Bridge Inspection Prompts Ramp Closures along I-40, I-275 in Downtown Knoxville

Motorists traveling in downtown Knoxville in Knox County should be aware of upcoming road constructionactivities that will have a significant impact on traffic.

Beginning on Monday, October 19, and extending through Wednesday, October 28, crews will be performing inspections on several bridges in the downtown Knoxville area. These inspections will take place daily and will require ramp closures.

On Monday, October 19, the I-275 Southbound ramp to Western Avenue and Henley Street will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Motorists on I-275 South should follow I-40 West to Exit 387 (17th Street/Western Avenue) or take I-40 East to Exit 388A (James White Parkway) to access the downtown Knoxville area.

On Tuesday, October 20, the I-275 Southbound ramp to Henley Street will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Motorists on I-275 South should follow the Western Avenue ramp, turn left onto Western Avenue, then turn left onto Henley Street.

On Wednesday, October 21, access to Henley Street from I-40 Eastbound at Exit 388 (Henley Street/downtown Knoxville) will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Motorists on I-40 East should follow the Western Avenue ramp from Exit 388, turn left onto Western Avenue, and then left onto Henley Street.

On Thursday, October 22, the Henley Street northbound ramp to I-40 East will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Motorists on Henley Street should follow Western Avenue or Summit Hill to Hall of Fame Drive to access I-40 East.

On Friday, October 23, no closures are planned.

On Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, the I-275 Southbound ramp to I-40 East will be closed between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Motorists on I-275 South should follow I-40 West to I-640 East to I-40 East. Motorists may use the Henley Street or Western Avenue ramps from I-275 South to access downtown Knoxville and James White Parkway.

On Monday, October 26, and Tuesday, October 27, the right lane will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the Henley Street northbound ramp through the tunnel to I-275 North/I-40 East/I-40 West.

On Wednesday, October 28, the ramp from I-40 Eastbound at Exit 388 (Henley Street/downtown Knoxville) to Western Avenue will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Motorists on I-40 East should take Exit 387 (17th Street) to access Western Avenue. The ramp to Henley Street will remain accessible from Exit 388.

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.