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Traffic along Interstate 24 westbound was blocked for a few hours on Tuesday, Nov. 26 after a piece of debris fell from the Exit 105 overpass. 

In a statement released around 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department advised motorists traveling that I-24 westbound mile markers 110 to 105 would be blocked off and have heavy congestion.

“Please seek an alternate route, as it is unknown how long this will last and affect traffic,” department officials said.

It wouldn’t be too long for an update as the sheriff’s department released an update that I-24 was reopened between mile markers 110 to 105 westbound, adding a short time of congestion may occur due to the stoppage before returning to normal.

Rae Anne Bradley, Regional Communications Officer for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), said in a statement that the cause of the closure was due to debris falling onto the road.

“TDOT has an active bridge replacement project underway on the SR 2 (US 41) bridge over I-24 at MM 105 in Coffee County. Some debris from the old bridge fell onto I-24,” Bradley said. “Rolling roadblocks were used to remove the debris from the interstate. Shoring was placed under the bridge to prevent any further debris from falling.”

She said the bridge was safe and there were no structural issues, adding that the crews had just finished so traffic would be clearing up.

“Traffic has already been shifted to the new bridge so the old bridge isn’t even being used,” she continued. “No further lane closures (are) happening on this project until after Thanksgiving holiday travel restrictions have lifted.”

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.