TDOT HELP Trucks Heading to Bristol This Weekend

KNOXVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Transportation will be sending special “HELP” to the Tri-Cities this weekend to assist with the heavy traffic expected in conjunction with NASCAR events at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20. 

Three lime-yellow HELP trucks from Knoxville will patrol the area on Friday. Four HELP trucks will be in the area on Saturday.  They will assist with any incidents that may occur in an effort to keep traffic moving.  The trucks are four-wheel drive and equipped with push bumpers, top-mounted arrow boards, emergency work lights, air compressors, and other tools.  Operators can perform a variety of functions from clearing a stalled car off the roadway to changing a flat tire.

Knoxville’s HELP truck operators respond to approximately 25,000 incidents per year.  In addition to Knoxville, TDOT has HELP truck programs in Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis.

Other traffic control measures being taken by TDOT from August 19 through August 22 include:

TDOT maintenance units will be posted throughout the region to assist with any other issues that may arise for motorists.

TDOT will provide portable message signs to warn drivers of any possible delays.

TDOT will suspend all construction projects that restrict traffic in East Tennessee from Friday, August 19 until Monday, August 22.

For post-race traffic traveling from the Tri-Cities area to Knoxville, one westbound I-40 lane will be closed in Jefferson County at the I-40/I-81 interchange to allow two lanes from I-81 South onto I-40 West to Knoxville.  Portable message boards will be used to advise motorists of these lane changes.

 

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel. 

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

 

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