SmartFIX I-40 Closure Information

Beginning on May 1, 2008, a short section of Interstate 40 between James White Parkway (exit 388A) and Hall of Fame Drive (exit 389) will be closed for reconstruction.  Local eastbound traffic will continue to use James White Parkway (exit 388A) and local westbound traffic will continue to use Hall of Fame Drive (exit 389) to access the downtown area, the South Knoxville Bridge and Neyland Drive. (see map below)

Traffic that normally passes through downtown on I-40 should use I-640 or I-275 to bypass the closure. The closure will last for approximately 14 months.

Northbound I-75 motorists traveling into Knoxville from Chattanooga are encouraged to continue on I-40 toward downtown, then use the newly improved I-275 northbound. By using I-275, northbound I-75 motorists will avoid potential long delays on I-640.  A lot of planning and coordination goes into closing a major section of interstate. Installing more than 100 signs, constructing a temporary ramp from James White Parkway to I-40 westbound and modifying the I-640 interchanges with I-40 will take time to complete. There will be a 17-day period in May when the bulk of this work will take place. Some of the signs on the interstate system and local arterial routes will be installed before May.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where exactly will the interstate be closed on May 1, 2008?
A: A section of I-40 will close between James White Parkway (exit 388A) and Hall of Fame Drive (exit 389).

Q: Why does I-40 need to be closed?
A: An “accelerated construction” approach is being taken in order to reduce construction time by at least 23 months, resulting in only a 14-month closure and the rerouting of I-40 to through traffic.  An extremely aggressive construction schedule was developed with heavy contractor incentives and disincentives. Speeding up construction will also reduce the impact on the community and local economy. With community satisfaction as a project goal, SmartFIX40 represents a hallmark project for TDOT, the city of Knoxville, and the local community.

Q: How can I get to downtown and the UT Area?
A: Traveling from the east, motorists can use I-40 westbound, then take Hall of Fame Drive (exit 389) to access downtown and UT. Another option is Magnolia Avenue (US 11). Traveling from the west, James White Parkway (exit 388A) will be open; however, other options are Alcoa Highway (exit 386B), 17th Street (exit 387) and Henley Street (exit 388).

Q: How do I access I-40 from the downtown area?
A: Both I-40 east and westbound will be accessible from James White Parkway during the 14-month closure. A temporary ramp will be constructed from James White Parkway to I-40 westbound.  James White Parkway to I-40 eastbound was opened to traffic in September 2007.

Q: Will there be signs to direct motorists?
A: Yes. New signs will be installed on I-40, I-640, I-75, I-275 and arterials leading to the interstate system.

Q: Will any changes be made to I-640?
A: Yes. Both interchanges of I-640 and I-40 will be modified. A third lane will also be added to increase capacity.

Q: What are the projected impacts on I-640 during the closure?
A: The department projects that approximately 40,000 extra cars and trucks will utilize I-640.

Q: If I live in west Knoxville, how do I get to the Knoxville Zoo?
A: The most direct route to the Knoxville Zoo is I-640, onto I-40 westbound to Rutledge Pike (US 11W) exit 392.

Q: If I live in east Knox County, how do I get to the Civic Auditorium/Coliseum?
A: I-40 westbound will remain open to local traffic. Motorists can use Hall of Fame Drive (exit 389) to access  the Civic Auditorium/Coliseum.

Q: How do I get more information about the closure?

A: You may contact the SmartFIX40 Project Office (corner of N. Sixth Avenue and Hall of Fame Drive) at 865-329-4640 or visit the project website at smartFIX40.com for the most recent project news and information.