Join us for a 10-mile drive east along Interstate 640 in Knoxville, Tennessee, as we bypass downtown and connect with I-75, I-275, and US-441 through rolling hills and suburban Knoxville.
Interstate 640
Explore Interstate 640, a key bypass route around Knoxville, Tennessee. Learn how this 10-mile loop improves traffic flow, connects to I-40 and I-75, and eases downtown congestion.
Interstate 640 (I-640) is a short auxiliary loop of Interstate 40 that bypasses the northern side of Knoxville, Tennessee. Stretching approximately 10 miles, I-640 plays a crucial role in regional traffic flow by offering a more efficient route around downtown Knoxville for through traffic, particularly freight and long-haul vehicles. It also serves as a connector to I-75 and I-275, enhancing access to key commercial and residential areas in the northern suburbs.
The western terminus of I-640 begins at a major interchange with I-40 and I-75, providing westbound drivers the option to continue toward Nashville or head north via I-75. From there, the highway arcs northeastward and eastward, passing by neighborhoods, industrial areas, and commercial corridors. Along the route, I-640 intersects with U.S. Route 25W, U.S. 441, and I-275, which funnels traffic into downtown Knoxville.
As it continues east, I-640 curves south and rejoins I-40 on the east side of Knoxville. This strategic configuration allows it to relieve congestion in the downtown corridor by serving as a bypass for cross-state travelers, particularly those moving between Chattanooga and Bristol. In essence, I-640 not only improves the efficiency of the Knoxville urban highway network but also contributes to the broader functionality of the regional interstate system.
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