The Tennessee Department of Transportation and contractor crews have begun preliminary work on Interstate 440. 

That includes the construction of noise walls along eastbound lanes of the interstate, fiber line relocation, LED light installation and ramp queues. 

During this first phase, drivers will experience minimal traffic impacts with lane reductions in the overnight hours. 

However, when phase two begins in February of 2019, traffic in both directions will be down to two lanes 24/7 for the major work to be done. 

The second phase will consist of median removal for the new concrete barrier and concrete rubblization to make way for the new asphalt. 

“The asphalt itself, the surface layer we typically repave every eight years,” said Project Manager for TDOT Clayton Markham. “But as far as any major reconstruction, there shouldn’t be any for a really long time.” 

Markham said crews will soon be working around the clock and had a message for drivers. 

“Slow down, be patient, this corridor is congested already. As work goes on, there’s going to be a lot of people in close proximity to traffic. A lot of things moving, equipment. Be aware, pay attention, move over when you can,” said Markham. 

The project is set to be complete in August of 2020.