Blount County drivers, prepare to hit the brakes and reroute your travels. Starting tomorrow at 9 a.m., a significant stretch of State Route 334 (Louisville Road) is going to be completely off-limits. The closure, affecting the area between Proffitt Springs Road and Alcoa Highway (US 129/State Route 115), is for bridge repairs and the installation of a pedestrian bridge for Eagle Greenway. Heads up: your daily commute is about to get a little more complicated.
According to an announcement from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the construction work will be non-stop, 24/7, starting Thursday, May 8. It's all to properly repair the bridge over the CSX railroad tracks and to get a pedestrian walkway up and running. To stay clear of frustrations, you're going to want to figure out a detour. Signage will clearly outline alternate routes around the construction snarl. This whole deal is scheduled to be wrapped up by May 17, as long as Mother Nature plays nice and throws favorable weather our way.
Here's the deal: if you've got places to be along SR 334, best to plan on leaving a little early. "Motorists are advised to expect delays and use extreme caution in this area as workers will be present," said the Tennessee Department of Transportation. And no matter how much you might be tempted to snag updates on the go, hands off your mobile devices. Stay sharp, stay safe, and don’t let yourself be that person causing an avoidable incident.
Remember, these kinds of closures are more than just a minor inconvenience; they're about ensuring that our infrastructure is safe and sound for daily travel. To make your travel plans less of a headache, it’s wise to "Know Before You Go!" by checking travel conditions before heading out. For the most current updates, visit the TDOT website. Keep your eyes on the road and your thoughts on the detour, and here’s to a smoother ride coming soon.
