TRAFFIC TIPS
MARCH 2008 RACE WEEK AT BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
David N. Metzger, Transportation Planning Engineer, City of Bristol Tennessee

Under the old adage, "sometimes things have to get worse before they get better," everyone's attention needs to be focused on the several construction projects going along Highway 11E (Volunteer Parkway) in front of Bristol Motor Speedway.

Construction crews are working on a variety of projects intended to enhance your race weekend experience.  Not all of these projects will be completed before the March races and although construction will cease during race week, there will be work zones in place along Highway 11E.

These projects include extending the extra-wide sidewalk system on both sides of Highway 11E between White Top Road and Exide Drive; as well as a major Tennessee Department of Transportation project to modify the drainage, add turn lanes, and widen the two Beaver Creek and two Back Creek bridges to accommodate the pedestrian sidewalk extensions.  Since the bridge projects will not be complete, the width of the bridges will be very narrow and all motorists are advised to watch in this area for sudden pedestrian movements. Pedestrians are asked to watch the traffic as well.

It is likely that the end of the post-race traffic flows will be after the sun goes down.  After dark, motorists must pay extra attention to watch for pedestrians, police officers, traffic flaggers, and signage to navigate after the races. 

ALTERNATE ROUTES TO THE SPEEDWAY

FROM VIRGINIA

• Interstate 81 at Exit 3, consider using Tennessee State Route 358 (Weaver Pike) after exiting I-81 to get to the Dragway side of BMS.  There is signage guiding you via Weaver Pike to the Highway 394 side of the speedway, allowing you to bypass the Highway 11E work zone.
• Using Exit 17 (Abingdon) will accomplish the same thing.

FROM THE WEST (Knoxville)

• Exit I-81 at Tennessee Exit 57A and following the signs to BMS as an alternative to the heavily traveled Exit 69 and Highway 394.

LEAVING

• Highway 394 to Exit 5 in Virginia by turning left when you get to the US 421 traffic signal; this route is Used less than the others.

CONSTRUCTION

• Interstate 40 just east of downtown Knoxville; that work zone can be avoided by using the I-640 bypass.
• East River Mountain and Big Walker Mountain tunnels on Interstate 77 at the Virginia/West Virginia state line.

Please allow extra time for delays in these work zones if your travel route takes you through these areas.