Updated: 5/8/2008 11:46:42 PM
Interstate 40 closed in downtown Knoxville a week ago Thursday. Crews have been working non-stop.
"There's not one section of the previous interstate that hasn't been touched, demolished, or removed," said TDOT spokesperson Travis Brickey.
The most visible changes are jaw-dropping. Mud and broken concrete cover where the old westbound and eastbound lanes flowed.
The I-40 westbound bridge that covered 5th Avenue is now all gone except metal beams and concrete pillars.
A few yards down on the old eastbound lane, rocks fill where cars once drove on 4th Avenue.
Crews have also dug a 40-foot hole across the old interstate. The opening uncovers the concrete housing around First Creek. The creek will be opened up before a new bridge forms overhead.
"There's so many bridges, concrete walls, and steel to put in place," Brickey said. "It's going to be stretching it, but we are very confident that we can meet or exceed the aggressive time schedule."
TDOT officials said, for the most part, the weather has cooperated. Right now, they're moving nearly 3,000 cubic yards of dirt each day.
They've got to work fast. The project is supposed to be done by June 30, 2009.
