmakers are pushing for the first toll bridge in Tennessee... and they want it right here in the scenic city. They say a shortcut is needed and the don't want to wait for the state to fund the project.

State legislators say the proposed bridge would take drivers from Soddy Daisy through Harrison to Interstate 75. We spoke a few of those drivers who say they don't want to pay, but most said they would welcome the shortcut, no matter what it costs...

Drivers on Highway 111 in Soddy Daisy have a long way to go to get through Chattanooga. Timothy Johnson is one of them who lives in the area and says every time he gets in his car, he has to go out of his way. "Oh it's hard to get around, having to drive it every day, oh it's hard."

Currently, to get from Soddy Daisy down to Interstate 75, drivers must either go up to Highway 60, or go down to the Chickamauga Dam. But now there's a proposal for a new route that would cut in between, and also cut into your wallet.

The bridge would start at Highway 111 and run south through Harrison to meet up with Interstate 75, but for the first time in tn, you'd have to pay to use the road.

But State Senator Bo Watson says it would be worth it and supports the proposed bridge. He says, "People in the area seem to be favorable toward it, but of course as always there are people that will be for AND against it, but we need to have that debate, since we've never had toll roads before."

Sheila Benoit is from Houston, and is used to using toll roads when she drives. She says the high gas prices drive her to take as many shortcuts as possible, and hopes others agree. She says, "I think once they become accostumed to it, they'd much rather ride the toll road than sit in traffic."

But for now drivers will be riding the same old roads, since the Tennessee Department of Transportation is putting the brakes on NEW road projects. Watson just hopes it's considered. "We just want TDOT to do the study, to see if a toll road is possible, and then we'll see what the public wants, and take action."

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has the money to fund two new pilot projects this year. The proposed bridge is NOT one of them, but Senator Watson says he hopes he can get it on the list.