May 30, 2006 

KNOXVILLE (WATE/AP) -- Drivers headed into Knoxville on I-40 west are encouraged to use the I-640 loop to get around a new construction project by downtown.

Crews will close the right westbound lane of I-40 between the Broadway Interchange and the James White Parkway daily from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The closure will last through June 1.

Once the lane is closed off, crews will clear trees from along the interstate, so utilities can be relocated around Fourth Avenue and Gill.

The larger project is the widening of that section of I-40 in the area just northeast of downtown.

The plan calls for closing down the downtown section of I-40 entirely for 14 months, beginning in May 2008.

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