Henley Bridge closure to begin January 3, 2011
December 6, 2010

Coach Pat Summitt with TDOT team

A familiar face for basketball fans all over the country is helping to deliver an important message for motorists accustomed to using the Henley Bridge in downtown Knoxville. At 12:01 a.m. on January 3, 2011, the Tennessee Department of Transportation will close the Henley Bridge for approximately 24 to 30 months, for an extensive rehabilitation project. To help explain the project detour to area citizens TDOT enlisted the help of University of Tennessee Lady Vols Head Coach Pat Summitt.

This weekend, public service announcements explaining how to get around the Henley Bridge project via James White Parkway kicked off on radio and television. This week, newspaper ads featuring a detour map and information will also begin running. Both are part of TDOT's overall community outreach efforts to ensure the public is informed about the upcoming Henley Bridge closure which is expected to affect more than 38,000 motorists a day.

Work is underway to prepare for the January 3 closure. This week, crews will begin pouring new sidewalk and will begin working to widen the on and off ramps on James White Parkway and Sevierville Pike. Utility work on the southbound ramp will also begin. Motorists will also notice the installation of poles for the temporary traffic signals at James White Parkway and Sevierville Pike. Motorists need to watch for temporary lane closures on both ramps and on the inside lanes of Sevierville Pike while crews continue to modify the detour route in preparation for the closure.

The Henley Bridge Community Center and project office is located at 220 East Blount Avenue and is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. The phone number is (865) 577-6988.