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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Transportation has a plan to repair I-640 in Northeast Knoxville, hoping to ensure drivers won't need to dodge dips and potholes on that road.

TDOT will soon start the second construction phase from the Broadway exit to the I-40 interchange on the east end.  

"People, they just don't want to drive on those roads where you get the thumpity-thump,” said Jay Rosen, who drives on I-640 every day. 

Data collected by the TDOT shows nearly 90,000 people drive on the section of interstate every single day. 

"Three of the five highest volumes on the interstate in Tennessee are in Knoxville,” said a spokesperson for TDOT. 

The highway was completed in 1982 and now some say the roads need major major work. Some say that potholes plague the area and navigating around bumps can be difficult during an average commute.

Experts said that many drivers may choose to drive in one specific lane instead of others that could be in disrepair. As a result, the highway ends up with a diminished capability to handle surges in traffic.

Researchers at TDOT also said road deterioration happens naturally over time due to age, weather and traffic demands. 

They announced the second phase of I-640 would start soon. It links I-40 with US 441, I-75 and I-275, along with many other busy routes across Knoxville. 

TDOT calls the process "rubbilization." As part of the process, crews will pulverize the eastern half of the interstate into small pieces and then pave over it.

TDOT leaders say the project will make it easier to maintain the road in the future.

"This will allow us longevity on the road to last a long time,” said a spokesperson for TDOT.

The construction will cost more than $20 million and should be completed in November 2023. 

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