T.D.O.T. STUDYING SECTION OF I-40 FROM LOUDON TO KNOX COUNTY
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is studying severe congestion along a 17-mile stretch of I-40 West from Loudon County to West Knox County, where over 200,000 vehicles pass daily and nine of the region’s 20 worst bottlenecks are located.
Local commuter Samuel Akins, whose typical 15-20 minute drive from downtown Knoxville can stretch to an hour, attributes the problem to the city’s growth outpacing the interstate’s capacity and calls for adding one or two more lanes, especially exiting downtown. TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi emphasized examining key trouble spots like weigh stations near the Campbell Station Road exit (373), the Watt Road interchange (369), and potential lane additions to enhance safety and flow.
To shape solutions, TDOT seeks public input through three meetings—November 10 at Farragut Community Center, November 12 at Pellissippi State Community College, and November 13 at Knoxville Public Works Service Center, all from 5-7 p.m.—followed by draft plans presented next year; an online survey is also available for those unable to attend.
