Travelers planning to navigate the I-75 South in Campbell County might need to pack some patience and a good playlist. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced that bridge repair work will necessitate a lane closure that is poised to squeeze southbound traffic down to a single lane. Starting Sunday, June 8, in the evening, those driving past Exit 134 (Caryville/Jacksboro/LaFollette) will encounter the restrictions at mile marker 133, right over the R.J. Corman Railroad.
The lane closure will be in effect 24/7, a non-stop bottleneck meant for crews to work their restoration magic on the aging overpass. With crews buzzing around the clock, the department anticipates a wrap-up on or before the break of dawn on Wednesday, June 11. Of course, this schedule hinges on the temperaments of the weather gods. TDOT is bracing drivers for delays, recommending heightened caution while navigating the construction zone.
TDOT's reminder comes with a nudge for drivers to leverage every tool at their disposal for a smooth commute. In their announcement, they implore travelers to "Know Before You Go!" - that is, check up on travel conditions before firing up the ignition. Distractions like tweeting, texting, or phone calls behind the wheel are no-nos, especially when threading through narrowed lanes.
For up-to-the-minute construction and traffic updates, TDOT nudges motorists towards the TDOT SmartWay system. The option for calling 511 remains on the table as well, for those preferring vocal cues to navigate their travel plans.
