Question about traffic to RTL

#1

SeniorDrill

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#1
I am thinking of making the drive down to Knox Catholic. I have about a two hour drive on I81 and I40. Since the first game starts at 6 I would probably hit the rush hour traffic. I need to plan for that. How much of a delay would that be? Would it be better to take the I640 bypass? Is it so bad that I would just need to go through Knoxville earlier and what time would that be?
 
#2
#2
Just take 640, that'll be your easiest way if you don't wanna risk traffic. Knoxville traffic is rarely bad on 40, but if you're worried about it 640 is fine.
 
#4
#4
Here's one alternate route using I-640 (mentioned by BO above) that will get you to Catholic.

MapQuest Maps - Driving Directions - Map

I am thinking of making the drive down to Knox Catholic. I have about a two hour drive on I81 and I40. Since the first game starts at 6 I would probably hit the rush hour traffic. I need to plan for that. How much of a delay would that be? Would it be better to take the I640 bypass? Is it so bad that I would just need to go through Knoxville earlier and what time would that be?
 
#6
#6
It's not a whole lot farther mileage-wise, but you're adding about 10 minutes because you're using back roads (4 lanes) instead of interstate.

If it were me, I'd take this I-640 to Middlebrook option every time if you're going to hit Knoxville in that 5-6:00 range. That way you can go ahead and budget the extra 10 minutes travel time and know you won't be sitting in traffic for a half hour on I-40.

Thanks very much for posting! How much farther is it taking 640?
 
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#8
#8
If you are going to be on I 40 near Cedar Bluff exit between 5-6 it gets a little heavy, not as bad east bound. If coming west bound from downtown, it is usually backed up.
 
#9
#9
If you are going to be on I 40 near Cedar Bluff exit between 5-6 it gets a little heavy, not as bad east bound. If coming west bound from downtown, it is usually backed up.

Yeah West Knoxville usually has bad traffic both ways during rush hour.

Speaking of which, I just got a new job, and will be commuting from downtown to Lovell road. Shifts don't start until 10AM, so does anyone have any idea how bad traffic would be from 9-10? Surely not as bad as 8-9, right?
 
#10
#10
From looking at a map, since I'm not as familiar with I81, that runs right into I40 at the Asheville split?

If that is correct, then you will want to take 640 and then take Middlebrook pike if you want to avoid traffic. There is not an exit from the Interstate to Middlebrook, not sure how familiar you are with the area.

There is no avoiding West Knoxville traffic if you don't take Middlebrook, it is usually heavy from Papermill to Pelissippi at that time of day. If there is a wreck it is pretty bad.
 
#11
#11
Yeah West Knoxville usually has bad traffic both ways during rush hour.

Speaking of which, I just got a new job, and will be commuting from downtown to Lovell road. Shifts don't start until 10AM, so does anyone have any idea how bad traffic would be from 9-10? Surely not as bad as 8-9, right?

I go through downtown all the way to Pelissippi around 7:30 and it is not that bad. I came through this morning around 8:15 and it wasn't bad. There was construction going on just before the Lovell rd exit, not sure if still going on. That was backing things up
 
#12
#12
From looking at a map, since I'm not as familiar with I81, that runs right into I40 at the Asheville split? If that is correct, then you will want to take 640 and then take Middlebrook pike if you want to avoid traffic. There is not an exit from the Interstate to Middlebrook, not sure how familiar you are with the area.
There is no avoiding West Knoxville traffic if you don't take Middlebrook, it is usually heavy from Papermill to Pelissippi at that time of day. If there is a wreck it is pretty bad.
Are you saying to exit off of 640 onto Middlebrook and go on backroad to Knox Catholic?
 
#13
#13
I go through downtown all the way to Pelissippi around 7:30 and it is not that bad. I came through this morning around 8:15 and it wasn't bad. There was construction going on just before the Lovell rd exit, not sure if still going on. That was backing things up

Hmm maybe it won't be too bad then. I'll give myself 45 mins just in case. Really appreciate the help, sir :hi:
 
#15
#15
BTO and SD should meet up at the gym and sit together, taking notes on the players and updating here. Freak can sit in the row behind them to maintain order. :whistling:
 
#16
#16
Hmm maybe it won't be too bad then. I'll give myself 45 mins just in case. Really appreciate the help, sir :hi:

I drive from Corryton (just off Rutledge Pike, takes me 10 mins to get to interstate) to Oak Ridge every day through the week. It takes me 40-50 mins. I go through downtown, through west knox on i40, then on to Pelissippi parkway. I just get in the far left lane and go.
 
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