KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) – Motorists traveling through downtown Knoxville should prepare for traffic disruptions over the next two weeks as bridge inspections lead to multiple ramp closures and lane restrictions.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 19, and continuing through Wednesday, Oct. 28, crews will inspect several bridges in the downtown area, requiring temporary closures along portions of Interstate 275, Interstate 40 and Henley Street.
Transportation officials are advising drivers to expect delays and plan alternate routes during the work.
Oct. 19: I-275 Southbound Ramp Closure
On Monday, Oct. 19, the I-275 southbound ramp to Western Avenue and Henley Street will be closed from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Drivers traveling south on I-275 can reach downtown Knoxville by using:
- I-40 West to Exit 387 (17th Street/Western Avenue), or
- I-40 East to Exit 388A (James White Parkway).
Oct. 20: Henley Street Access Affected
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the I-275 southbound ramp to Henley Street will close between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Motorists should use the Western Avenue ramp, then turn left onto Western Avenue and continue to Henley Street.
Oct. 21: I-40 Eastbound Exit Closure
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, access to Henley Street from I-40 East at Exit 388 will be closed from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Drivers should follow the Western Avenue exit route and connect to Henley Street from there.
Oct. 22: Henley Street Ramp to I-40 East Closed
On Thursday, Oct. 22, the Henley Street northbound ramp to I-40 East will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Alternative routes include Western Avenue or Summit Hill Drive to Hall of Fame Drive for access to I-40 East.
Oct. 23: No Closures Planned
Officials said no closures are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23.
Oct. 24-25: Weekend Ramp Closure
On Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, the I-275 southbound ramp to I-40 East will be closed from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Drivers will be detoured via:
- I-40 West
- I-640 East
- I-40 East
Downtown access will remain available through the Henley Street and Western Avenue ramps.
Oct. 26-27: Lane Closure Through Henley Street Tunnel
On Monday, Oct. 26, and Tuesday, Oct. 27, the right lane will be closed on the Henley Street northbound ramp through the tunnel toward I-275 North, I-40 East and I-40 West between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Oct. 28: Western Avenue Ramp Closure
On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the ramp from I-40 East Exit 388 to Western Avenue will be closed from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Motorists needing access to Western Avenue should use Exit 387 at 17th Street. Access to Henley Street from Exit 388 will remain open.
Drivers Urged to Use Caution
Officials say the inspection schedule depends on favorable weather conditions and could change if conditions deteriorate.
Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time, watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution in work zones where inspection crews will be present.c
