KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A Knox County commissioner is proposing a new vision for reducing traffic congestion along one of East Tennessee’s busiest corridors.
Commissioner Larsen Jay is suggesting the construction of an elevated lane above Interstate 40, rather than expanding the highway outward. The concept would run from Strawberry Plains to the I-40/I-75 split.
Jay says similar designs have been used in major cities like San Antonio, Miami, and Atlanta, and he believes the idea could offer a smarter long-term solution for Knox County’s growing transportation demands.
“We’ve got to think about things in a different way,” Jay said. “Instead of doing the same old thing, we need smarter transportation solutions.”
Residents say traffic congestion continues to be a daily issue. Some neighbors support the idea but also raise concerns about the cost and feasibility of such a project.
Jay’s broader vision also includes a regional bypass connecting Dandridge to Sweetwater, as well as a reimagined Neyland Drive. His proposal would place a park and walkway over the road, effectively creating a tunnel beneath and opening up new opportunities for riverfront development.
That vision could include retail space, a performing arts district, and improved connectivity between downtown Knoxville, the University of Tennessee, and the riverfront.
Jay acknowledges the proposal is still in its early stages and does not yet have a price tag. He says his goal is to start a conversation about addressing traffic before population growth adds more strain to the road system.
For more information on Knox County government and transportation planning, visit:
https://www.knoxcounty.org
