Safety Improvements get Underway for Southbound I-275

Knoxville, Tenn.- The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is taking measures to improve a stretch of roadway on southbound I-275 in Knoxville, from mile marker 1.3 to 1.9, where there have been numerous accidents recently.

“Safety is always our first concern,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “This section of highway was designed many years ago, but now seems to be causing some problems for drivers during wet weather. We’re taking actions to improve the surface and the road markings there, but we also need to stress that drivers abide by the recommended speed limit of 45 miles per hour on that curve for their own safety.”

Today, TDOT released the results from a friction test performed on the southbound I-275 road surface near the Oldham Avenue exit. The test measures the quality and condition of the road’s riding surface. Testing showed the road surface to be marginally worn in accordance with TDOT specifications. The road surface falls within a range that typically TDOT would continue to monitor. TDOT performs friction tests on every interstate surface every two years.

TDOT will re-surface approximately one mile of southbound I-275 between the Heiskell Avenue on-ramp and the Oldham Avenue exit, using a coarse asphalt to increase friction on the road surface. Construction will be scheduled as soon as weather permits.

In addition the 45 mph advisory speed limit which currently exists only for the curve will be extended to include the entire mile stretch. Other safety improvements include the placement of additional curve warning signs and additional pavement markings.

Approximately 26,000 vehicles use the impacted area of southbound I-275 each day.