Travelers gearing up for weekend journeys on I-40 through Loudon County may need to schedule in some extra time for their commutes. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced that beginning 7 p.m. Friday, October 17, a significant stretch of the interstate will be narrowed to just one lane in each direction at MM 363 due to bridge repairs.
Specifically, the constraints, which are expected to persist round-the-clock until Monday, October 20, at 6 a.m., will affect the bridge soaring over Paw Paw Plains Road. This marks the third consecutive weekend of concerted efforts to mend this critical infrastructure, situated just a mile away from Exit 364 (Lenoir City/US 321), as reported by TDOT.
While the repairs are crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of the bridge, the interference with highway traffic is bound to lead to some frustrations. TDOT is banking on favorable weather to adhere to the aforementioned timeline, ensuring that the disturbances are as short-lived as possible. Motorists are advised to prepare for slow-moving traffic and to operate with heightened awareness of the workers present.
TDOT implores the public to "Know Before You Go!" by checking travel conditions before departing. Travelers can seek the latest updates via the TDOT SmartWay system or by calling 511 for real-time travel information. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel, to ensure that they are privy to the most current advisements without compromising their safety or that of others on the road.
