TDOT Distributes One of a Kind SmartFIX40 Informational Poster

Knoxville, TN. - The Tennessee Department of Transportation is working to spread the word about the May 1, 2008 closure of I-40 in downtown Knoxville with a unique art project.  This week more than 2,700 wall posters depicting the finished SmartFIX40 project in downtown Knoxville will be distributed to area businesses.  The custom poster is an artist rendition of the new signature bridge on Hall of Fame Drive over I-40 with the skyline of downtown Knoxville in the background.  The 20×24-inch poster contains information about the rerouting of traffic, the SmartFIX40 website address and the project telephone hotline.

This innovative approach to providing road construction information targets high traffic businesses like hospitals, restaurants, hotels, libraries, and other popular locations to remind motorists of the important traffic changes being made on I-40 in downtown Knoxville.

The poster is the work of Nashville artist Joel Anderson.  “This is such a unique opportunity for an artist.  I am pleased that my work will be used to help spread the word about SmartFIX40 and when the project is complete, I hope the folks in Knoxville enjoy my artwork.”

The one-mile section of I-40, located between James White Parkway (Exit 388) and Hall of Fame Drive (Exit 389), will close for 14 months of reconstruction as part of the final phase of the SmartFIX40 project. The project is scheduled to be completed on or before June 30, 2009 and will save almost 23 months of construction time.

I-40 through Knoxville currently carries an average of 103,000 vehicles per day. During the closure, the segment of I-40 will be widened to six through lanes and four auxiliary lanes will be added. In addition to interstate improvements, work will include the construction of nine bridges, 14 retaining walls and three noise walls. Additionally, two existing bridges will be demolished, 12 side roads will be completed and seven new ramps will be constructed.

Access to and from downtown Knoxville will always be maintained during construction.  Eastbound and westbound I-40 through traffic will be rerouted onto I-640.   Local traffic will have a number of alternate routes to get to and from downtown and the University of Tennessee. Eastbound motorists can use James White Parkway, Henley Street or Alcoa Highway.  Westbound motorists can use the new Hall of Fame Drive to get to Neyland Drive and the South Knoxville Bridge.

To view a copy of the poster, please visit www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2008/030408a.htm.

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TDOT Communications Office
615-741-2331