Traffic Snarls Hit Knoxville Area After Two Afternoon Crashes

Heavy traffic on a Knoxville highway caused by multiple accidents

News Summary

Knoxville drivers experienced significant delays on Friday afternoon due to two separate crashes on Interstate 75 and Interstate 40. The first crash, occurring around 4:39 PM ET in Loudon County, blocked a northbound lane and created extensive traffic backups. Just after the first crash was cleared, a second collision happened at 5:16 PM ET on Interstate 40 in Knox County, blocking an eastbound lane. While there are no immediate reports of injuries, officials are monitoring the situation closely and providing traffic updates. Commuters are advised to consider alternate routes or delay their travels.

Traffic Snarls Hit Knoxville Area After Two Afternoon Crashes

Knoxville drivers faced some unexpected headaches on Friday afternoon as two separate crashes caused severe traffic delays in the area. It wasn’t the drive home anyone had been hoping for!

The First Crash: Interstate 75 in Loudon County

The first incident occurred at around 4:39 PM ET, when a crash blocked a northbound lane of Interstate 75 in Loudon County, not too far from the exit to Highway 321. Commuters found themselves in a frustrating standstill as traffic delays quickly started to build.

As you can imagine, when something like this happens during rush hour, things can get messy. Drivers reported backups stretching almost all the way to the Loudon Highway exit, making it a tough afternoon for anyone trying to head home or navigate through the area. The disruption was felt by many, with vehicles stacked up and waiting for the scene to clear.

The Second Crash: Interstate 40 in Knox County

5:16 PM ET. This time, the chaos shifted to Interstate 40 in Knox County. A car accident blocked an eastbound lane before the Watt Road exit, adding another layer of frustration for drivers.

Backups from this second crash were similarly frustrating, as they extended all the way to North Cedar Bluff Road. If you were on the roads around that time, it’s likely that you felt the heat as patience wore thin among motorists. With both crashes happening so close together, traffic in the Knoxville area was at a standstill.

What We Know About Injuries and Next Steps

As of now, officials haven’t provided any immediate details regarding injuries resulting from these crashes. It’s always difficult to gauge the extent of accidents right after they occur, and understandably, many residents are hoping for the best for those involved. Additionally, details surrounding the circumstances of each crash are still emerging.

Traffic updates were initially provided by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and they continue to monitor the situation closely. As more information becomes available, drivers and local residents are advised to stay tuned for updates to avoid further delays.

Advice for Knoxville Drivers

If you’re in the Knoxville area or planning to travel there, it might be wise to take a different route or delay your journey until things clear up. Remember that with so many vehicles backed up, gridlock can create unpredictable delays.

As always, it’s best to keep yourself and others safe on the road by driving cautiously and staying informed about traffic conditions. Hopefully, things will return to normal quickly, but for now, patience is key!

In Conclusion

So, there you have it – a not-so-great start to the weekend for many Knoxville commuters. With two back-to-back crashes causing significant delays on major highways, Friday certainly had its fair share of road troubles. Here’s hoping everyone got home safely eventually, and let’s wish for smoother travels in the future.

Stay safe out there, Knoxville!