Tennessee – Motorists traveling through Knox County should prepare for significant traffic impacts as the Tennessee Department of Transportation begins a series of weekend closures for bridge repair work on James White Parkway (State Route 158) and nearby I-40 ramps.
The first closure will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, when James White Parkway will close to southbound traffic. The closure is scheduled to remain in place until 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10, as crews perform bridge repairs.
Drivers will be able to bypass the work zone by using alternate routes including Alcoa Highway (US 129/SR 115) and Hall of Fame Drive.
Several ramps will also be closed during the bridge repair operations, including:
- Baxter Avenue to I-275 South
- I-275 South to I-40 East
- Henley Street to I-40 East
- I-40 East to James White Parkway south (Exit 388A)
- I-40 West to James White Parkway south (Exit 388A)
TDOT said the August closure is the first of four consecutive weekends of planned James White Parkway closures as crews complete the bridge repair project.
Southbound closures are scheduled for Aug. 7-10 and Aug. 14-17, while northbound traffic closures are planned for Aug. 21-24 and Aug. 28-31.
In addition to the weekend closures, drivers should expect possible single-lane restrictions on weeknights throughout the project.
TDOT said the construction schedule depends on favorable weather conditions. If work needs to be rescheduled, closures will not take place during Tennessee football home game weekends.
Officials are advising motorists to use caution while traveling through the area, as construction crews will be working near active roadways.
Drivers are encouraged to check current traffic conditions before traveling and use available travel information tools to plan routes ahead of time. TDOT reminded motorists to avoid distractions behind the wheel, including texting, talking on a cellphone, or using electronic devices while driving.