I-40 in Downtown Knoxville Closed for Reconstruction

Knoxville,Tenn. – A major transformation of Interstate 40 in downtown Knoxville is now underway.  At midnight on May 1, Tennessee Department of Transportation crews closed a short section of I-40 between James White Parkway (Exit 388) and Hall of Fame Drive (Exit 389).  The closure is part of the massive SmartFIX40 construction project that will totally reconstruct this segment of I-40 in just 14 months.  TDOT estimates by closing this section of I-40 for the work, they will save motorists two to three years of construction time and frustration.

“The number one reason for closing the interstate rather than doing the work under traffic is time, but by routing traffic around the construction site, we’re also providing safer conditions for both motorists and workers,” said Gerald Nicely, TDOT Commissioner. “This project will be the benchmark for future urban projects.”

During the closure, this segment of I-40 will be widened to six through lanes and four auxiliary lanes. In addition to interstate improvements, work will include the construction of nine bridges, 14 retaining walls and three noise walls.  Additionally, two existing bridges will be demolished, 12 side roads will be completed and seven new ramps will be constructed.

Eastbound and westbound I-40 through traffic is being rerouted onto I-640.  Access to and from downtown Knoxville will be maintained throughout construction.  Local traffic will have a number of alternate routes to get to and from downtown and the University of Tennessee.  Eastbound motorists can use James White Parkway, Henley Street or Alcoa Highway.  Westbound motorists can use the new Hall of Fame Drive to get to Neyland Drive and the South Knoxville Bridge.

Traffic information can be found on the SmartFIX40 website at www.smartfix40.com or by calling the SmartFIX40 project hotline at 865-329-GO40 (4640).  Motorists can also dial 511 statewide or tune to 1620 AM along East Tennessee interstates to get updated traffic information.

SmartFIX40 is TDOT’s single most expensive construction project in its 90-year history. Broken into two separate contracts, SmartFIX40 has a price tag of $190 million.

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