Travelers navigating through East Tennessee this week should gear up for a slew of construction-induced headaches. Ongoing bridge repairs on I-75 near Mile Marker 126 in Anderson County have squeezed traffic flow down to a single lane, reports TDOT. Motorists are getting a fair warning of "potential long delays," especially during peak hours, as the lane reductions will persist 24/7 until the anticipated completion date of May 24, 2024.
If that wasn't enough, drivers should brace themselves for temporary lane closures across Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, and Hancock counties—all part of TDOT’s extensive roadwork this week. Blount County’s US 129 is seeing daytime resurfacing, while bridge repairs over the CSX Railroad have the potential to throw a wrench in daily commutes with periodic lane shutdowns. Drivers are advised by TDOT to remain vigilant for workers and to proceed with "extreme caution."
Evening hours on I-75 between Mile Markers 148 and 161 in Campbell County brings its own share of closures. Expect the orange cone dance to commence Sunday through Thursday nights, with lanes beginning to close at 7 p.m. and reopening at the break of dawn. Additionally, the SR 9 bridge spanning Cove Lake is reduced to one lane in both directions with traffic constrictions expected to continue through to the end of July. Folks should look out for a mix of delays and halts on their travel there.
Cumberland Gap pilgrims take heed: SR 63 is under the siege of possible daytime lane closures stretching from Campell County Line to the Hall Lane in Claiborne County. Greene County's SR 70 is also operating as a single-lane affair through an ongoing bridge repair, moderated by traffic signals left in operation nonstop. With worksites peppering the map, TDOT is impressing upon drivers the need for a heightened sense of awareness and a firm foot on the caution pedal.
Hamblen County infrastructure isn't immune to the renovation frenzy—nightly lane closures are hitting US 11 between N. Bellwood Road and Merchant Greene Boulevard. Meanwhile, in Hancock County, SR 33 isn't playing nice as it's fully closed for a bridge makeover over Greasy Creek. Detours, of course, are in place, but patience will nevertheless wear thin as the transformation unfolds.
