A serious crash in Maryville shut down a key stretch of East Lamar Alexander Parkway on Thursday morning, clogging traffic east of downtown as emergency crews and investigators worked the scene. Drivers were pushed onto neighborhood streets while first responders secured the area and tried to piece together what happened.
The Maryville Police Department closed East Lamar Alexander Parkway between Hodges Lane and Tuckaleechee Trail so its crash reconstruction team could process the scene, according to WATE 6 On Your Side. As of the initial report, officials had not released information about injuries or how many vehicles were involved.
Where the closure happened
East Lamar Alexander Parkway doubles as the main U.S. 321/SR 73 route out of Maryville toward the Great Smoky Mountains, so when it shuts down, the whole east side feels it. The corridor has been the focus of ongoing signal and safety work, and city documents highlight plans for new signalization and intersection upgrades along the parkway, according to City of Maryville planning documents. Those plans underscore how quickly a closure here can ripple through local traffic patterns.
Recent safety issues on the parkway
The crash comes on the heels of other serious incidents along the same roadway. Earlier this month, WVLT reported that a motorcyclist was injured in the 6100 block of East Lamar Alexander Parkway after what troopers said may have involved a bear.
What drivers should know
For now, motorists should expect delays and build in extra travel time if they need to move through the Maryville area while investigators are still on scene. WATE 6 On Your Side reported that authorities were actively processing the crash site and would release updates as they become available.
This story will be updated as officials share more information. Drivers in Blount County should keep an eye on local traffic alerts for the latest word on reopening times and any ongoing detours.
