Monteagle, TN is at the top of a fairly high ridge, at the very northwest corner of this map. This section of highway is an interesting study in the upgrading of an existing old highway to Interstate standards. Before I-24 was built, US 41/64 came south out of Monteagle on its existing city street route and descended into Ladd Cove (about 375 m elevation difference in about 7 km). When I-24 came, TnDOT was able to widen the existing highway on the northwest side of this ridge (in itself an interesting climb). However, they found it easier to use an entirely new ROW for one side of the new highway on the southeast side of the ridge. The existing US 41/64 was then somewhat unkinked to become the southeast bound side of I-24. This original grade can be followed from the southeast bound on ramp (it is the old highway and goes past some houses in Monteagle before merging with I-24) at the interchange at the northeast corner of this map. The northwest bound side takes the newer, straighter route up the hill through the next valley to the east ('Cave Cove').
Both sides of I-24 are 6 lanes wide on this hill.
A fascinating drive indeed.
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Just follow this sign to make your OWN great signs!!!! |
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This page © Michael G. Koerner |
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