I-40/James White Parkway/Hall of Fame Drive
A SmartFix Project

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Since SmartFix accelerates a construction project, how much time will be saved on the James White Parkway project?
A: We anticipate at least 23 months of construction time will be eliminated by the accelerated construction process. This time savings has a major impact on motorists by saving them time and money sitting in slower traffic and seeking alternate routes.

Q: Will it cost the state any more to do the project using the SmartFix method?
A: Actually, No. The estimated cost for doing the project the traditional method or using the SmartFix method is estimated to be very nearly the same. The reason is that the additional cost of traffic control and costs associated with risk/accident/safety will increase the cost of the project were it done the traditional method. When the costs to motorists are added in for a longer construction project, we estimate the traditional method would actually cost more in the long run.

Q: How will I get downtown if the interstate is closed during construction?
A: By constructing Hall of Fame Drive first, access to and from downtown will be maintained at all times from I-40. The only movement that will be closed on the interstate will be for traffic traveling through town. This traffic will be diverted to I-640.

Q: Does the project include improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists?
A: Yes – for pedestrians, sidewalks will be improved on the City streets that are impacted by construction. For bicyclists, six foot bicycle lanes will be built along both sides of Hall of Fame Drive. In addition, a ten foot greenway will be built along 6th Ave underneath I-40 that will connect to the existing City of Knoxville greenway system.

Q: Will this project include improvements to the Broadway/Hall of Fame Drive intersection near Old North Knoxville at Kenyon Drive?
A: The intersection of Broadway and Hall of Fame Drive is currently being reviewed as a separate feasibility study. Additional community meetings will be necessary for this project, and community input will play a significant role in the final design alternative that is selected.

Q: Will this project include sound barriers?
A: Yes – Sound barriers will be constructed along the interstate corridor adjacent to both the Fourth and Gill and Parkridge communities.

Q: Will this project help the First Creek flooding problems north of the interstate?
A: Yes – First Creek currently flows in a box culvert under I-40. This box culvert will be replaced by longer span bridges, thus lowering the upstream headwater to help control flooding. In addition, the entire creek has been modeled to ensure that downstream problems are not created by allowing more flow through the I-40 crossing.

Q: If I want to use alternate transportation in the downtown area during the construction, what should I do?
A: Knoxville Area Transit’s express services from Halls, Farragut and Cedar Bluff are alternatives into downtown and UT. Fixed route bus service is offered on major corridors Monday-Saturday until midnight, and on Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fare-free trolleys also serve downtown, the Coliseum area and UT on weekdays, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. The SmartTrips program offers help with carpools and vanpools, as well providing information on biking and walking. The SmartFix 40 office at the corner of N. Fifth and N. Sixth Streets is served by Route 23 Fairmont with a bus stop conveniently located next to the building.