TDOT says the final layer of resurfacing is underway on I-40 after potholes caused several flat tires over the weekend.
Those potholes opened on the westbound lanes near the Papermill Drive exit in west Knoxville, where contact crews recently did bridge repairs.
Crews made emergency road repairs in that area on Saturday, but TDOT still urges drivers to use caution in that area until the project is finished.
"If you're driving in this area, understand that it's going to be a little bit rough until the resurfacing activities have been completed, so slow down and use some extra caution," said Mark Nagi, TDOT spokesperson.
Final resurfacing is going on Sunday through Thursday nights over the next two weeks. Drivers could see lane closures on those days from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Original story: May 5, 2018
The Knoxville Police Department is warning drivers on Interstate 40 westbound near the Papermill exit to be wary of potholes in the area as of Saturday afternoon.
Police say the Tennessee Department of Transportation has been notified of the potholes and has engineers on the way to take a look at the road.
TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi said to 10News there had been "some rough road in that area as resurfacing work continues." He also mentioned the contractor for that repaving work did emergency repairs in the area with the potholes Friday afternoon. He mentioned the pothole issues are "at the bridge ends where you still have the old surface, which caused the issues today."
Nagi said crews will start the final resurfacing layer Sunday evening. He said that the resurfacing should take ten nights to complete.
Police are asking folks on the roads to slow down in the area and be careful as dozens of cars have gotten flat tires near this area.