Beginning today, lane closures will ensue on South Jefferson Avenue as part of a 2.3-mile project aiming to widen and improve the stretch of road from I-40 to SR 111. According to a bulletin from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the lane closures, which will impact both directions near the I-40 interchange, are slated to last until October 31.
Venturing north on Jefferson Avenue, drivers will notice the road narrowing to one lane commencing from Williams Enterprise Drive and continuing until the I-40 East overpass. Left turns onto Bunker Hill Road are open, and those needing to head east on I-40 can still make right turns onto the entrance ramp. Once past this point, your path opens back up to the usual two lanes.
On the flip side, traveling south on Jefferson Avenue, motorists will run into a similar constriction to a single lane starting at the I-40 West overpass. A temporary right-turn lane onto Bunker Hill Road will make the cut, and accessing the I-40 East entrance ramp will still be possible via a left turn. From there, expect to be funneled into a single lane flow until you're clear of the construction zone.
The need for vigilance is stressed by TDOT, urging travelers to exercise caution and prepare for potential delays during this time. Keeping up to the minute with travel conditions is recommended before hitting the road. Though climbing into your car, it's critical to avoid driving distractions like texting, per TDOT's safety campaign.
