NB I-75 North of Knoxville, Consider a Detour

[DaYooper]

Returned from Florida today (no trailer in tow), but was stuck in a 6 mile back up yesterday on I-75 NB. This was between a 75 and 90 minute crawl for a 1/2 mile project that has 75 down to one lane. The handy DOT sign blinking advised me of a detour to take, while I was stuck in the backup, not real helpful, since everyone was getting off at the exits and that was backed up too. The detour referenced looking at a map, makes me think it had me leaving 75 near Knoxville, thus avoiding the nightmare of traffic we faced or on the nearby roads that others exited too.

From what I recall it was Hwy 62 to US27 North to Hwy 63 to get back to I-75. Had I known of this I would have used it traveling on a late Friday. Off times is probably not a bid deal at all. Just figured I'd pass it on! I'm not familiar with the area and can't commenton the roads or the best reroute. Maybe someone will add solid info on a reroute.

Here's the DOT statement, but lacks the detour that was playing on the AM radio station:

CURRENT ACTIVITIES:
Updated 04/21/2014: Beginning Monday, April 21, 2014 at 7:00pm: I-75 northbound will be reduced to one lane until approximately May, 20, 2014. During this time the Interstate 75 will be reduced to one lane northbound at exit 134 in Caryville to complete necessary bridge repairs. At exit 134, the left lane only will continue north I-75 and the right lane will be required to use exit 134. Southbound I-75 in this project will be unaffected until a future date in May or June 2014. Motorists are encouraged to be alert, observe posted speed limits, watch for stopped vehicles, and obey guide signage. Please drive carefully when traveling through this area.

[Jim_Shoe]

stickdog wrote:
Didn't know both the Reds and the Bengals were playing during Derby Day?

The point was that Derby Day isn't the only day the bridge is super crowded. Many folks that live in Northern KY. cross that one bridge to get to those stadiums and game time concentrates the traffic from both sides of the river onto one already busy downtown street.

[stickdog]

Didn't know both the Reds and the Bengals were playing during Derby Day?

[Jim_Shoe]

BTW, they named it the Brent Spence Bridge. Say that real fast three times. You'll sprain your tongue.
Southbound is no picnic either on Kentucky Derby weekend. I71, I75 and I74 all join up in Ohio, cross the river on that bridge, and then I-71 splits off towards Louisville 12 traffic jam miles later.
Then the stadiums for the Bengals and the Reds, both on the riverfront, just add to the traffic. That's a stumper for me. You can't see the river from inside either stadium. Why built them there?