Drivers in Knox County are facing a major detour this weekend as the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) moves forward with bridge replacement work on I-275. Per TDOT, traffic in both directions of I-275 will be shut down starting at 7 p.m. tonight and won’t open again until 6 a.m. on Monday as crews get to work on the bridge that spans Elm Street and Bernard Avenue.
The closure, a necessary step to allow for the replacement of the bridge, will force motorists to reroute their journey via I-40 and I-640, potentially causing significant congestion. According to a statement obtained by TDOT, additional closures are also on the horizon, with the roadway closing again on the weekend starting Friday, July 18, through the following Monday morning, and one more anticipated closure set for sometime in the fall.
As drivers navigate the closure, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) urges the public to plan ahead and exercise patience. Officials noted that the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions. Motorists are advised to use caution when bypassing the work zone, as crews will be on-site working to complete the project as efficiently as possible.
To help drivers prepare for potential delays, TDOT encourages motorists to "Know Before You Go" by checking travel conditions in advance. Resources include TDOT’s SmartWay Traffic website, highway advisory radio, and the SmartWay Traffic app. Drivers are also reminded to avoid distractions such as texting, calling, or using social media—especially while traveling through work zones.
