TDOT Announces I-40 will Re-open June 12, 2009

Interstate to Re-open to Traffic 18 Days Ahead of Schedule

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— One of the most anticipated dates in recent Knoxville history is now official; I-40 in Downtown Knoxville will re-open to traffic on June 12, 2009. Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely credited a “great team working on a model project,” at a press conference today announcing the I-40 re-opening date for the SmartFIX40 project.

“Given the magnitude of this project, its completion is a major milestone for TDOT, the city of Knoxville and the thousands of individuals involved who have made SmartFIX40 one of the most successful projects in history,” said Nicely.

The final phase of the SmartFIX40 project will be completed on time and I-40 will re-open to traffic 18 days ahead of the June 30, 2009 contract completion date. Construction crews will work until June 30, finishing up minor details and completing construction punch list items.

“Between now and June 12 the contractors will be very busy with paving, bridge painting, installing guardrails, grinding concrete bridge decks and installing street lighting,” explained TDOT Chief Engineer Paul Degges. “There is a lot to do before the interstate reopens on June 12.”

Since May 1, 2008, I-40 has been widened to six through lanes and four auxiliary lanes, including the construction of nine bridges, seven new ramps, 14 retaining walls and three noise walls along with improvements to 12 city streets.

To mark the occasion, TDOT along with the city of Knoxville is planning several activities leading up to the official grand opening at 2:00 p.m. on June 12 when the interstate will be opened by federal, state and local officials.

The evening before the grand opening, the Knoxville Track Club along with TDOT and the city of Knoxville will host the “Fast 40 Dash” foot race and family fun walk on June 11 at 7:00 PM. On June 12, the day of the grand opening, anyone can participate in the rolling road opening procession, and be one of the first to drive on the newly constructed I-40. Details will be available soon, visit the SmartFIX40 website for updated information on the opening at www.SmartFIX40.com

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For more information contact:
Travis Brickey
TDOT Community Relations Officer
865-594-0161
Travis.Brickey@tn.gov