The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced that James White Parkway (JWP) will reopen to traffic on Friday, September 21.

The parkway was closed in December 2006 for the demolition and reconstruction of ramps, bridges, and roadway as part of the continuing SmartFIX40 project in downtown Knoxville. The new parkway includes six new bridges, four new ramps and a tunnel comprising more than two miles of new roadway. As a safety precaution, the westbound ramp from James White Parkway to I-40, which has caused numerous accidents over the years, will continue to be closed until a new temporary westbound ramp is constructed in May 2008. As a result, all traffic to westbound I-40 from downtown must use Hall of Fame Drive, Alcoa Highway, Henley Street or 17th Street instead of James White Parkway.

Traffic to eastbound I-40 from downtown will have access from JWP via a new ramp. Additionally, the Riverside Drive ramp to James White Parkway will remain closed until May 2008. The parkway will officially open immediately following a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 21. The ceremony will be held on the James White Parkway Bridge over Jackson Avenue.