U.S. Secretary of Transportation Visits Smartfix40 Project

Knoxville, Tenn. — Officials from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) hosted U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters in a tour of the SmartFIX40 construction project in downtown Knoxville today, to highlight solutions that ease congestion and improve the lives of local citizens.

“Secretary Peters has a solid reputation for placing emphasis on building roads faster, relieving gridlock and improving safety, so I knew she would have a distinct interest in a project that addresses those needs by utilizing accelerated construction techniques,” said Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr.

“Here in Knoxville it is clear that TDOT is using common sense to make sure motorists are not trapped in congestion. When I visit a place like Knoxville and see an innovative solution in action I become increasingly convinced that congestion is a problem that we can solve,” said Secretary Peters. “When SmartFIX40 is complete, it will deliver to Knoxville’s drivers freedom from gridlock, safer roads and freedom to enjoy culture and commerce downtown,” continued Secretary Peters.

TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely was on hand to greet Secretary Peters and stated, “It is quite a privilege to have Secretary Peters visit this project. SmartFIX40 is one of a handful of projects across the country that employs new techniques to accelerate construction and I am proud that Secretary Peters was able to see first hand how Tennessee is working to meet the ultimate goal of safer, more efficient roads and highways.”

Peters was nominated by President George W. Bush in 2006 and is the 15th Secretary of Transportation.

SmartFIX40 is an accelerated construction process that involves the complete closure of a roadway to allow around-the-clock work uninterrupted by traffic. This dramatically reduces the time it takes to complete the project, thereby reducing the long-term inconvenience to motorists.

During the SmartFIX40 project, James White Parkway will be closed for nine months and I-40 through traffic will be rerouted onto I-640 for 14 months starting in the spring of 2008. Local traffic will have access to downtown at all times. More than two years of traffic delays, lane closures and motorist frustrations will be avoided by allowing construction crews the opportunity to work without restriction from moving traffic while traffic is rerouted from I-40. Approximately 103,000 vehicles travel I-40 through downtown on a daily basis.