For the early risers and weekend warriors who rely on Interstate 40 for their Sunday travels, take note that construction crews will be out in force in Putnam County. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has announced that on Sunday, rolling roadblocks will be in place on I-40 both ways, affecting traffic from mile marker 283 to 297. The disruption, scheduled between 6:00 am and 8:00 am, will likely slow down your morning commute, so plan accordingly.
The roadblocks are part of utility work, and though they're set to be brief, delays are expected. Drivers should exercise caution and patience while navigating the area. According to the official Tennessee Department of Transportation announcement, the whole operation is "weather-dependent," meaning a spell of bad weather could push the work to a later date. In the event of such a rescheduling, commuters will be given prior notice to adjust their travel plans.
The road work is a necessary inconvenience, and traffic controls will be enforced to make sure everything goes smoothly. Officers will be present to assist, not just with the flow of traffic, but also to ensure law enforcement is up to par. It's crucial under these conditions that drivers keep their eyes on the road and distractions to a minimum, meaning no tweeting, texting, or chit-chat on the cell phone while driving, as per the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Staying updated on traffic conditions has never been more vital. For live coverage of construction activity and subsequent traffic jams, drivers can utilize resources like the Tennessee Department of Transportation SmartWay Map. For those who prefer the spoken word, there's always the option to dial 511 for a state-wide digest of travel information. And remember, those blue lights on the roadside aren't just for show. Tennessee's "Move Over Law," which has been around since 2006, demands respect with penalties for noncompliance including, but not limited to, a hefty fine and possible jail time.
