Interstate 640 Reconstruction
Knox County
The project along Interstate 640, from the I-40 Interchange east of Knoxville to the I-40 Interchange west of Knoxville, consists of resurfacing or reconstructing the roadway for approximately 10 miles. The improvements will enhance the safety and mobility of the entire corridor.
Current Status: June 27, 2024
Motorists traveling on I-640 East in Knox County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will have a temporary impact on traffic.
Beginning at 7 p.m. tonight, June 27, I-640 East will be temporarily reduced to one lane as crews prepare to shift traffic to the inside lanes at North Broadway (Exit 6). This traffic shift will allow crews to begin the second phase of repairs for the bridges over Nora Road, Washington Pike, and McIntyre Road.
All work is expected to be complete by 6 a.m. on Friday, June 28.
This schedule is contingent on favorable weather conditions. Motorists are advised to expect delays and use extreme caution in this area as workers will be present.
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.
Construction start: July 2022
Estimated completion: August 2024
History and Background
I-640 was designed and constructed in the late 1970s as an east-west loop around the city of Knoxville. Upon completion of the roadway in 1982, it linked I-40 with US 441, I-75/I-275, and other routes in the city, just in time for the World’s Fair.
Today, traffic counts along the interstate connector average between 66,000 and 87,000 vehicles per day. The existing roadway is three lanes in each direction and much of the existing road surface is in substandard condition and needs to be repaired or replaced. An extensive pavement project is needed for the six-lane facility.
Key Project Milestones
The proposed design calls for repair or replacement of the deteriorated pavement throughout the 10-mile corridor.
Due to the size of the corridor, the I-640 project has been divided into two smaller sections or phases.
Phase 1: I-640 between I-75/I-275 and I-40 (west of Knoxville) COMPLETED
- Removed top layer of asphalt
- Replaced with two layers of asphalt, including a binding layer
Phase 2: I-640 between I-40 (east of Knoxville) and I-75/I-275
- Rubblize existing roadway surface
- Use rubblized material for new roadway base.
- Repave roadway
Project Contacts
Jason Sholtz
TDOT Region 1 Project Management
Email: Jason.Sholtz@tn.gov
Phone: 865-594-2408
Mark Nagi
TDOT Region 1 Regional Communications Officer (media)
Email: Mark.Nagi@tn.gov
Phone: 865-594-0161
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