By MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer – Jan. 28, 2008 – 11:44 am

The Interstate-24 and State Route-99 interchange is officially opened to traffic.

Local and state dignitaries cut the ribbon Monday morning to open the new interchange and complete the widening project on I-24 between highways 96 and 231.

The project, which began in late spring to early summer 2006, was scheduled for completion in June 2008.

“We’re here in Rutherford County to celebrate the early completion of this project …” Tennessee Department of Transportation Director Gerald Nicely said. “I-24 provides a vital link not only to Nashville and Murfreesboro but also to Chattanooga and Atlanta.”

Transportation Committee Chairman and State Sen. Jim Tracy also addressed the crowd.

“This is a tremendous asset to this part of the state,” he said.

More than 66,000 cars travel the stretch of interstate everyday. The widening project and new interchange were built in order to relieve traffic woes in Murfreesboro.

“This will definitely ease the stress on Old Fort Parkway … and 231,” State Sen. Bill Ketron said.

State Rep. Curt Cobb addressed the safety advantages of the widened interstate and new interchange.

“This project will save some lives,” Cobb said.

He also commented the interchange would be a welcome addition for “that major traffic from Eagleville.”

Michelle Willard can be contacted at 869-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost.com.