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SmartFIX40 improvements reach halfway point

Nov. 20, 2008

The most ambitious project in the history of the Tennessee Department of Transportation is now halfway to completion. TDOT's SmartFIX40 project in downtown Knoxville reached the halfway point Nov. 14 with work still on schedule to be completed by June 30, 2009.

"We are very pleased with how well the project has progressed so far," said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "Drivers have adjusted well to the detour and traffic has continued to flow smoothly through Knoxville which was a key concern. Now the race is on for the contractor to complete all work by June 30."

A one-mile segment of I-40, located between James White Parkway (Exit 388) and Hall of Fame Drive (Exit 389) was closed on May 1, 2008, for 14 months while crews worked to totally rebuild the short section of interstate for the final phase of the massive project. TDOT estimates by closing this section of I-40 for the work, the department will reduce construction time by two to three years. Broken into two separate contracts, SmartFIX40 has a construction price tag of $190 million.

When construction on I-40 in downtown Knoxville is complete, the interstate will be widened to six through lanes and four auxiliary lanes. In addition to interstate improvements, work has included the construction of nine bridges, 14 retaining walls and three noise walls. Additionally, two existing bridges have been demolished, 12 side roads are being completed and seven new traffic ramps are being constructed.

Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam added, "One of our main concerns was the impact this project would have on our revitalized downtown, but the pre-planning with TDOT, contractors, local law enforcement agencies and emergency services has paid dividends."

Since May 1, 2008, SmartFIX40 activities include:

Number of bridges constructed: 5;

Traffic ramps constructed: 2;

Noise walls constructed: 3;

Bridges demolished: 9;

Retaining walls constructed: 6;

Steel used: 669,000 lb;

Concrete poured: 3,181 cu yd;

Asphalt / base stone used: 80,969 tons;

Earth moved: 226,000 cu yd;

Street lights installed: 134;

Concrete sidewalk: 1,000 linear ft;