Backups Anticipated on I-75 Southbound from Kentucky into Tennessee

Tuesday, April 03, 2012 | 07:14am
April 3, 2012
SPECIAL TRAVEL ADVISORY
                                                
Backups Anticipated on I-75 Southbound from Kentucky into Tennessee
 
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Interstate 75 South is currently reduced to one lane at Mile Marker 144 in Tennessee.  This lane reduction is due to a landslide which occurred on March 8, 2012 near Mile Marker 143, and temporarily forced the closure of the southbound lanes. 
 
Median crossovers have been constructed and one southbound lane is being maintained on the northbound side of I-75 between Mile Markers 144 and 141. Two northbound lanes are being maintained through this section.
 
During holiday and peak travel times, major delays and traffic backups in excess of 20 miles are expected along this stretch of I-75.  Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes to avoid this area during peak travel periods.
 
  • Motorists choosing to bypass I-75 through the landslide area can take Exit 160 in Jellico and turn left to follow US 25W to LaFollette, then back to I-75 South at Exit 134 in Caryville.
 
  • Wide loads in excess of 12 feet in width must exit I-75 South at Exit 160, turn right and follow State Route 297 West, to State Route 63, then back to I-75 South at Exit 141.  Due to the geographical terrain of this route, motorists are advised to use extreme caution.
 
Motorists should be advised that there are no exits with fuel service beyond Exit 160 in Jellico until reaching Exit 141.  Motorists should check fuel levels prior to Exit 160.
 
For more information on travel conditions across Tennessee visit www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or call 5-1-1 from any land line or cell phone.  TDOT is also on Twitter.  For up to the minute traffic information in Knoxville and the Tri-Cities follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/knoxville511.  For statewide travel information follow www.twitter.com/TN511

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