Heads up, Loudon County drivers—construction crews will have I-40 down to a single lane starting this Friday evening. The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced necessary bridge repair work on I-40 that will constrict traffic flow at MM 363 over the Paw Paw Plains Road. The repair is slated to occur near Exit 364 (Lenoir City/US 321), as reported by TDOT.
The lane closures are part of a round-the-clock operation beginning at 7 p.m. on September 26 and are expected to last until early Monday, September 29, by 6 a.m. Additionally, these lanes will be restricted once more the following weekend, from late Friday, October 3, to Monday morning, October 6. This schedule is, however, dependent on the weather playing ball.
Motorists are warned to anticipate delays due to the lane closures and are encouraged to exercise increased caution when traveling through the construction areas, as workers will be present. TDOT reminds drivers to stay informed before hitting the road—safety first, which means no tweeting, texting, or talking on the phone while driving.
For real-time traffic updates, travelers can utilize the TDOT SmartWay system, which offers the most current construction activity and congestion information. There's also the option of calling 511 for direct travel information, recommended for those planning a journey using this stretch of I-40. With bridge repairs being an essential safety measure, patience and caution are paramount for a safe trip across Loudon County's gateway infrastructure.
