Knoxville to Close Neyland Drive for Railroad Work

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will close a section of Neyland Drive starting October 24 for railroad crossing repairs.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Knoxville to Close Neyland Drive for Railroad Work

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Beginning at 4 a.m. on October 24, 2026, the Tennessee Department of Transportation will close Neyland Drive between Jacob Drive and Joan Cronan Way. Crews are scheduled to remove and replace an existing railroad crossing at this location through 11:59 p.m. on October 25.

Why it matters

The closure is necessary to facilitate the removal and replacement of an aging railroad crossing. Motorists are advised to utilize detour routes through the University of Tennessee campus to navigate around the work zone.

Work is slated to conclude by 11:59 p.m. on October 25, while additional bridge inspections throughout the area are scheduled to continue daily through October 28.

The players

Tennessee Department of Transportation

This state agency is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the road and bridge network across Tennessee.

The details

Drivers traveling on Interstate 275 South should plan for detours using Interstate 40 West to Interstate 640 East to reach Interstate 40 East. Additional closures will affect the Interstate 275 southbound ramp to Interstate 40 East, the Henley Street northbound ramp, and the Interstate 40 East ramp at Exit 388.

October 24, 2026, 4 a.m. to October 25, 2026, 11:59 p.m.: Neyland Drive closure.
October 24 to October 25, 2026, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: I-275 southbound ramp to I-40 East closure.
October 26 to October 27, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Henley Street northbound ramp right lane closure.
October 28, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: I-40 East Exit 388 ramp to Western Avenue closure.
October 19 to October 28, 2026: Ongoing bridge inspections in the Knoxville area.

Market Landscape

This project follows the routine maintenance schedules established by the Tennessee Department of Transportation's bridge inspection protocols. These infrastructure investments reflect the state's ongoing commitment to balancing traffic flow with long-term facility preservation.

Commuters should anticipate delays and adjust their travel times, particularly when navigating around the University of Tennessee campus. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead for the listed ramp closures to avoid unexpected route disruptions.

The takeaway

Travelers should verify their routes in advance, as multiple simultaneous projects are affecting major arteries throughout the city. Utilizing designated detours will help minimize the impact of these temporary closures on your daily commute.