KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) — Motorists traveling through downtown Knoxville should plan for significant traffic impacts this weekend as bridge repair work requires the closure of northbound James White Parkway.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced that northbound James White Parkway (State Route 158) will close beginning at 7 p.m. Friday to allow crews to perform bridge repairs. The closure is scheduled to remain in place until 6 a.m. Monday.
Officials are encouraging drivers to plan ahead and use alternate routes to avoid delays.
Multiple Ramps to Close
Several northbound entrance ramps will be closed during the repair project, including:
- Main Street to James White Parkway northbound
- Hall of Fame Drive to James White Parkway northbound
- Neyland Drive to James White Parkway northbound
- Historic Preservation Drive to James White Parkway northbound
In addition, northbound James White Parkway traffic will be reduced to a single lane between Sevier Avenue and Historic Preservation Drive in the construction zone.
Northbound traffic will also be closed at Riverside Drive, though officials say East Hill Avenue will remain accessible.
Alternate Routes Recommended
During the closure, TDOT recommends motorists use:
- Alcoa Highway (U.S. 129/State Route 115)
- Hall of Fame Drive
Drivers should expect increased traffic on those routes throughout the weekend.
Final Major Closure Expected
Transportation officials say this is anticipated to be the final weekend closure needed to complete repairs on the James White Parkway bridge.
Single-lane closures may continue on some weeknights as the project wraps up. Officials note that all construction schedules remain weather dependent.
TDOT also emphasized that if work must be rescheduled, it will not occur during a University of Tennessee football home game weekend.
Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time, reduce speeds in work zones and remain alert for construction crews and changing traffic patterns.
