Interstate 40 Closed In Downtown Knoxville, Traffic Rerouted For A Year

Submitted by Joe Legge on May 1, 2008 - 3:42am. News | Regional

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If you'll be traveling through Knoxville anytime in the next year, expect some major delays.

Transportation crews shut down Interstate 40 through downtown Knoxville early this morning for a major reconstruction project.

Tennessee Department of Transportation officials call the 200-million dollar project their most ambitious construction task to date.

I-40 between James White Parkway and Hall of fame drive will be closed at least 14-months. During that time, travelers will be re-routed onto I-640, but access to downtown will remain available. I-275 will remain open as well and additional lanes have been provided on I-275 and I-640 to accomodate more traffic.

TDOT officials say closing this section of I-40 will reduce construction time by nearly two-years.

Here are several maps to print for travel:

Click for larger view