Motorists planning to navigate Interstate 40 in Cumberland County may need to rethink their Sunday travel itinerary — a scheduled utility project will be instigating rolling lane closures across a nearly 11-mile stretch of the highway on December 14, according to an official announcement from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). The closures, affecting both directions of the interstate between mile markers 318 and 329, are scheduled to take place between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM local time.
The imminent lane closures, facilitating essential utility work, suggest a testing commute for early Sunday drivers — TDOT advises the use of caution in the area and warns that these works could lead to traffic delays, suggesting that those who can, might plot an alternate route. In an effort to stay current with the latest traffic conditions, TDOT encourages travelers to utilize its resources, such as the TDOT SmartWay Map or to call the statewide travel number, 511, as reported on its website.
External factors, such as weather, could push back the utility work, prompting rescheduling, but during the scheduled hours, drivers can expect the presence of uniformed police officers who will be there to aid with traffic control, as well as enforce the law as needed, the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500 remains a stark reminder of the severity with which Tennessee takes its road safety, especially in light of the state's Move Over Law passed in 2006.
