Motorists will soon notice more detour signs, flashing traffic signals and temporary lane closures as the Tennessee Department of Transportation continues detour route preparations for the upcoming closure of the Henley Bridge. The closure begins Monday, January 3, 2011. This week, crews will continue to install detour signs along Chapman Highway, Moody Avenue, Hall of Fame Drive and Western Avenue. In the coming days, drivers will also notice flashing traffic signals at James White Parkway and Sevierville Pike.

Next week, crews will install overhead detour signs directing motorists to James White Parkway, which is the official detour to get traffic to downtown Knoxville, South Knoxville and the University of Tennessee. Weather permitting, the detour route is expected to be operational the week of December 27.

Last week, project cameras were installed on top of Neyland Stadium and Mercy Riverside formerly known as Baptist Hospital. Once the Henley Bridge closes, the public will be able to watch the dismantling and reconstruction of the bridge. The links to the cameras are currently under construction.

Meanwhile, the Henley Bridge e-mail distribution continues to grow. More than 250 recipients have signed up to receive weekly project updates and news releases. Nearly 100 followers have signed up for Henley updates on twitter.com/HenleyBridge. The Henley Community Center at 220 East Blount Avenue has hosted 62 walk-in visitors and 12 community and project meetings.

The Henley Bridge Community Center and project office is located at 220 East Blount Avenue and is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The phone number is (865) 577-6988.