View source for Interstate 40 in Tennessee

{{Short description|Interstate Highway in Tennessee, United States}}
{{Redirect|Music Highway|roads that produce musical vibrations when driven over|Musical road}}
{{Highway detail hatnote|Interstate 40}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox road
| state = TN
| route = 40
| type = I
| map = {{maplink-road|from=Interstate 40 in Tennessee.map}}
| map_custom = yes
| map_notes = I-40 highlighted in red
| length_mi = 455.28
| length_ref = <ref name="Starks">{{cite web |last=Starks |first=Edward |date=January 27, 2022 |title=Table 1: Main Routes of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/interstate_highway_system/routefinder/table01.cfm |access-date=February 23, 2023 |work=FHWA Route Log and Finder List |publisher=[[Federal Highway Administration]] |archive-date=July 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703213613/https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/interstate_highway_system/routefinder/table01.cfm |url-status=live }}</ref>
| direction_a = West
| established = August 14, 1957<ref name="AASHO-1957">{{cite map |author = Public Roads Administration |author-link = Public Roads Administration |date = August 14, 1957 |title = Official Route Numbering for the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways as Adopted by the American Association of State Highway Officials |url = https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Interstate_Highway_plan_August_14,_1957.jpg |location = Washington, DC |publisher = Public Roads Administration |access-date = June 14, 2018 |via = [[Wikimedia Commons]] |archive-date = July 19, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170719213034/https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Interstate_Highway_plan_August_14,_1957.jpg |url-status = live }}</ref>
| history = *Original route completed September 12, 1975<ref name=tennessean975/>
*Present-day route completed March 28, 1980<ref>{{cite news |last = Buser |first = Lawrence |date = March 22, 1980 |title = Ceremony On Friday To Open I-240 North |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551437/ceremony-on-friday-to-open-i-240-north/ |page = 1 |work = [[The Commercial Appeal]] |location = Memphis |access-date = November 8, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 8, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211108064051/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551437/ceremony-on-friday-to-open-i-240-north/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
| terminus_a = {{Jct|state=AR|I|40}} at the [[Arkansas]] state line
| junction = <!--ONLY THE 5-10 MOST MAJOR JCTS GO HERE!-->
*{{Jct|state=TN|I|240}} / [[Sam Cooper Boulevard]] in [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]]
*{{Jct|state=TN|I|269}} in [[Arlington, Tennessee|Arlington]]
*{{Jct|state=TN|I|840}} near [[Burns, Tennessee|Burns]]
*{{Jct|state=TN|I|440}} in [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]]
*{{Jct|state=TN|I|65}} in Nashville
*{{Jct|state=TN|I|24}} in Nashville
*{{Jct|state=TN|I|840}} in [[Lebanon, Tennessee|Lebanon]]
*{{Jct|state=TN|I|140}} in [[Knoxville, Tennessee|Knoxville]]
*{{Jct|state=TN|I|75|I|640}} in Knoxville
*{{Jct|state=TN|I|81}} near [[Dandridge, Tennessee|Dandridge]]
| direction_b = East
| terminus_b = {{Jct|state=NC|I|40}} at the [[North Carolina]] state line
| counties = [[Shelby County, Tennessee|Shelby]], [[Fayette County, Tennessee|Fayette]], [[Haywood County, Tennessee|Haywood]], [[Madison County, Tennessee|Madison]], [[Henderson County, Tennessee|Henderson]], [[Carroll County, Tennessee|Carroll]], [[Decatur County, Tennessee|Decatur]], [[Benton County, Tennessee|Benton]], [[Humphreys County, Tennessee|Humphreys]], [[Hickman County, Tennessee|Hickman]], [[Dickson County, Tennessee|Dickson]], [[Williamson County, Tennessee|Williamson]], [[Cheatham County, Tennessee|Cheatham]], [[Davidson County, Tennessee|Davidson]], [[Wilson County, Tennessee|Wilson]], [[Smith County, Tennessee|Smith]], [[Putnam County, Tennessee|Putnam]], [[Cumberland County, Tennessee|Cumberland]], [[Roane County, Tennessee|Roane]], [[Loudon County, Tennessee|Loudon]], [[Knox County, Tennessee|Knox]], [[Sevier County, Tennessee|Sevier]], [[Jefferson County, Tennessee|Jefferson]], [[Cocke County, Tennessee|Cocke]]
| previous_type = TN
| previous_route = 39
| next_type = TN
| next_route = 40
}}

'''Interstate&nbsp;40''' ('''I-40''') is part of the [[Interstate Highway System]] that runs {{convert|2556.61|mi|km}} from [[Barstow, California]], to [[Wilmington, North Carolina]].<ref name="Starks"/> The highway crosses the state of [[Tennessee]] from west to east, from the [[Mississippi River]] at the [[Arkansas]] state line to the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] at the [[North Carolina]] state line. At {{convert|455.28|mi|km}}, the Tennessee segment of I-40 is the longest of the eight states through which it passes and the state's longest Interstate Highway.<ref name=tdothistory>{{cite web |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/TDOT-History.pdf |title = Brief History of TDOT |author = [[Tennessee Department of Transportation]] |date = 2014 |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = April 28, 2020 |archive-date = January 23, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200123205455/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/TDOT-History.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>

I-40 passes through Tennessee's three largest cities—[[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]], [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]], and [[Knoxville, Tennessee|Knoxville]]—and serves the [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]], the most-visited national park in the United States. It crosses all of Tennessee's [[physiographic regions of the United States|physiographic regions]] and [[Grand Divisions of Tennessee|Grand Divisions]]—the [[Mississippi embayment]] and [[Gulf Coastal Plain]] in [[West Tennessee]], the [[Highland Rim]] and [[Nashville Basin]] in [[Middle Tennessee]], and the [[Cumberland Plateau]], [[Cumberland Mountains]], [[Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians]], and [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] in [[East Tennessee]]. Landscapes on the route vary from flat, level plains and swamplands in the west to irregular rolling hills, cavernous limestone bluffs, and deep river gorges in the central part of the state, to plateau [[Table (landform)|tableland]]s, broad river valleys, narrow mountain passes, and mountain peaks in the east.<ref name=maertens>{{cite thesis |last = Maertens |first = Thomas Brock |date = June 10, 1980 |title = The Relationship of Maintenance Costs to Terrain and Climate on Interstate 40 in Tennessee |type = Masters thesis |chapter = |publisher = The University of Tennessee |docket = ADA085221 |url = https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA085221.pdf |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210627180437/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA085221.pdf |url-status = live |archive-date = June 27, 2021 |access-date = June 27, 2021 |via = [[Defense Technical Information Center]] }}</ref>

The Interstate parallels the older [[U.S. Route 70 in Tennessee|U.S. Route&nbsp;70]] (US&nbsp;70) corridor for its entire length in the state. It has interchanges and [[concurrency (road)|concurrencies]] with four other mainline Interstate Highways, and has five [[List of auxiliary Interstate Highways|auxiliary routes]]: [[Pellissippi Parkway|I-140]], [[Interstate 240 (Tennessee)|I-240]], [[Interstate 440 (Tennessee)|I-440]], [[Interstate 640|I-640]], and [[Interstate 840 (Tennessee)|I-840]]. I-40 in Tennessee was mostly complete by the late 1960s, having been constructed in segments. The stretch between Memphis and Nashville, completed in 1966, was the state's first major Interstate segment to be finished. The last planned section was completed in 1975, and much of the route has been widened and reconstructed since then.

The I-40 corridor between Memphis and Nashville is known as '''Music Highway''' because it passes through a region which was instrumental in the development of [[American popular music]]. In Memphis, the highway is also nationally significant due to a [[Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe|1971 U.S. Supreme Court case]] which established the modern process of [[judicial review in the United States|judicial review]] of infrastructure projects. [[Highway revolt|Community opposition]] to the highway's proposed routing through [[Overton Park]] led to a nearly-25-year activist campaign which culminated in the case. This resulted in the state abandoning the highway's original alignment and relocating it onto what was originally a section of I-240.

==Route description==
I-40 runs for {{convert|455.28|mi|km}} through [[Tennessee]], making it the second-longest stretch of Interstate Highway within a single state east of the [[Mississippi River]].<ref name="Starks"/> It is the only Interstate Highway to pass through all three of the state's [[Grand Divisions of Tennessee|Grand Divisions]] and all nine [[Physiographic regions of the United States|physiographic regions]].<ref name=maertens/> The highway is maintained by the [[Tennessee Department of Transportation]] (TDOT). The busiest stretch of highway in Tennessee is on the segment concurrent with [[Interstate 75 in Tennessee|I-75]] in Knoxville between a connector to [[U.S. Route 11 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;11]]/[[U.S. Route 70 in Tennessee|70]] and Papermill Road, which had an [[annual average daily traffic|average daily traffic volume]] of 218,583&nbsp;vehicles in 2022.<ref name=TDMS>{{cite web |author1 = Tennessee Department of Transportation |title = Transportation Data Management System |url = https://tdot.public.ms2soft.com/tcds/tsearch.asp?loc=Tdot&mod=TCDS |website = ms2soft.com |publisher = MS2 |access-date = November 27, 2021 |archive-date = April 25, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220425204702/https://tdot.public.ms2soft.com/tcds/tsearch.asp?loc=Tdot&mod=TCDS |url-status = live }}</ref> The lowest daily traffic volume that year was 26,985&nbsp;vehicles at the [[North Carolina]] state line.<ref name=TDMS/> The busiest [[weigh station]] in the country is on I-40/I-75 in [[Farragut, Tennessee|Farragut]], a suburb of Knoxville, which serves more than 2.4&nbsp;million trucks annually.<ref>{{cite news |last=King |first=Tom |date=February 22, 2021 |title=Carrie Hagen: Adventures at the Weigh Scales |url=https://www.knoxtntoday.com/carrie-hagen-adventures-at-the-weigh-scales/ |work=KnoxTNToday.com |access-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223081157/https://www.knoxtntoday.com/carrie-hagen-adventures-at-the-weigh-scales/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |date=January 17, 2023 |title=Knox Co. Commission Takes Up Proposal to Ask TDOT to Build New Highway Bypass Around Knoxville |type= |language= |url=https://www.wbir.com/video/traffic/knox-co-commission-passes-proposal-to-ask-tdot-to-build-new-highway-bypass-around-knoxville/51-f1602fd9-7050-4b3f-a15d-b8fe8af832df |access-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029220736/https://www.wbir.com/video/traffic/knox-co-commission-passes-proposal-to-ask-tdot-to-build-new-highway-bypass-around-knoxville/51-f1602fd9-7050-4b3f-a15d-b8fe8af832df |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |format=Television broadcast |location=Knoxville, Tennessee |publisher=[[WBIR-TV]] |url-status=live }}</ref>

===West Tennessee===
====Memphis====
[[File:Hernando de Soto Bridge Memphis.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Two-arch bridge over the Mississippi River, seen from above|The [[Hernando de Soto Bridge]] carries I-40 across the [[Mississippi River]] from Arkansas into Tennessee at [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]].]]

I-40 enters Tennessee from Arkansas in a direct east–west alignment via the six-lane [[Hernando de Soto Bridge]], a tied-arch bridge which spans the [[Mississippi River]] and has a total length of about {{convert|1.8|mi|km}}.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hickman |first=Matt |date=May 13, 2021 |title=Memphis's Hernando de Soto Bridge Shuttered After Major Fracture Discovered |url=https://www.archpaper.com/2021/05/memphis-hernando-de-soto-bridge-shuttered-after-major-fracture-discovered/ |work=[[The Architect's Newspaper]] |access-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425023305/https://www.archpaper.com/2021/05/memphis-hernando-de-soto-bridge-shuttered-after-major-fracture-discovered/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Entering the city of [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]] (Tennessee's second-largest city), the Interstate crosses the southern half of [[Mud Island, Memphis|Mud Island]] before crossing the [[Wolf River (Tennessee)|Wolf River Harbor]] and [[Mississippi Alluvial Plain]] into [[Downtown Memphis, Tennessee|Downtown Memphis]], where the bridge ends next to the [[Memphis Pyramid]].<ref name=Moore1/> The highway then intersects [[U.S. Route 51 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;51]] (Danny Thomas Boulevard) and, just beyond this point, abruptly turns 90&nbsp;degrees north near [[Midtown, Memphis|Midtown]] at an interchange with the western terminus of [[Interstate 240 (Tennessee)|I-240]], a southern bypass route around the central city. It then intersects [[Tennessee State Route 14|SR&nbsp;14]] (Jackson Avenue). Proceeding north, the highway crosses the Wolf River and reaches the eastern terminus of [[Tennessee State Route 300|SR&nbsp;300]], a [[controlled-access highway|controlled-access]] connector to US&nbsp;51. The Interstate then shifts due east, bypassing central Memphis to the north. Passing near the neighborhoods of [[Frayser, Memphis|Frayser]] and [[Raleigh, Memphis|Raleigh]], I-40 intersects a number of surface streets and crosses the Wolf River for a second time about {{convert|5|mi|km|spell=in}} later. It then meets SR&nbsp;14 again and turns southeast.<ref name="DeLorme">{{cite map |publisher = DeLorme |title = Tennessee Atlas & Gazetteer |edition = 2017 |year = 2017 |author = DeLorme |location = Yarmouth, Maine |scale = 1&nbsp;in:2.5&nbsp;mi |isbn = 978-1946494047 }}</ref><ref name=shelby>{{cite map |author = Long Range Planning Division Office of Data Visualization |title = Shelby County |year = 2018 |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/o-w/Shelby%20County.pdf |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = December 6, 2021 |archive-date = December 6, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211206104703/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/o-w/Shelby%20County.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>
 
A few miles later, I-40 reaches a complex four-level [[stack interchange]] with [[U.S. Route 64 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;64]]/[[U.S. Route 70 in Tennessee|70]]/[[U.S. Route 79 in Tennessee|79]] (Summer Avenue) and the eastern ends of I-240 and [[Sam Cooper Boulevard]]; a pair of [[overpass]]es carries its traffic northeast. Entering a straightaway, the Interstate crosses the Wolf River for a third (and final) time; over the next several miles, it passes through the suburban neighborhoods of [[East Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee|East Memphis]] and [[Cordova, Tennessee|Cordova]] and the incorporated suburb of [[Bartlett, Tennessee|Bartlett]] in eastern [[Shelby County, Tennessee|Shelby County]].<ref name=shelby/> This stretch has eight lanes; the left lanes serve as [[high-occupancy vehicle lane|high-occupancy vehicle]] (HOV) lanes during [[rush hour]], and it has several interchanges with local thoroughfares.<ref name=hovlane>{{cite web |url=https://www.tn.gov/tdot/traffic-operations-division/traffic-engineering-office/high-occupancy-vehicle-hov-lane.html |title=High Occupancy Vehicle Lane |author=<!--Not stated--> |publisher=Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402043337/https://www.tn.gov/tdot/traffic-operations-division/traffic-engineering-office/high-occupancy-vehicle-hov-lane.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The highway then intersects US&nbsp;64 and narrows to four lanes.<ref name="2020study2">{{cite report |author1=Tennessee Department of Transportation |author2=[[WSP USA]] |date=February 2022 |title=I-40/81 Multimodal Corridor Study: Executive Summary |url=https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/long-range-planning/studies/i-40-81-study/I-40-81-Executive-Summary-website.pdf |publisher=Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-date=April 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409012347/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/long-range-planning/studies/i-40-81-study/I-40-81-Executive-Summary-website.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> After passing through [[Lakeland, Tennessee|Lakeland]], the Interstate reaches a [[cloverleaf interchange]] with the eastern ends of [[Interstate 269|I-269]] and [[Tennessee State Route 385|SR&nbsp;385]] near the suburb of [[Arlington, Tennessee|Arlington]].<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref name=shelby/>

====Gulf coastal plain====
[[File:I-40 westbound Jackson, Tennessee.jpg|thumb|alt=A four-lane highway, seen from a car|I-40 eastbound in [[Jackson, Tennessee|Jackson]]]]
Leaving the Memphis area, I-40 enters [[Fayette County, Tennessee|Fayette County]] east of Arlington; about {{convert|5|mi|km|0|spell=in}} later, it crosses the [[Loosahatchie River]] and adjacent wetlands. Over the next {{convert|30|mi|km|-1}}, the Interstate crosses a level expanse of farmland and some woodlands and swamplands in a straight alignment, bypassing most cities and communities.<ref name="propertysearch">{{cite web |url=https://tnmap.tn.gov/assessment/ |title=Tennessee Property Viewer |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=<!--Not given--> |website=tn.gov |publisher=Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration |access-date=May 7, 2023 |archive-date=May 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506180649/https://tnmap.tn.gov/assessment/ |url-status=live }}</ref> An interchange with [[Tennessee State Route 59|SR&nbsp;59]] is at exit&nbsp;35, which provides access to [[Covington, Tennessee|Covington]] and [[Somerville, Tennessee|Somerville]].<ref name="DeLorme"/> The highway enters [[Haywood County, Tennessee|Haywood County]] near the site of [[Ford Motor Company]]'s [[Blue Oval City]] manufacturing facility.<ref name="blueoval39"/> Beyond this point, it turns north and enters [[Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge]]; the highway crosses the [[Hatchie River]] and a number of streams and swamps in a long straightaway. I-40 turns east after the refuge and passes southeast of [[Brownsville, Tennessee|Brownsville]], where it intersects [[Tennessee State Route 76|SR&nbsp;76]], [[Tennessee State Route 19|SR&nbsp;19]], and US&nbsp;70. The highway then enters [[Madison County, Tennessee|Madison County]].<ref name="DeLorme"/>

Crossing a mix of level farmland and swamplands, I-40 enters [[Jackson, Tennessee|Jackson]] beyond this point and crosses the [[South Fork of the Forked Deer River]].<ref name="propertysearch"/><ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Denmark, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=0b34d52f44a65ee524543c3f6d0dfc3c |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230408084047/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=0b34d52f44a65ee524543c3f6d0dfc3c |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Adair, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=b1310b960e91b44bdf9664a00479087a |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230408084047/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=b1310b960e91b44bdf9664a00479087a |url-status = live }}</ref> Passing through northern Jackson, the Interstate widens to six lanes and has six urban interchanges.<ref name="2020study2"/> In quick succession, the highway intersects [[U.S. Route 412 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;412]], which connects to [[Alamo, Tennessee|Alamo]] and [[Dyersburg, Tennessee|Dyersburg]]; the [[Tennessee State Route 186|US&nbsp;45 Bypass]] (US&nbsp;45 Byp.); and [[U.S. Route 45 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;45]] (North Highland Avenue), which also provides access to [[Humboldt, Tennessee|Humboldt]] and [[Milan, Tennessee|Milan]]. The Interstate passes through a residential area and reaches US&nbsp;70, which connects to [[Huntingdon, Tennessee|Huntingdon]]. I-40 then shrinks back to four lanes.<ref name="2020study2"/><ref>{{cite map |author = Long Range Planning Division Office of Data Visualization |year = 2018 |title = Madison County |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/h-m/Madison%20County.pdf |scale = [c. 1:190,080] |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = January 29, 2022 |archive-date = March 13, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220313052157/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/h-m/Madison%20County.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>

The highway continues east-northeast through farmland and woodlands with low, rolling hills.<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref name="propertysearch"/> After entering [[Henderson County, Tennessee|Henderson County]], I-40 crosses the [[Middle Fork of the Forked Deer River]].<ref name=Moore1/> It intersects [[Tennessee State Route 22|SR&nbsp;22]], a major north–south corridor in West Tennessee which accesses [[Lexington, Tennessee|Lexington]] and Huntington, near the town of [[Parkers Crossroads, Tennessee|Parkers Crossroads]]. The Interstate then crosses the [[Big Sandy River (Tennessee)|Big Sandy River]] before proceeding through the northern half of [[Natchez Trace State Park]]. Over the next few miles, the highway transitions several times between Henderson and [[Carroll County, Tennessee|Carroll]] counties before entering [[Decatur County, Tennessee|Decatur County]]. It reaches [[U.S. Route 641|US&nbsp;641]]/[[Tennessee State Route 69|SR&nbsp;69]], another major north–south corridor connecting [[Camden, Tennessee|Camden]] and [[Decaturville, Tennessee|Decaturville]], at the Decatur–[[Benton County, Tennessee|Benton]] county line. About {{convert|6|mi|km|0|spell=in}} later, the Interstate descends about {{convert|300|ft|m|-2}} on a steep grade over {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} into the [[Tennessee Valley|Western Valley of the Tennessee River]]; the westbound lanes have a truck-[[climbing lane]]. Entering [[Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge]] at the bottom of the grade, I-40 crosses [[Kentucky Lake]], a [[Tennessee River]] reservoir, on the {{convert|0.5|mi|m|adj=on}} [[Jimmy Mann Evans Memorial Bridge]] into [[Middle Tennessee]].<ref name=Moore1/><ref name="Daniels Landing">{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Daniels Landing, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=6805ea9efb508a1cb75bfffaf5839ed5 |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = March 30, 2023 |archive-date = March 30, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230330203325/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=6805ea9efb508a1cb75bfffaf5839ed5 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="2020study1">{{cite report |author1=Tennessee Department of Transportation |author2=WSP USA |date=July 2020 |title=I-40/81 Multimodal Corridor Study: Technical Memorandum: Existing and Future Conditions |url=https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/long-range-planning/studies/i-40-81-study/I-40-81-ExistingFutureConditionsReport.pdf |publisher=Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230144051/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/long-range-planning/studies/i-40-81-study/I-40-81-ExistingFutureConditionsReport.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Middle Tennessee===
====Western Highland Rim====
[[File:I-40 eastbound Hickman County, Tennessee.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Driver's view of a straight, flat, four-lane divided highway|Traversing the Western Highland Rim in [[Hickman County, Tennessee|Hickman County]]]]
Crossing the Tennessee River into [[Humphreys County, Tennessee|Humphreys County]], I-40 exits the refuge after a few miles and traverses vast woodlands in the rugged hills of the Western [[Highland Rim]]. This section is characterized by several ascents and descents, with the route roughly following a crooked stream valley.<ref name="Daniels Landing"/><ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Hurricane Mills, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=80f974b22dce1e70731d3e3bca97ddb3 |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230408050227/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=80f974b22dce1e70731d3e3bca97ddb3 |url-status = live }}</ref> About {{convert|6|mi|km|0|spell=in}} beyond the river, the highway crosses the [[Buffalo River (Tennessee)|Buffalo River]] and intersects [[Tennessee State Route 13|SR&nbsp;13]], which connects to [[Linden, Tennessee|Linden]] and [[Waverly, Tennessee|Waverly]]. It then descends another steep grade, again with a westbound truck-climbing lane, and crosses into [[Hickman County, Tennessee|Hickman County]].<ref name="2020study1"/> It soon reaches [[Tennessee State Route 50|SR&nbsp;50]], which connects to [[Centerville, Tennessee|Centerville]], and crosses the [[Duck River (Tennessee)|Duck River]]. The highway enters [[Dickson County, Tennessee|Dickson County]] several miles later, where it reaches [[Tennessee State Route 48|SR&nbsp;48]] and access to Centerville and [[Dickson, Tennessee|Dickson]].<ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Spot, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=d6a07186317bfdb5b6d451acccd0d30f |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230408051517/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=d6a07186317bfdb5b6d451acccd0d30f |url-status = live }}</ref> I-40 then crosses the [[Piney River (Middle Tennessee)|Piney River]].<ref name="DeLorme"/>

Several miles beyond this point is an interchange with [[Tennessee State Route 46|SR&nbsp;46]], the primary exit for Dickson, which also provides access to Centerville and [[Columbia, Tennessee|Columbia]]. Near the town of [[Burns, Tennessee|Burns]], I-40 reaches the western terminus of [[Interstate 840 (Tennessee)|I-840]], the outer southern [[Ring road|beltway]] around Nashville. The highway continues through woodlands and rugged terrain and, crossing into [[Williamson County, Tennessee|Williamson County]], ascends steeply for a short distance with an eastbound truck-climbing lane.<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref name="2020study1"/> Along this ascent is an interchange with [[Tennessee State Route 96|SR&nbsp;96]], which connects to the Nashville suburbs of [[Fairview, Tennessee|Fairview]] and [[Franklin, Tennessee|Franklin]].<ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = White Bluff, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=092be73ee6ef9ef93a999e2e1c05835e |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-date = April 9, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230409013614/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=092be73ee6ef9ef93a999e2e1c05835e |url-status = live }}</ref> The Interstate enters [[Cheatham County, Tennessee|Cheatham County]] a few miles later, and gradually descends into the [[Nashville Basin]].<ref name=Moore6>{{harvp|Moore|1994|pp=155-170|ps.=}}</ref> It then passes the towns of [[Kingston Springs, Tennessee|Kingston Springs]] and [[Pegram, Tennessee|Pegram]], and crosses the [[Harpeth River]] twice in quick succession.<ref name="DeLorme"/>

====Nashville====
[[File:I-40 near Nashville Int'l Airport.jpg|thumb|alt=Aerial view of a 10-lane highway|I-40 near [[Nashville International Airport]], looking west]]
Around milepost 191, I-40 enters [[Davidson County, Tennessee|Davidson County]] and crosses the Harpeth River for the third time a few miles later.<ref name=davidson/> Entering the urbanized parts of the [[Nashville metropolitan area]], the Interstate widens to six lanes near [[Bellevue, Tennessee|Bellevue]].<ref name="2020study2"/> The highway enters the outskirts of Nashville, the state capital and Tennessee's largest city, and intersects [[U.S. Route 70S|US&nbsp;70S]] near a bend in the [[Cumberland River]]. It then reaches [[Old Hickory Boulevard]] ([[Tennessee State Route 251|SR&nbsp;251]]) and intersects [[U.S. Route 70 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;70]] (Charlotte Avenue) a few miles later.<ref name=davidson/> I-40 then widens to eight lanes, and has a four-level interchange with [[Tennessee State Route 155|SR&nbsp;155]] (Briley Parkway, White Bridge Road) which includes the western terminus of a northern controlled-access beltway around Nashville.<ref name="2020study2"/> South of [[Tennessee State University]] is the western terminus of [[Interstate 440 (Tennessee)|I-440]], the southern loop around central Nashville, where I-40 goes down to six lanes.<ref name="2020study2"/><ref name=davidson>{{cite map |author = Long Range Planning Division Office of Data Visualization |title = Davidson County |year = 2018 |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/a-g/Davidson%20County.pdf |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = December 6, 2021 |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222325/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/a-g/Davidson%20County.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>

The highway briefly passes through the [[Jefferson Street (Nashville)|Jefferson Street]] neighborhood before entering downtown Nashville near [[Fisk University]], where it begins a brief concurrency with [[Interstate 65 in Tennessee|I-65]] and turns southeast.<ref name="DeLorme"/> As part of the Inner Loop encircling downtown Nashville, the two concurrent Interstates have interchanges in quick succession with US&nbsp;70 (Charlotte Avenue), US&nbsp;70S/[[U.S. Route 431 in Tennessee|431]] (Broadway), Church Street, and Demonbreun Street.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.solvethistogether.org/_files/ugd/d8585c_fbd34a5740eb4b02a705f9b9e706b950.pdf |title=Downtown Nashville Interstate Loop Concepts Study |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2019 |website=solvethistogether.org |publisher=Greater Nashville Regional Council |access-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408055930/https://www.solvethistogether.org/_files/ugd/d8585c_fbd34a5740eb4b02a705f9b9e706b950.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Next they shift east-northeast near [[Music Row]] and the neighborhoods of [[The Gulch, Nashville, Tennessee|The Gulch]] and SoBro, where I-65 turns south toward [[Huntsville, Alabama]]. Briefly independent for about {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}}, I-40 crosses a viaduct and intersects [[U.S. Route 31A|US&nbsp;31A]]/[[U.S. Route 41 Alternate (Tennessee–Kentucky)|US&nbsp;41A]] (4th Avenue, 2nd Avenue) before beginning a brief concurrency with [[Interstate 24 in Tennessee|I-24]].<ref name=davidson/> The concurrent Interstates turn southeast, expanding back to eight lanes.<ref name="2020study2"/> I-24 then turns southeast towards [[Chattanooga, Tennessee|Chattanooga]], and I-40 shifts eastward. The eastern terminus of I-440 and a connector road to [[U.S. Route 41 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;41]]/70S (Murfreesboro Road) are accessible from the westbound lanes of I-40 at this interchange.<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref name=davidson/>

Entering the [[Donelson, Tennessee|Donelson]] neighborhood, I-40 intersects SR&nbsp;155 (Briley Parkway) near [[Nashville International Airport]].<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref name=davidson/> Beginning here, the left lanes are HOV lanes during rush hour.<ref name=hovlane/> A partial exit accesses an airport connector road; immediately beyond is a second airport access road at [[Tennessee State Route 255|SR&nbsp;255]] (Donelson Pike). Shifting northeast, I-40 crosses the [[Stones River]] near [[J. Percy Priest Dam]]. Entering the southern fringes of the [[Hermitage, Tennessee|Hermitage]] neighborhood, the highway meets Old Hickory Boulevard again at an interchange with [[Tennessee State Route 45|SR&nbsp;45]] and once again shifts eastward into a straightaway.<ref name=davidson/> I-40 enters [[Wilson County, Tennessee|Wilson County]] and then has an interchange with [[Tennessee State Route 171|SR&nbsp;171]] in the suburb of [[Mount Juliet, Tennessee|Mount Juliet]]. Entering another long straightaway, the highway intersects [[Tennessee State Route 109|SR&nbsp;109]] after some distance, which provides access to [[Gallatin, Tennessee|Gallatin]] to the north. A few miles later, it has a [[trumpet interchange]] with the eastern terminus of I-840 east of [[Lebanon, Tennessee|Lebanon]]. I-40 then enters Lebanon, shrinking back to four lanes,<ref name="2020study2"/> and interchanges with [[U.S. Route 231 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;231]] and US&nbsp;70.<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref>{{cite map |author = Long Range Planning Division Office of Data Visualization |title = Wilson County |year = 2018 |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/o-w/Wilson%20County.pdf |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = December 6, 2021 |archive-date = October 18, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201018161349/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/o-w/Wilson%20County.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>

====Eastern Nashville Basin, Eastern Highland Rim, and Cumberland Plateau====
The highway continues primarily across farmland for about {{convert|25|mi|km}}, passing a number of small communities.<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref name="propertysearch"/> East of Lebanon, it enters [[Smith County, Tennessee|Smith County]] and begins a steep ascent with an eastbound truck-climbing lane.<ref name="2020study1"/> Beyond this point is an interchange with [[Tennessee State Route 53|SR&nbsp;53]] in [[Gordonsville, Tennessee|Gordonsville]] and near [[Carthage, Tennessee|Carthage]].<ref name="DeLorme"/> Between mileposts&nbsp;263 and 266, the highway crosses the meandering [[Caney Fork River]] five times before entering [[Putnam County, Tennessee|Putnam County]]. I-40 then again intersects SR&nbsp;96 in [[Buffalo Valley, Tennessee|Buffalo Valley]], where it shifts southeast and begins climbing out of the Nashville Basin onto the Eastern Highland Rim.<ref name=Moore6/> The moderately-steep grade is about {{convert|4|mi|km|spell=in}} long. Near the top, the Interstate reaches an elevation of {{convert|1000|ft|m}} for the first time in Tennessee, close to [[Silver Point, Tennessee|Silver Point]].<ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Silver Point, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=918cd71e487ecb875ec8a6abc6d24e70 |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = March 30, 2023 |archive-date = March 30, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230330203246/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=918cd71e487ecb875ec8a6abc6d24e70 |url-status = live }}</ref> The highway then curves northeast and begins a concurrency with [[Tennessee State Route 56|SR&nbsp;56]], which connects to [[Smithville, Tennessee|Smithville]] and [[McMinnville, Tennessee|McMinnville]] to the south.<ref name="DeLorme"/>

I-40 then gradually shifts eastward for several miles before reaching [[Baxter, Tennessee|Baxter]], where SR&nbsp;56 splits off and heads north toward [[Gainesboro, Tennessee|Gainesboro]]. The Interstate has five interchanges in [[Cookeville, Tennessee|Cookeville]], including one with [[Tennessee State Route 111|SR&nbsp;111]] (a major north–south connector to Chattanooga) and another with [[U.S. Route 70N|US&nbsp;70N]]. It then crosses [[Falling Water River]] and begins a steep, approximately {{convert|5|mi|km|spell=in|adj=on}} ascent onto the [[Cumberland Plateau]], reaching an elevation of nearly {{convert|2000|ft|m}} at the top.<ref name="DeLorme"/> The speed limit along this section reduces to {{Convert|65|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}{{snd}}{{Convert|55|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} for trucks on the westbound descent. The Interstate then continues through a wooded area before reaching [[Monterey, Tennessee|Monterey]] and turning southeast. Here it has two interchanges with US&nbsp;70N, the first of which has a concurrency with [[Tennessee State Route 84|SR&nbsp;84]]. After a few miles, the highway reaches an elevation of {{convert|2000|ft|m}} just before crossing into [[Cumberland County, Tennessee|Cumberland County]] and [[East Tennessee]].<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref name="Campbell">{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Campbell Junction, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=9f08ede04e699875371860ed84866ba2 |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = March 30, 2023 |archive-date = March 30, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230330203308/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=9f08ede04e699875371860ed84866ba2 |url-status = live }}</ref>

===East Tennessee===

====Cumberland Plateau and Tennessee Valley====
[[File:I-40 east Walden Ridge.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Another driver's view, with the sun low in the sky|Eastbound I-40 descending from [[Walden Ridge]], part of the [[Cumberland Plateau]]]]

After climbing the Cumberland Plateau, I-40 remains moderately flat and straight as it continues east through a mix of wooded areas and farmland.<ref name="propertysearch"/><ref name="Campbell"/> The highway crosses the [[Tennessee Valley Divide]], where the [[Cumberland River|Cumberland]] and [[Tennessee River|Tennessee]] river watersheds meet, at mile marker&nbsp;308.<ref name=Moore7>{{harvp|Moore|1994|pp=137-154|ps.=}}</ref> The Interstate reaches [[Crossville, Tennessee|Crossville]], where it crosses the [[Obed River]], about {{convert|10|mi|km}} later. This city has three interchanges, including one with [[U.S. Route 127 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;127]] to [[Jamestown, Tennessee|Jamestown]].<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref name=cumberlandco>{{cite map |author = Long Range Planning Division Office of Data Visualization |year = 2018 |title = Cumberland County |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/a-g/Cumberland%20County.pdf |scale = [c. 1:190,080] |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = January 29, 2022 |archive-date = March 13, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220313045545/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/a-g/Cumberland%20County.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref> East of Crossville, the [[Crab Orchard Mountains]] (the southern range of the [[Cumberland Mountains]]) come into view; the road descends several hundred feet, and the westbound highway has a truck-climbing lane.<ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Dorton, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=616fbef7d3e9127a8fe5e4db7e76fe77 |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = March 30, 2023 |archive-date = March 30, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230330203255/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=616fbef7d3e9127a8fe5e4db7e76fe77 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Chronicle">{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=February 7, 2017 |title=TDOT Closes I-40 Shoulder for Construction |url=https://www.crossville-chronicle.com/news/local_news/tdot-closes-i-40-shoulder-for-construction/article_ed530fea-e989-11e6-8ad0-fbbac1ed6bdf.html |work=[[Crossville Chronicle]] |access-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408072243/https://www.crossville-chronicle.com/news/local_news/tdot-closes-i-40-shoulder-for-construction/article_ed530fea-e989-11e6-8ad0-fbbac1ed6bdf.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

After a few miles, I-40 intersects a connector road to US&nbsp;70 near the town of [[Crab Orchard, Tennessee|Crab Orchard]].<ref name="DeLorme"/> It winds through Crab Orchard Gap, a narrow pass at the base of the Cumberland Mountains which was once prone to [[rockslide]]s.<ref name=Moore4/> The Interstate then briefly ascends, with the eastbound lanes adding a truck-climbing lane.<ref name="2020study1"/> At the top it enters [[Roane County, Tennessee|Roane County]], also transitioning from [[Central Time Zone|Central]] to [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Time]].<ref name=cumberlandco/> The Interstate then curves northeast and begins a descent from the Cumberland Plateau to the [[Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians]], also known as the Tennessee Valley or Great Valley of East Tennessee.<ref name=Moore7/> On the descent, the eastbound speed limit drops to {{Convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name=cumberlandco/> The highway hugs the slopes of the plateau's [[Walden Ridge]] escarpment for several miles, containing what the geologist [[Harry Moore (geologist)|Harry Moore]] called "dramatic views" of the Tennessee Valley, before reaching the base of the plateau about {{convert|800|ft|m}} below.<ref name=Moore7/><ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Cardiff, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=8214cb153ac3e06e13a8c31ca08bdb1c |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = March 30, 2023 |archive-date = March 30, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230330203348/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=8214cb153ac3e06e13a8c31ca08bdb1c |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Harriman">{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Harriman, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=86f02f9f933fee838f7ce4caf3f1a1d0 |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = March 30, 2023 |archive-date = March 30, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230330203252/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=86f02f9f933fee838f7ce4caf3f1a1d0 |url-status = live }}</ref> I-40 then shifts eastward between [[Harriman, Tennessee|Harriman]] and [[Rockwood, Tennessee|Rockwood]], interchanging with [[U.S. Route 27 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;27]].<ref name="DeLorme"/>

The highway then crosses a series of parallel ridges and valleys characteristic of the region's topography. It intersects [[U.S. Route 27 in Tennessee|SR&nbsp;29]] and crosses the [[Clinch River]], with the [[Kingston Fossil Plant]] and its {{convert|1000|ft|m|adj=on}} twin smokestacks dominating the view to the north.<ref name=Moore7/><ref>{{cite news |last=Vásquez Russell |first=Melanie |date=January 13, 2021 |title=TVA Releases Video of Kingston Fossil Plant Stacks Inspection |url=https://www.wate.com/news/local-news/tva-releases-video-of-kingston-fossil-plant-stacks-inspection/ |work=[[WATE-TV]] |location=Knoxville |access-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408072241/https://www.wate.com/news/local-news/tva-releases-video-of-kingston-fossil-plant-stacks-inspection/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After an interchange with [[Tennessee State Route 58|SR&nbsp;58]] southbound in [[Kingston, Tennessee|Kingston]], the Interstate begins a brief concurrency with this route. It climbs a short, relatively-steep ridge out of the Clinch River Valley, and SR&nbsp;58 splits off to the north toward [[Oak Ridge, Tennessee|Oak Ridge]].<ref name="Harriman"/><ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Cave Creek, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=132dd5e63cd915e078dd288d43ce680d |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230408072241/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=132dd5e63cd915e078dd288d43ce680d |url-status = live }}</ref> Continuing through rugged terrain and across additional ridges, the Interstate enters [[Loudon County, Tennessee|Loudon County]] and intersects [[U.S. Route 321 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;321]]/[[Tennessee State Route 95|SR&nbsp;95]] near [[Lenoir City, Tennessee|Lenoir City]] before reaching I-75.<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Lenoir City, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=ee27b305651db003e33de700a716b338 |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230408072611/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=ee27b305651db003e33de700a716b338 |url-status = live }}</ref>

====Knoxville====
{{See also|Interstate 75 in Tennessee#Knoxville}}
[[File:I-40-75 Knoxville message board.jpg|thumb|alt=See caption|I-40 concurrent with I-75 in Knoxville, with a [[variable-message sign]] above the road]]
I-40 merges with [[Interstate 75 in Tennessee|I-75]], which continues southwest to Chattanooga, about {{convert|20|mi|km}} west-southwest of [[downtown Knoxville]].<ref name="DeLorme"/> The two routes turn east-northeast, carrying six through lanes,<ref name="2020study2"/> and enter [[Knox County, Tennessee|Knox County]].<ref name=knoxco/> After climbing a ridge, the Interstates have a long straightaway and pass through the Knoxville suburb of [[Farragut, Tennessee|Farragut]].<ref name="DeLorme"/> The road widens to eight lanes at [[Tennessee State Route 131|SR&nbsp;131]] (Lovell Road) and intersects the [[Pellissippi Parkway]] (SR&nbsp;162 northbound, I-140 eastbound), which connects to Oak Ridge and [[Maryville, Tennessee|Maryville]] respectively.<ref name="2020study2"/> Proceeding through [[West Knoxville]], the two routes intersect local roads before reaching a connector to [[U.S. Route 11 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;11]]/[[U.S. Route 70 in Tennessee|70]] ([[Kingston Pike]]) near the [[West Hills, Knoxville|West Hills]] neighborhood. An interchange with [[Tennessee State Route 332|SR&nbsp;332]] (Northshore Drive) and Papermill and Weisgarber Roads follows. The routes reach the western terminus of [[Interstate 640|I-640]], a beltway which bypasses downtown to the north, {{convert|2|mi|km|spell=in}} later. Here I-75 splits off from I-40 onto a brief concurrency with I-640 to [[Lexington, Kentucky]]. The Interstate then enters downtown Knoxville with six through lanes and several short segments of [[auxiliary lane]]s between exits.<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref name="2020study2"/>

Passing near the main campus of the [[University of Tennessee]] and several residential neighborhoods, the Interstate intersects the northern terminus of [[U.S. Route 129 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;129]] (Alcoa Highway), a controlled-access highway accessing [[McGhee Tyson Airport]] and [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]]. Next is an exit for [[Tennessee State Route 62|SR&nbsp;62]] (Western Avenue), followed by a three-level interchange with the southern terminus of [[Interstate 275 (Tennessee)|I-275]]; the eastbound lanes also have access to [[U.S. Route 441 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;441]] southbound (Henley Street). The highway crosses a long viaduct over a [[rail yard]] before reaching an interchange with [[Tennessee State Route 158|SR&nbsp;158]] (James White Parkway) westbound, a controlled-access spur which accesses downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee to the south. I-40 then curves north and northeast before an interchange with a connector to US&nbsp;441. It enters a predominantly-residential area, passing [[Zoo Knoxville]], and reaches an interchange with [[U.S. Route 11W|US&nbsp;11W]] (Rutledge Pike). The Interstate then reaches the eastern terminus of I-640, shifting eastward and beginning a brief, unsigned concurrency with [[U.S. Route 25W|US&nbsp;25W]] and [[Tennessee State Route 9|SR&nbsp;9]]. These routes split off at an interchange with [[U.S. Route 11E|US&nbsp;11E]]/70 (Asheville Highway). Leaving Knoxville, the Interstate crosses the [[Holston River]].<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref name=knoxco>{{cite map |author = Long Range Planning Division Office of Data Visualization |year = 2018 |title = Knox County |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/h-m/Knox%20County.pdf |scale = [c. 1:190,080] |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = May 15, 2020 |archive-date = January 24, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200124053759/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/h-m/Knox%20County.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>

====Smoky Mountains and Pigeon River gorge====
[[File:Interstate-40-smoky-mtns-tn1.jpg|thumb|left|alt=See caption|I-40 near mile 441, with [[Mount Cammerer]] in the distance]]
Continuing east as a six-lane highway, I-40 travels through [[Strawberry Plains, Tennessee|Strawberry Plains]] before entering [[Sevier County, Tennessee|Sevier County]] several miles later.<ref name="2020study2"/><ref name=knoxco/> Near [[Kodak, Tennessee|Kodak]] is Exit 407 with [[Tennessee State Route 66|SR&nbsp;66]] and the northern terminus of the [[Great Smoky Mountains Parkway]], where the Interstate begins an unsigned concurrency with the former. This interchange is the primary access to the [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]] and tourist attractions in [[Sevierville, Tennessee|Sevierville]], [[Pigeon Forge, Tennessee|Pigeon Forge]], and [[Gatlinburg, Tennessee|Gatlinburg]], and is one of Tennessee's busiest non-Interstate exits.<ref name=exit407>{{cite news |last=McAlee |first=Hope |date=March 8, 2023 |title=History of Exit 407: Gateway to the Great American Vacation |url=https://www.wate.com/news/sevier-county-news/history-of-exit-407-smoky-mountain-vacations/ |work=WATE-TV |location=Knoxville |access-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408081650/https://www.wate.com/news/sevier-county-news/history-of-exit-407-smoky-mountain-vacations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Gradually turning northeast, the highway enters [[Jefferson County, Tennessee|Jefferson County]].<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref>{{cite map |author = Long Range Planning Division Office of Data Visualization |year = 2018 |title = Sevier County |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/o-w/Sevier%20County.pdf |scale = [c. 1:190,080] |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = January 29, 2022 |archive-date = March 13, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220313052033/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/o-w/Sevier%20County.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref> After a gradual ascent of about {{convert|5|mi|km|spell=in}}, the highway intersects US&nbsp;25W/70 near [[Dandridge, Tennessee|Dandridge]], where SR&nbsp;66 also splits off.<ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Douglas Dam, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=8b827ff49eeb82739a7423b50ad4b6e5 |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230408081640/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=8b827ff49eeb82739a7423b50ad4b6e5 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Jefferson City, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=29423d425aa2282941e4379fdcb657ff |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230408081632/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=29423d425aa2282941e4379fdcb657ff |url-status = live }}</ref> It then enters northern Dandridge, where it meets [[Tennessee State Route 92|SR&nbsp;92]]. I-40 intersects the southern terminus of [[Interstate 81 in Tennessee|I-81]], which runs into northeast Tennessee to the [[Tri-Cities, Tennessee|Tri-Cities]] of [[Bristol, Tennessee|Bristol]], [[Kingsport, Tennessee|Kingsport]], and [[Johnson City, Tennessee|Johnson City]]. Here, I-40 reduces to four lanes and turns 90&nbsp;degrees southeast.<ref name="2020study2"/><ref name=jeffco>{{cite map |author = Long Range Planning Division Office of Data Visualization |year = 2018 |title = Jefferson County |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/h-m/Jefferson%20County.pdf |scale = [c. 1:190,080] |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = January 29, 2022 |archive-date = January 30, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220130000954/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/h-m/Jefferson%20County.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>

Beginning a moderate descent, the highway crosses the [[Douglas Lake]] reservoir of the [[French Broad River]] a few miles later and enters [[Cocke County, Tennessee|Cocke County]] after a gradual climb.<ref name=jeffco/><ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = White Pine, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=2a0697deadc8c861ecd7291726905037 |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230408081630/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=2a0697deadc8c861ecd7291726905037 |url-status = live }}</ref> Near [[Newport, Tennessee|Newport]] is an interchange with US 25W/70, near the northern terminus of [[U.S. Route 411 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;411]].<ref name="DeLorme"/> Traversing the northern foothills of [[English Mountain]], the Interstate turns south to an interchange with US&nbsp;321.<ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Newport, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=1c209edc698ef03872128e3a6ebd1152 |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230408081629/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=1c209edc698ef03872128e3a6ebd1152 |url-status = live }}</ref> After leaving Newport, the road crosses the [[Pigeon River (Tennessee–North Carolina)|Pigeon River]], intersects [[Tennessee State Route 73|SR&nbsp;73]] near [[Cosby, Tennessee|Cosby]], and again turns south for a view of {{convert|4928|ft|m|adj=on}} [[Mount Cammerer]] at the northeastern end of the [[Great Smoky Mountains]].<ref name=Moore7/> The highway crosses the Pigeon River again and intersects the eastern terminus of the [[Foothills Parkway]] before crossing the river a final time and curving sharply east.<ref name="DeLorme"/> I-40 then enters the [[Cherokee National Forest]] and snakes through the Pigeon River gorge between the Great Smoky Mountains on the south and the [[Bald Mountains]] on the north, following the river's north bank.<ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Hartford, TN |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=21f0c9528a379087aecbb96d2ac5b930 |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230408081630/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=21f0c9528a379087aecbb96d2ac5b930 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite map |author = United States Geological Survey |author-link = United States Geological Survey |year = 2022 |title = Waterville, NC |url = https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=a3d896597df32102e7aa37cc48a11775 |type = Topographic map |series = 7.5 Minute Series |scale = 1:24,000 |location = Reston, Virginia |publisher = United States Geological Survey |access-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-date = April 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230408081648/https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ht-bin/tv_browse.pl?id=a3d896597df32102e7aa37cc48a11775 |url-status = live }}</ref> Due to hazardous curves, the speed limit is reduced to {{Convert|55|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and trucks are prohibited from using the left lane.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Merchant |first1=Julia |title=Mountain Roads Cited as Among the State's Most Dangerous |url=https://smokymountainnews.com/archives/item/7715-mountain-roads-cited-as-among-the-state%E2%80%99s-most-dangerous |access-date=April 24, 2023 |work=[[Smoky Mountain News]] |date=February 6, 2008 |location=Waynesville, North Carolina |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424024844/https://smokymountainnews.com/archives/item/7715-mountain-roads-cited-as-among-the-state%E2%80%99s-most-dangerous |url-status=live }}</ref> This stretch is also prone to [[rockslide]]s, and has mesh nets along some of the cliff slopes. The route gradually curves southeast near [[Hartford, Tennessee|Hartford]] and, after several miles, crosses the [[Appalachian Trail]] and enters North Carolina.<ref name="DeLorme"/><ref>{{cite map |author = Long Range Planning Division Office of Data Visualization |year = 2018 |title = Cocke County |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/a-g/Cocke%20County.pdf |scale = [c. 1:190,080] |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = January 29, 2022 |archive-date = January 30, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220130000938/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/county-maps-(us-shields)/a-g/Cocke%20County.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>

=="Music Highway" and honorary designations==
[[File:LorettaLynn-HankWilliamsRAsign.jpg|thumb|alt=Road sign with musical notes|Music Highway sign at an I-40 rest area in Benton County honoring [[country music|country]] singers [[Loretta Lynn]] and [[Hank Williams]]]]

"Music Highway" refers to the section of I-40 between Memphis and Nashville, which was designated as such by the [[Tennessee General Assembly]] in 1997. The designation is "from the eastern boundary of [[Davidson County, Tennessee|Davidson County]] to the [[Mississippi River]] in [[Shelby County, Tennessee|Shelby County]]", a distance of about {{convert|222|mi|km}}. It commemorates the roles played by Memphis, Nashville, and the areas in between in the development of [[American popular music]]. Memphis is known as "the Home of the [[Blues]] and the Birthplace of [[Rock and Roll]]", and Nashville is known as "Music City" for its influence on [[country music]]. Several cities and towns between the cities, including [[Jackson, Tennessee|Jackson]], [[Brownsville, Tennessee|Brownsville]], [[Nutbush, Tennessee|Nutbush]], and [[Waverly, Tennessee|Waverly]], were birthplaces (or homes) of singers and songwriters. Signs with the words "Music Highway" and [[musical note]]s are along I-40 in both directions throughout this section, and rest areas are named for associated musicians or bands.<ref>{{cite news |last=Duzak |first=Warren |date=January 11, 1998 |title=Even Highway Carries a Tune Near Music City |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-even-highway-carries-a-tu/125034711/ |page=1L |work=The Tennessean |location=Nashville |access-date=August 28, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828190255/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-even-highway-carries-a-tu/125034711/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=March 3, 1999 |title=New Guide Explores Musical Heritage Along Stretch of I-40 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-new-guide-explores-mu/125034561/ |page=15 |work=Johnson City Press |access-date=May 20, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520212424/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-new-guide-explores-mu/125034561/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Several sections of I-40 also bear honorary names in Tennessee. In Memphis, the freeway was designated as "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway" in 1971 after the [[Martin Luther King Jr.|civil rights leader]] who was [[Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.|assassinated there in 1968]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=March 31, 1971 |title=Midtown Expressway Named for Dr. King |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-memphis-press-scimitar-midtown-expre/129577338/ |page=33 |work=Memphis Press-Scimitar |access-date=August 6, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807035347/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-memphis-press-scimitar-midtown-expre/129577338/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The stretch in eastern Shelby County was named "Isaac Hayes Memorial Highway" in 2010 after [[Isaac Hayes|a singer-songwriter]] who was one of the creative forces behind [[Stax Records]] in Memphis.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mehr |first1=Bob |title=Stretch of I-40 to Be Renamed in Honor of Isaac Hayes on Friday |url=https://archive.commercialappeal.com/news/stretch-of-i-40-to-be-renamed-in-honor-of-isaac-hayes-on-friday-ep-391027834-324227011.html/ |access-date=May 8, 2022 |work=The Commercial Appeal |date=August 16, 2010 |location=Memphis |archive-date=August 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807042212/https://archive.commercialappeal.com/news/stretch-of-i-40-to-be-renamed-in-honor-of-isaac-hayes-on-friday-ep-391027834-324227011.html/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The stretch between Nashville and Crossville was named "Senator Tommy Burks Memorial Highway" in 1999 after a [[Tommy Burks|state senator]] who was assassinated the previous year and commonly drove the route between the state capitol and his home in Cookeville.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=February 27, 1999 |title=Sundquist Signs Burks Memorial Highway Bill |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-sundquist-signs-b/129117877/ |page=11C |work=[[Bristol Herald Courier]] |agency=Associated Press |access-date=July 29, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730052622/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-sundquist-signs-b/129117877/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Elliott |first=Stephen |date=August 16, 2018 |title=The Death of a Senator: Tommy Burks and Byron (Low Tax) Looper |url=https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/coverstory/the-death-of-a-senator-tommy-burks-and-byron-low-tax-looper/article_7176c605-1c9b-53c6-a607-5422e4840953.html |work=[[Nashville Scene]] |access-date=July 29, 2023}}</ref> In 1990, the segment from near Farragut to the North Carolina line was named "Troy A. McGill Memorial Highway" after [[Troy A. McGill|a Knoxville-born U.S. Army soldier]] who posthumously received the [[Medal of Honor]] for his actions during the [[Admiralty Islands campaign]] in [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Maples |first=Bill |title=Portion of highway to Honor War Hero McGill |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101340583/portion-of-highway-to-honor-war-hero/ |access-date=May 8, 2022 |work=The Knoxville News-Sentinel |date=July 1, 1990 |page=B1 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508020442/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101340583/portion-of-highway-to-honor-war-hero/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The name was changed to "Troy A. McGill Medal of Honor Memorial Highway" in 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=Troy McGill Highway to be Rededicated on May 10 |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/troy-mcgill-highway-to-be-rededicated-on-may-10-301537769.html |access-date=May 8, 2022 |work=[[PR Newswire]] |date=May 3, 2022 |location=Chicago |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508020442/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/troy-mcgill-highway-to-be-rededicated-on-may-10-301537769.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, the stretch through Cocke County was named "Charles L. McGaha Medal of Honor Memorial Highway" after [[Charles L. McGaha|a soldier from Cosby]] who won the Medal of Honor for service in the [[Philippines campaign (1944–1945)|1944–1945 Philippines campaign]] in World War II.<ref>{{cite news |last=Luther |first=Sam |date=November 3, 2023 |title=Medal of Honor recipient and Cocke County native honored once again |url=https://www.wvlt.tv/2023/11/03/medal-honor-recipient-cocke-county-native-honored-once-again/ |work=[[WVLT-TV]] |location=Knoxville |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111013249/https://www.wvlt.tv/2023/11/03/medal-honor-recipient-cocke-county-native-honored-once-again/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A number of short sections, bridges, and interchanges are named for [[Tennessee Highway Patrol|state troopers]] and TDOT employees killed in the line of duty, as well as local politicians and other prominent citizens.<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=Highways Dedicated To Fallen Troopers |url=https://www.tn.gov/news/2007/9/17/highways-dedicated-to-fallen-troopers.html |location=Nashville |publisher=[[Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security]] |date=September 17, 2007 |access-date=July 30, 2023 |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730011658/https://www.tn.gov/news/2007/9/17/highways-dedicated-to-fallen-troopers.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Terada |first=Souichi |date=July 14, 2018 |title=Memorial Highway Named After TDOT Worker James Rogers Struck on I-40 on Christmas Eve 2016 |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2018/07/14/memorial-highway-named-after-james-rogers-40-christmas-eve-2016/784124002/ |work=The Tennessean |location=Nashville |access-date=August 6, 2023 |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029220731/https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2018/07/14/memorial-highway-named-after-james-rogers-40-christmas-eve-2016/784124002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 24, 2008, a monument at the Smith County Rest Area that lists the names of each TDOT worker killed in the line of duty since 1948 was dedicated.<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=TDOT Unveils Highway Workers Memorial |url=https://www.tn.gov/news/2008/9/23/tdot-unveils-highway-workers-memorial1.html |location=Nashville |publisher=Tennessee Department of Transportation |date=September 23, 2008 |access-date=August 6, 2023 |archive-date=August 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807041019/https://www.tn.gov/news/2008/9/23/tdot-unveils-highway-workers-memorial1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Several major bridges on I-40 also have honorary names. The "Hernando de Soto Bridge" is named for the [[Hernando de Soto|16th century Spanish explorer and conquistador]] who was the first European to cross the Mississippi River.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 17, 1973 |title=Tireless Gold-Seeker Gave Name |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88387047/tireless-gold-seeker-gave-name/ |page=5-A |work=The Commercial Appeal |location=Memphis |access-date=November 5, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105150957/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88387047/tireless-gold-seeker-gave-name/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The "Jimmy Mann Evans Memorial Bridge" is named for a TDOT commissioner who served from 1987 until his death in 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tn.gov/tdot/about/commissioner-history.html |title=TDOT Commissioner History |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=<!--Not given--> |website=tn.gov |publisher=Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date=August 6, 2023 |archive-date=August 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807034316/https://www.tn.gov/tdot/about/commissioner-history.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The "Samuel T. Rayburn Memorial Bridge" over the Clinch River is named for a [[Sam Rayburn|Texas congressman]] who was the longest serving [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|Speaker of the US House of Representatives]].<ref name=knoxjournal61/> The Holston River bridge is named for both Ralph K. Adcock and Bid Anderson, two [[Tennessee House of Representatives|state representatives]] from the area.<ref>{{cite news |last=Julian |first=Harold |date=July 26, 1992 |title=Knox I-40 Bridge Honored Both Living and Dead |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-knox-i-40-br/129119223/ |page=E12 |work=The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date=July 30, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730064618/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-knox-i-40-br/129119223/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The "Frances Burnett Swann Memorial Bridge" across the French Broad River was designated in 1963 for the wife of [[Alfred Swann]], who served in the [[Confederate States Army|Confederate Army]] during the [[American Civil War]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=April 7, 1963 |title=Swann, Wife Both Honored by 2 Bridges |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-swann-wife/129119677/ |page=A-4 |work=The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date=July 30, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730064146/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-swann-wife/129119677/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==History==

===Predecessor highways===
[[File:TN-1-sign-Cumberland-County-tn1.jpg|thumb|left|alt=View of a two-lane road with a large green sign in the background|Sign along [[U.S. Route 70 in Tennessee|US 70]]/[[Tennessee State Route 1|SR 1]] commemorating the Memphis to Bristol Highway, the first state highway in Tennessee]]
Before the settlement of Tennessee by [[European Americans]], a series of [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] trails existed in what is now the I-40 corridor. The Cumberland Trace (also known as Tollunteeskee's Trail) was a [[Cherokee]] trail which passed through the central [[Cumberland Plateau]], and was first used by settlers and explorers in the 1760s.<ref name="tnencyclopedia">{{cite web |url = https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/historic-trails/ |title = Historic Trails |last = Smith |first = David Ray |date = October 8, 2017 |publisher = Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture |access-date = November 6, 2022 |archive-date = November 6, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221106063826/https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/historic-trails/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The [[North Carolina General Assembly]] (which controlled present-day Tennessee) authorized in 1787 construction of a trail between the southern end of [[Clinch Mountain]] (near present-day Knoxville) and the [[Cumberland Association]], which included modern-day Nashville. Completed the following year, the trail became known as [[Avery's Trace]] and followed several Native American trails.<ref>{{cite book |last = Finger |first = John R. |title = Tennessee Frontiers: Three Regions in Transition |title-link=Tennessee Frontiers: Three Regions in Transition  |pages = 121–122 |publisher = Indiana University Press |year = 2001 |isbn = 978-0-253-33985-0 }}</ref> After the creation of the [[Southwest Territory]], the territorial legislature on July 10, 1795, authorized a wagon trail to be constructed between Knoxville and Nashville. The trail, officially named the Cumberland Turnpike, became popularly known as the Walton Road for one of its surveyors: William Walton, an [[American Revolutionary War]] veteran.<ref name="tnencyclopedia"/> Built from 1799 to 1801 at a cost of $1,000 (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|1000|1801}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}), it was constructed from portions of Tollunteeskee's Trail, Avery's Trace, and the Emery Road (an earlier trail cleared by settlers) and passed through Kingston, Carthage, and Gallatin.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.tn.gov/tdot/100years-home/100years-transportation-history.html |title = Transportation Milestones in Tennessee History |date = 2014 |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = February 10, 2021 |archive-date = October 18, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201018071609/https://www.tn.gov/tdot/100years-home/100years-transportation-history.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

In 1911, a series of Tennessee businesspeople formed the Memphis to Bristol Highway Association to encourage the state to improve the roads which ran between Memphis and [[Bristol, Tennessee|Bristol]].<ref name=teva/> After the 1915 formation of the  Tennessee Department of Highways and Public Works, the predecessor to TDOT, the agency designated these roads as the Memphis to Bristol Highway,<ref name=tdothistory/> and numbered them [[Tennessee State Route 1|SR&nbsp;1]] eight years later.<ref>{{cite book |type = Report |author1 = Highway Planning Survey Division |year = 1925 |title = Biennial Report of the Commissioner of the Department of Highways and Public Works State of Tennessee for the Years 1923 and 1924 |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/100years/Biennial_Report%2c_Department_of_Highways_1923%2c_1924.pdf |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Highways and Public Works |access-date = May 19, 2023 |pages = 39–44 |oclc =  |archive-date = May 19, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230519233415/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/100years/Biennial_Report,_Department_of_Highways_1923,_1924.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref> When the [[United States Numbered Highway System]] was formed in 1926, the route connecting Memphis and Knoxville became part of US&nbsp;70 and [[U.S. Route 70S|US&nbsp;70S]]; the route from Knoxville to Bristol was designated as part of [[U.S. Route 11 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;11]] and [[U.S. Route 11W|US&nbsp;11W]].<ref name=teva>{{cite web |author = Memphis-Nashville-Bristol Highway Association |date=1911 |url = https://teva.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p15138coll23/id/53/ |title = Route of Memphis-Nashville-Bristol Highway, Tennessee's First State Road |publisher = Tennessee State Library and Archives |location = Nashville |oclc = 957558404 |access-date = February 10, 2021 |via = Tennessee Virtual Archive}}</ref><ref>{{cite map |author1 = [[Bureau of Public Roads]] |author2 = [[American Association of State Highway Officials]] |date = November 11, 1926 |title = United States System of Highways Adopted for Uniform Marking by the American Association of State Highway Officials |url = https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_System_of_Highways_Adopted_for_Uniform_Marking_by_the_American_Association_of_State_Highway_Officials.jpg |scale = 1:7,000,000 |location = Washington, DC |publisher = [[United States Geological Survey]] |oclc = 32889555 |access-date = November 7, 2013 |via = [[Wikimedia Commons]] |name-list-style = amp |archive-date = April 13, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170413153913/https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_System_of_Highways_Adopted_for_Uniform_Marking_by_the_American_Association_of_State_Highway_Officials.jpg |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last = Weingroff |first = Richard |title = U.S. 11 – Rouses Point, New York, to New Orleans, Louisiana |url = https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/us11.cfm |date = June 27, 2017 |publisher = Federal Highway Administration |accessdate = February 14, 2022 |archive-date = February 15, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220215041457/https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/us11.cfm |url-status = live }}</ref> The highway became part of the Broadway of America [[auto trail]] linking [[California]] and [[New York (state)|New York]] in the late 1920s.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title = Plan to Spend $8,000,000 on Route 1, Tennessee's Broadway of America |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69837346/plan-to-spend-8000000-on-route-1/ |page = 9 |work = Johnson City Chronicle |date = August 18, 1928 |access-date = February 10, 2021 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222445/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69837346/plan-to-spend-8000000-on-route-1/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

===Planning===
[[File:Magnolia Avenue Expressway Knoxville.png|thumb|alt=A four-lane highway and cloverleaf interchange, seen from above|Westward view of the Magnolia Avenue Expressway, the first freeway in Tennessee. The cloverleaf interchange was used for the junction between I-40 and I-75.]]
The first segment included in Tennessee's I-40 was a {{convert|1.09|mi|km|-long|adj=mid}} controlled-access highway in Knoxville, the state's first, which was constructed by state and local governments.<ref name="hickman"/><ref name=ferguson>{{cite news |last = Ferguson |first = Don K. |date = May 18, 2008 |title = Ferguson: First Downtown Expressway Spurred Malfunction Junction |url = http://archive.knoxnews.com/opinion/columnists/don-ferguson/ferguson-first-downtown-expressway-spurred-malfunction-junction-ep-411633327-359893091.html |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = June 6, 2020 |archive-date = June 6, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200606135250/http://archive.knoxnews.com/opinion/columnists/don-ferguson/ferguson-first-downtown-expressway-spurred-malfunction-junction-ep-411633327-359893091.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Known initially as the Magnolia Avenue Expressway and later renamed the Frank Regas Expressway, the highway originated from a 1945 plan which recommended that a number of expressways be constructed in Knoxville to relieve congestion on surface streets.<ref name=ferguson/><ref>{{cite news |last = Range |first = Wayne |date = August 9, 1953 |title = Overpass Design Needed To Speed Completion of Magnolia Link; State Still Waiting for Plans on Span |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100017672/overpass-design-needed-to-speed/ |page = A10 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = April 18, 2022 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419005801/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100017672/overpass-design-needed-to-speed/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Planners intended these highways to be integrated into the proposed nationwide highway network that became the [[Interstate Highway System]], which was expected to be authorized by Congress.<ref>{{cite report |last = Smith |first = Walter |date = November 1945 |title = Major Street System |publisher = City of Knoxville, Tennessee |pages = 2–23 }}</ref> The highway's location and design was finalized in a 1948 plan,<ref name="hickman"/><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date = February 17, 1949 |title = $3¼ Million Needed To Start Expressways; U.S. and State Officials Hear Lochner Plan |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100014611/3-14-million-needed-to-start/ |pages = 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100014688/us-officials-given-3-1-4-million/ 16] |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = April 18, 2022 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419003718/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100014611/3-14-million-needed-to-start/ |url-status = live }}</ref> and construction began on October 1, 1951.<ref>{{cite news |title = Grading Set To Start On Expressway |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100018571/grading-set-to-start-on-expressway/ |access-date = April 19, 2022 |work = The Knoxville Journal |date = October 4, 1951 |page = 21 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419010535/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100018571/grading-set-to-start-on-expressway/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The first segment, between Unaka Street and Tulip Avenue, was completed on November 14, 1952;<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Expressway's First Link Completed |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57640672/expressways-first-link-completed/ |page = 7A |work = The Knoxville Journal |date = November 30, 1952 |access-date = August 19, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222456/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57640672/expressways-first-link-completed/ |url-status = live }}</ref> the second segment, joining Tulip Avenue and [[Gay Street (Knoxville)|Gay Street]], was completed on December 10, 1955.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date = December 10, 1955 |title = Short Ceremony Opens Expressway Link |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122270553/short-ceremony-opens-expressway-link/ |page = 1 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = June 6, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 4, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230404184606/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122270553/short-ceremony-opens-expressway-link/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The Magnolia Avenue Expressway had a cloverleaf interchange which was reused for the intersection with I-75 (now I-275) and US&nbsp;441.<ref name="hickman"/><ref name=ferguson/> This configuration quickly developed a reputation for severe congestion and a high accident rate, and became known locally as "Malfunction Junction".<ref name="hickman">{{cite news |last = Hickman |first = Hayes |date = August 26, 2001 |title = Driving in Circles; More Roads/More Traffic Cycle Has Roots in Knoxville's Past |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100012330/driving-in-circles/ |pages = A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100012418/street/ A10], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100012531/street/ A11] |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = April 18, 2022 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419003719/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100012330/driving-in-circles/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Lakin |first = Matt |date = August 26, 2012 |title = Junction for Malfunction |url = http://archive.knoxnews.com/news/local/junction-for-malfunction-ep-360224674-356724351.html/ |work = [[Knoxville News Sentinel|The Knoxville News-Sentinel]] |access-date = June 6, 2020 |archive-date = February 5, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210205075316/http://archive.knoxnews.com/news/local/junction-for-malfunction-ep-360224674-356724351.html/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

The general location of the highway which became I-40 was included in the National Interregional Highway Committee's 1944 report, "Interregional Highways",<ref>{{cite web |last=Weingroff |first=Richard F. |title=Designating the Urban Interstates |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/fairbank.cfm |publisher=Federal Highway Administration |access-date=August 5, 2018 |archive-date=December 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230231552/https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/fairbank.cfm |url-status=live }}</ref> and a 1947 plan produced by the Public Roads Administration of the [[Federal Works Agency]].<ref>{{cite map |url = http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Interstate_Highway_plan_August_2,_1947_big_text.jpg |title = National System of Interstate Highways |author = [[Public Roads Administration]] |scale = Scale not given |location = Washington, DC |publisher = Public Roads Administration |date = August 2, 1947 |access-date = September 4, 2010 |via = [[Wikimedia Commons]] |archive-date = October 29, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131029202001/http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Interstate_Highway_plan_August_2,_1947_big_text.jpg |url-status = live }}</ref> The only area which presented a challenge to planners was the Blue Ridge Mountains, with residents of [[Western North Carolina]] divided over whether the Interstate should follow the Pigeon River or the French Broad River to the north. Surveys for both routes were authorized in 1945, and the first survey for the former was made in 1948.<ref>{{cite news |last=Campbell Jr. |first=Robert F. |date=September 26, 1948 |title=Dissent Is Voiced On N.C.-Tenn. Route |url=https://citizen-times.newspapers.com/clip/123432537/dissent-is-voiced-on-nc-tenn-route/ |pages=1, [https://citizen-times.newspapers.com/clip/123432568/citizens-are-at-odds-on/ 9] |work=Asheville Citizen-Times |access-date=April 24, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424042836/https://citizen-times.newspapers.com/clip/123432537/dissent-is-voiced-on-nc-tenn-route/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Boyle |first=John |date=November 1, 2009 |title=I-40 Path Spelled Trouble; Route 'Nothing But Fractured Rock Waiting to Fall Off' |url=https://citizen-times.newspapers.com/clip/75122285/i-40-path-spelled-trouble/ |pages=A1, [https://citizen-times.newspapers.com/clip/75122355/route-politics-played-big-role-in/ A3] |work=Asheville Citizen-Times |access-date=April 24, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424042836/https://citizen-times.newspapers.com/clip/75122285/i-40-path-spelled-trouble/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After additional studies, the North Carolina Highway Commission recommended the Pigeon River gorge route in 1955;<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=July 1, 1955 |title=North Carolina Picks Pigeon River Route |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123433717/north-carolina-picks-pigeon-river-route/ |page=1 |work=The Knoxville News-Sentinel |agency=Associated Press |access-date=April 24, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424042835/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123433717/north-carolina-picks-pigeon-river-route/ |url-status=live }}</ref> this was approved by the Bureau of Public Roads (predecessor to the [[Federal Highway Administration]]) on April 12, 1956.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=April 12, 1956 |title=Pigeon River Route Chosen; Links Knoxville and Asheville |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123431374/pigeon-river-route-chosen/ |page=31 |work=The Knoxville News-Sentinel |agency=United Press |access-date=April 24, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424042835/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123431374/pigeon-river-route-chosen/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Tennessee leg of I-40 was among {{convert|1047.6|mi|km}} of Interstate Highways authorized for the state by the [[Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956]], commonly known as the Interstate Highway Act.<ref name=tdothistory/><ref>{{cite book |type = Report |author1 = Tennessee State Highway Department Highway Planning Survey Division |author1-link = Tennessee Department of Transportation |author2 = Bureau of Public Roads |author2-link = Federal Highway Administration |year = 1959 |title = History of the Tennessee Highway Department |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/100years/History_of_the_TN_Highway_Department.pdf |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee State Highway Department |access-date = April 26, 2020 |pages = 51–52 |archive-date = January 23, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200123205613/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/100years/History_of_the_TN_Highway_Department.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref> Its numbering was approved by the [[American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials|American Association of State Highway Officials]] on August 14, 1957.<ref name="AASHO-1957"/> At {{convert|451.8|mi|km}} long, I-40 in Tennessee was initially the longest segment of Interstate Highway in a single state east of the Mississippi River until an extension of [[Interstate 75 in Florida|I-75 in Florida]] was authorized by the [[Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1968]].<ref name="AASHO-1957"/><ref>{{cite web |url = https://highways.dot.gov/highway-history/interstate-system/50th-anniversary |title = Eisenhower Interstate Highway System, Previous Facts of the Day |author = <!--Not stated--> |date = 2010 |publisher = Federal Highway Administration |access-date = July 5, 2020 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201211012111/https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/interstate/previousfacts.cfm |archive-date = December 11, 2020 }}</ref> The first design contract for I-40 in Tennessee was awarded on March 4, 1956, for a short section in [[Davidson County, Tennessee|Davidson County]]. Within a year, design contracts had been awarded for sections in Davidson, [[Knox County, Tennessee|Knox]], [[Roane County, Tennessee|Roane]], [[Haywood County, Tennessee|Haywood]], [[Madison County, Tennessee|Madison]], [[Jefferson County, Tennessee|Jefferson]], and [[Cocke County, Tennessee|Cocke]] counties. By 1958, design work was underway for most of the entire Tennessee route.<ref>{{harvp|Moore|1994|pp=108–109|ps.=}}</ref>

==={{anchor|Earlier construction}}Earlier construction===
[[File:I-40-Nashville-1962.jpg|thumb|left|alt=See caption|Sign at a construction site for a segment of I-40 in Nashville in 1962, explaining the project<ref>{{cite news |title = Notice To Contractors Of State Highway Construction Bids To Be Received, February 16, 1962 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78068256/notice-to-contractors-of-state-highway/ |access-date = May 21, 2021 |work = The Nashville Tennessean |date = January 24, 1962 |page = 19 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = May 21, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210521045755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78068256/notice-to-contractors-of-state-highway/ |url-status = live }}</ref>]]
The first contract for construction of I-40 in Tennessee as part of the Interstate Highway System was awarded on August 2, 1957, for a {{convert|4.8|mi|km|adj=on}} section in Roane County near Kingston, between the [[Clinch River]] and SR&nbsp;58; construction began the following month.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--not stated--> |date = August 19, 1957 |title = Contract Let For Parts Of Superhighway |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110496822/contract-let-for-parts-of-superhighway/ |page = 2 |work = The Nashville Banner |access-date = September 30, 2022 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = October 1, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221001024007/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110496822/contract-let-for-parts-of-superhighway/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--not stated--> |date = September 22, 1957 |title = Superhighway Link Work Begins |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110497225/superhighway-link-work-begins/ |page = A25 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = September 30, 2022 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = October 1, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221001024008/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110497225/superhighway-link-work-begins/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Construction of I-40 between Memphis and Nashville began on September 18, 1958, in Madison County near Jackson.<ref name=veazey>{{cite news |last = Veazey |first = Walter |date = July 24, 1966 |title = I-40 Is Story Of A Road Made Good |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88893415/i-40-is-story-of-a-road-made-good/ |page = 4 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = November 13, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 14, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211114023147/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88893415/i-40-is-story-of-a-road-made-good/ |url-status = live }}</ref> On October 19, 1961, the bridge over the Clinch River{{snd}}constructed at a cost of $2.4&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|2400000|1961}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}){{snd}}was dedicated and opened to traffic by Governor [[Buford Ellington]].<ref name=knoxjournal61>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Clinch River Bridge Opening Draws 700 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546078/clinch-river-bridge-opening-draws-700/ |page = 6 |work = The Knoxville Journal |date = October 20, 1961 |access-date = August 2, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222324/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56546078/clinch-river-bridge-opening-draws-700/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The {{convert|21.5|mi|km|adj=on}} section linking US&nbsp;70 east of Brownsville and US&nbsp;70 in Jackson, known at the time as the Jackson Bypass, was opened to traffic on December 1, 1961.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Interstate Highway To Open Friday |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529269/interstate-highway-to-open-friday/ |page = 1 |work = [[The Jackson Sun]] |date = November 30, 1961 |access-date = April 12, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222324/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529269/interstate-highway-to-open-friday/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The following day, the {{convert|31|mi|km|adj=on}} segment opened between the Clinch River bridge in Kingston and Papermill Road in Knoxville.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = I-40 Traffic Is Without Incident |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122270162/i-40-traffic-is-without-incident/ |page = A1 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |date = December 3, 1961 |oclc = 12008657 |access-date = April 12, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 4, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230404183859/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122270162/i-40-traffic-is-without-incident/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Vol-Vandy Highroad (Image) |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122269968/vol-vandy-highroad/ |page = A10 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |date = November 26, 1961 |access-date = November 28, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 4, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230404183857/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122269968/vol-vandy-highroad/ |url-status = live }}</ref> On October 31, 1962, the section connecting [[Tennessee State Route 113|SR&nbsp;113]] near Dandridge and US&nbsp;25W/70 in Newport opened.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = November 8, 1962 |title = Traffic Travels Over New Roadway |work = The Newport Plain Talk and Tribune |page = 4 }}</ref> The first section of I-40 in Middle Tennessee to be completed was the {{convert|14.5|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch from SR&nbsp;96 in Williamson County and US&nbsp;70S in Bellevue, which opened on November 1, 1962.<ref name="morrell1162">{{cite news |last1 = Morrell |first1 = Ken |title = Davidson's First Link Included |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79650824/davidsons-first-link-included/ |access-date = June 16, 2021 |work = The Nashville Banner |date = November 1, 1962 |pages = 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79650909/interstate-route-ready/ 4] |archive-date = June 24, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195354/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79650824/davidsons-first-link-included/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name=hollabaugh>{{cite news |last = Hollabaugh |first = Julie |date = November 4, 1962 |title = Superroad Sample Awaits Nashvillians |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79651578/superroad-sample-awaits-nashvillians/ |page = 11C |work = [[The Tennessean|The Nashville Tennessean]] |oclc = 11232458 |access-date = April 13, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = October 29, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231029220735/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-superroad-sample-awaits-n/79651578/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The following day, the {{convert|16.5|mi|km|adj=on}} segment joining SR&nbsp;56 near Silver Point and US&nbsp;70N in Cookeville saw its first traffic.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = November 4, 1962 |title = Local Happenings (Column) |page = 1 |work = The Cookeville Citizen }}</ref> The segment from US&nbsp;70S in Bellevue and US&nbsp;70 in western Nashville opened on November 15, 1962.<ref name=hollabaugh/>

In Memphis, the segment between I-240/Sam Cooper Boulevard and US&nbsp;64/70/79{{snd}}then part of I-240{{snd}}was dedicated on October 9, 1963, by Governor [[Frank G. Clement]] and opened to traffic 14&nbsp;days later.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = October 5, 1963 |title = Expressway Link Will Be Opened Next Wednesday |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88400820/expressway-link-will-be-opened-next/ |page = 1 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = November 5, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 5, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211105191313/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88400820/expressway-link-will-be-opened-next/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = October 24, 1963 |title = Summer Section of Expressway Open to Traffic |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88401585/summer-section-of-expressway-open-to/ |page = 8 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = November 5, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 5, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211105192355/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88401585/summer-section-of-expressway-open-to/ |url-status = live }}</ref> That same month, contracts for the last sections between Memphis and Nashville were let.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=October 10, 1963 |title=Interstate Highway Bids To Be Opened |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-interstate-h/132485067/ |page=25 |work=The Knoxville News-Sentinel |agency=Associated Press |access-date=September 30, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029094053/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-interstate-h/132485067/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Morrell |first=Ken |date=October 11, 1963 |title=Road Bids Total $16.5 Million |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/nashville-banner-road-bids-total-165-m/132484954/ |page=12 |work=The Nashville Banner |access-date=September 30, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029025423/https://www.newspapers.com/article/nashville-banner-road-bids-total-165-m/132484954/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Clement opened and dedicated the {{convert|31|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch linking SR&nbsp;59 near Braden and US&nbsp;70 east of Brownsville on December 17, 1963.<ref>{{cite news |last = Parish |first = John |date = December 18, 1963 |title = Growing Interstate Gets 30 New Miles |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529412/growing-interstate-gets-30-new-miles/ |page = [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529441/growing-interstate-gets-30-new-miles/ 6] |work = The Jackson Sun |access-date = April 12, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 1, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211201151130/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529412/growing-interstate-gets-30-new-miles/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Four days later, the {{convert|15|mi|km|adj=on}} segment from SR&nbsp;53 in Gordonsville to SR&nbsp;56 near Silver Point opened.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = December 22, 1963 |title = Interstate Highway Segment Now Complete |page = 1 |work = The Tennessee Pictorial Dispatch |location = Cookeville, Tennessee }}</ref> On June 2, 1964, the {{convert|9|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} segment connecting SR&nbsp;46 in Dickson and SR&nbsp;96 in Williamson County was completed.<ref>{{cite book |type = Report |author1 =  |year = 1964 |title = Report of the State Highway Commissioner of Tennessee for the Biennium Ending June 30, 1964 |url = https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3031574&seq=225 |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Highways |access-date = November 12, 2023 |page = 77 |oclc = |via=[[HathiTrust|HathiTrust Digital Library]] }}</ref> The opening of the Knoxville stretch linking Papermill Road and Liberty Street was announced on September 4, 1964.<ref>{{cite news |title = Expressway Section in Use; Now In Partial Use (Photos) |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64199484/west-expressway-section/ |access-date = February 20, 2022 |work = The Knoxville Journal |date = September 4, 1964 |page = 17 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = February 20, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220220070442/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64199484/west-expressway-section/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Two non-contiguous sections{{snd}}between US&nbsp;27 in Harriman and the Clinch River Bridge in Kingston, and from Liberty to Unaka Street in downtown Knoxville{{snd}}were opened on December 4, 1964.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Interstate 40 Section Opens |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56545509/interstate-40-section-opens/ |page = 9 |work = The Knoxville Journal |date = December 5, 1964 |access-date = August 2, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 24, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211124063633/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56545509/interstate-40-section-opens/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = West Expressway Slated To Be Opened Dec. 4 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57642088/west-expressway-slated-to-be-opened/ |page = 1 |work = The Knoxville Journal |date = November 7, 1964 |access-date = August 19, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222508/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57642088/west-expressway-slated-to-be-opened/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Two separate stretches, {{convert|23|mi|km}} linking I-240 in Memphis and SR&nbsp;59 in Braden, and {{convert|21|mi|km}} connecting US&nbsp;70 in Jackson and SR&nbsp;22 in Parkers Crossroads, were dedicated by Clement 10&nbsp;days later.<ref>{{cite news |last = Parish |first = John |title = Clement Leaves Tax Cut For People To Decide |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529553/clement-leave-tax-cut-for-people-to/ |page = 1 |work = The Jackson Sun |date = December 15, 1964 |access-date = April 12, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222418/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529553/clement-leave-tax-cut-for-people-to/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In Nashville, the link between Fesslers and Spence Lanes (including the eastern interchange with I-24) was declared complete on January 11, 1965.<ref>{{cite news |title = Second Access To I-40 Opens |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/86540083/the-tennessean/ |access-date = February 20, 2022 |work = The Nashville Tennessean |date = January 12, 1965 |page = 13 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = February 20, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220220074015/https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/86540083/the-tennessean/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The adjacent link to the west, between the western interchange with I-24 and Fesslers Lane, was partially opened in late December 1963 with the nearby [[Silliman Evans Bridge]];<ref name="Kovach">{{cite news |last = Kovach |first = Bill |title = Evans Bridge Handling 10,000 Cars a Day |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34066022/downtown-interstate-december-1963/ |page = 8A |work = The Nashville Tennessean |date = December 29, 1963 |access-date = July 15, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = July 15, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200715135804/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34066022/downtown-interstate-december-1963/ |url-status = live }}</ref> it fully opened on April 19, 1965.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = April 16, 1965 |title = Sections To Open On I-40, I-65 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88906739/sections-to-open-on-i-40-i-65/ |page = 19 |work = The Nashville Tennessean |access-date = November 15, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 15, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211115060850/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88906739/sections-to-open-on-i-40-i-65/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

Work began on the bridge over the Tennessee River on November 29, 1962, and was completed on July 21, 1965, at a cost of $4.62&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|4620000|1965}}}} in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}).<ref name=pamphlet>{{cite book |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/100years/TNInterstate.pdf |title = Tennessee Interstate: 1,049 Miles of Modern Highways to Serve the Motoring Public |type = Pamphlet |author = Tennessee Department of Highways |date = 1966 |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Highways |access-date = December 6, 2021 |archive-date = December 6, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211206093253/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/100years/TNInterstate.pdf |url-status = live }}</ref> Several segments of the western portion of the {{convert|26|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch connecting Spence Lane in Nashville and US&nbsp;70 in Lebanon were opened to local traffic in 1963;<ref name="Kovach"/><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Morrell |first1 = Ken |title = Full-Scale Timetable Schedules Road Work |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79650385/full-scale-timetable-schedules-road-work/ |access-date = June 16, 2021 |work = The Nashville Banner |date = April 2, 1963 |page = 6 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = June 24, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195635/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79650385/full-scale-timetable-schedules-road-work/ |url-status = live }}</ref> the entire stretch was dedicated by Clement on August 26, 1965.<ref>{{cite news |last = Daughtrey |first = Larry |date = August 27, 1965 |title = Clement Opens I-40, Hits Press |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529807/clement-opens-i-40-hits-press/ |page = 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529861/clement-opens-i-40-hits/ 3] |work = The Nashville Tennessean |oclc = 11232458 |access-date = April 12, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222427/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529807/clement-opens-i-40-hits-press/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Nashville-Lebanon I-40 Leg Opened |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95657307/nashville-lebanon-i-40-leg-opened/ |access-date = February 20, 2022 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |date = August 18, 1965 |page = 9 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = February 20, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220220082019/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95657307/nashville-lebanon-i-40-leg-opened/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The {{convert|10.5|mi|km|adj=on}} segment from SR&nbsp;13 in Humphreys County and [[Tennessee State Route 230|SR&nbsp;230]] in Hickman County was completed on November 24, 1965.<ref name=pamphlet/> On December 20, 1965, four segments were declared complete by the state highway department: the {{convert|19|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch connecting US&nbsp;70 in Lebanon to SR&nbsp;53 in Gordonsville, the {{convert|8|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} segment from the Tennessee River to SR&nbsp;13 in Humphreys County, the {{convert|11|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch linking US&nbsp;70N in Cookeville and US&nbsp;70N in Monterey, and the {{convert|3|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} segment from US&nbsp;25W/70 to US&nbsp;321 in Newport.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = State Now Has 450 Miles of Interstate |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529918/state-now-has-450-miles-of-interstate/ |page = 18 |work = [[Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle]] |agency = Associated Press |date = December 21, 1965 |oclc = 12704645 |access-date = April 12, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = March 21, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220321100429/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529918/state-now-has-450-miles-of-interstate/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = December 23, 1965 |title = Another Interstate Link Opens |work = The Newport Plain Talk |page = 1 |location = Newport, Tennessee }}</ref> On July 24, 1966, I-40 was completed between Memphis and Nashville with the opening of the {{convert|64|mi|km|adj=on}} segment from SR&nbsp;22 in Parkers Crossroads to SR&nbsp;46 near Dickson after seven months of weather-related delays.<ref name=veazey2>{{cite news |last = Veazey |first = Walter |date = July 25, 1966 |title = A Giant Of Progress Grows 195 Miles |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90332310/a-giant-of-progress-grows-195-miles/ |page = 1 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = December 10, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 10, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211210052348/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90332310/a-giant-of-progress-grows-195-miles/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name=sun66>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = I-40 Opened in Cuba Landing Bridge Ceremony |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530007/i-40-opened-in-cuba-landing-bridge/ |work = The Jackson Sun |agency = Associated Press |date = July 25, 1966 |access-date = April 12, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222457/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530007/i-40-opened-in-cuba-landing-bridge/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The Nashville section between US 70 and 46th Avenue was also completed.<ref name=veazey/><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=July 21, 1966 |title=Motorcade to Attend I-40 Dedication |page=3 |work=The Nashville Banner}}</ref> A dedication ceremony, officiated by Clement and US Senator [[Albert Gore Sr.]], was held on the Tennessee River Bridge.<ref name=veazey2/><ref name=sun66/> This was the first Interstate Highway segment between two major cities in Tennessee, and cost $109.87&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|109866847|1966}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}).<ref name=veazey/><ref>{{cite news |last = Aden |first = Tom |date = July 24, 1966 |title = New Interstate Link Alters a Few Things |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529963/new-interstate-link-alters-a-few-things/ |page = 7 |work = The Jackson Sun |agency = Associated Press |access-date = April 12, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 1, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211201100206/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56529963/new-interstate-link-alters-a-few-things/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

===Later construction===
The section joining US&nbsp;25W/70 to SR&nbsp;113 in Jefferson County, including the interchange with I-81, was completed in December 1966.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Traffic May Utilize New Interstate Highway Segment |page = 2 |work = The Dandridge Banner |date = December 18, 1966 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Interstate Highways to be Opened |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56527490/interstate-highways-to-be-opened/ |page = 24 |work = Johnson City Press-Chronicle |agency = United Press International |date = October 22, 1966 |access-date = April 30, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222504/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56527490/interstate-highways-to-be-opened/ |url-status = live }}</ref> On April 11, 1967, the segment in Knoxville from Gay Street to US&nbsp;11W opened.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = April 10, 1967 |title = I-40 to Open, Gay to Cherry |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88891255/i-40-to-open-gay-to-cherry/ |pages = 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88891304/i-40-to-open-gay-to-cherry/ 2] |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = November 13, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 14, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211114020651/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88891255/i-40-to-open-gay-to-cherry/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Expressway Opening Set Today |page = 14 |work = The Knoxville Journal |date = April 11, 1967 }}</ref> The {{convert|16|mi|km|adj=on}} segment linking US&nbsp;70N in Monterey and US&nbsp;127 in Crossville opened to traffic on December 1 of that year.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = I-40 Link Snarls Traffic |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530416/i-40-link-snarls-traffic/ |page = 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530503/i-40-link-snarls-traffic/ 6] |work = The Nashville Tennessean |date = December 3, 1967 |access-date = April 21, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222426/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530416/i-40-link-snarls-traffic/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The final section of I-40 in Knoxville to be completed was the segment connecting US&nbsp;11W and US&nbsp;11E/25W/70, which opened on December 19, 1967, to eastbound traffic and on June 21, 1968, to westbound traffic.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = December 19, 1967 |title = Interstate 40 Lanes To Open |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88890136/interstate-40-lanes-to-open/ |page = 1 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = November 13, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 14, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211114021621/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88890136/interstate-40-lanes-to-open/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = June 21, 1968 |title = Last I-40 Knox Section Opens Today |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88890299/last-i-40-knox-section-opens-today/ |page = 1 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = November 13, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 14, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211114021623/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88890299/last-i-40-knox-section-opens-today/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The {{convert|12|mi|km|-long|adj=mid}} segment from US&nbsp;127 in Crossville to US&nbsp;70 in Crab Orchard opened on September 12, 1968.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = New I-40 Section Ready for UT Tilt |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530630/new-i-40-section-ready-for-ut-tilt/ |page = 17 |work = The Nashville Tennessean |date = September 10, 1968 |access-date = April 21, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 22, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211122092444/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530630/new-i-40-section-ready-for-ut-tilt/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The adjacent section, extending to [[Tennessee State Route 299|SR&nbsp;299]] near the eastern escarpment of the Cumberland Plateau, followed on September 26, 1969.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = New I-40 Stretch Will Be Open Today |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530677/new-i-40-stretch-will-be-open-today/ |page = 28 |work = The Nashville Tennessean |date = September 26, 1969 |access-date = April 21, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222319/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530677/new-i-40-stretch-will-be-open-today/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The section through the Pigeon River Gorge in [[Cocke County, Tennessee|Cocke County]] into North Carolina was initially believed by some engineers to be impossible to build and was among the nation's most difficult and laborious highway projects, requiring thousands of tons of earth and rock to be moved.<ref>{{cite news |last = Miller |first = Mike |date = September 22, 1963 |title = Cocke County Road Job Is State's Roughest |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122269767/cocke-county-road-job-is-states/ |page = B5 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |oclc = 12008657 |access-date = April 12, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 4, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230404184943/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122269767/cocke-county-road-job-is-states/ |url-status = live }}</ref> It was one of the most expensive highway construction projects per mile, at a cost of $19&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|19000000|1968}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}).<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = I-40 Link Dedication Set Today |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530827/i-40-link-dedication-set-today/ |page = 11 |work = The Asheville Citizen |date = October 24, 1968 |access-date = April 27, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222311/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530827/i-40-link-dedication-set-today/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name=jacksonsun68>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Two Governors To Dedicate I-40 Link |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530883/two-governors-to-dedicate-i-40-link/ |page = 3A |work = The Jackson Sun |agency = Associated Press |date = October 24, 1968 |access-date = April 27, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222316/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530883/two-governors-to-dedicate-i-40-link/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Work began in 1961;<ref name=jacksonsun68/> grading and bridge construction was complete by the end of 1964, but paving was delayed to allow additional progress in North Carolina.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=January 2, 1966 |title=Dandridge-Newport I-40 Use Due in '66 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-dandridge-ne/125646791/ |page=C-12 |work=The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date=June 13, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613091202/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-dandridge-ne/125646791/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 24, 1968, the {{convert|37|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch between US&nbsp;321/SR&nbsp;32 in Newport and [[U.S. Route 276|US&nbsp;276]] in [[Haywood County, North Carolina]], was opened to traffic by both states with a dedication ceremony.<ref>{{cite news |last = Parris |first = John |date = October 25, 1968 |title = Interstate 40 Link Opened |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530950/interstate-40-link-opened/ |pages = 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56531013/new-interstate-40-passage-is-dedicated/ 11] |work = [[Asheville Citizen-Times|The Asheville Citizen]] |access-date = April 27, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222250/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56530950/interstate-40-link-opened/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[File:Interstate 40 Smokies1.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Driver's view of a six-lane divided highway with mountain peaks in the background|I-40 east of Knoxville with the highest peaks of the [[Great Smoky Mountains]] visible]]
In Nashville, the segment linking 46th Avenue with I-65 opened to traffic on March 15, 1971.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Interstate Sections To Open Monday |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56531207/interstate-sections-to-open-monday/ |page = 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56531304/i-40-sections-open-monday/ 12] |work = The Nashville Tennessean |date = March 12, 1971 |access-date = April 24, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 26, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201226042946/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56531207/interstate-sections-to-open-monday/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The Memphis section from US&nbsp;51 to Chelsea Avenue, including the Midtown interchange with I-240 (then I-255), opened on July 14 of that year.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = July 14, 1971 |title = Open At Last (Illustration) |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88385337/open-at-last-illustration/ |page = 19 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = November 5, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 5, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211105143922/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88385337/open-at-last-illustration/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Work on the final segment between Memphis and Knoxville, approximately {{convert|5.5|mi|km}} from the interchange with I-65 to the western split with I-24 southeast of downtown Nashville (including the concurrency with I-65), began in May 1969 and opened on March 3, 1972. This completed all of I-40 from Memphis to SR&nbsp;299, near Rockwood, and the last stretch in Middle Tennessee.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = The Loop Opens Today |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8871353/the-tennessean/ |page = 1 |work = The Nashville Tennessean |date = March 3, 1972 |access-date = April 24, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222335/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8871353/the-tennessean/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The last segment of the planned I-40 in West Tennessee to be completed was the [[Hernando de Soto Bridge]] in Memphis; construction began on May 2, 1967, and the bridge opened to traffic on August 2, 1973.<ref>{{cite news |date = August 3, 1973 |title = Bridge Gets 'Ho-Hum' Opening |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88386533/bridge-gets-ho-hum-opening/ |page = 1-1 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = November 5, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 5, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211105150112/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88386533/bridge-gets-ho-hum-opening/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Kofoed |first = Richard |date = August 5, 1973 |title = Span Rekindles Westward Ho |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88383916/span-rekindles-westward-ho/ |page = 2-2 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = November 5, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 5, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211105140331/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88383916/span-rekindles-westward-ho/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The bridge, which cost $57&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|57000000|1973}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}), was dedicated by Tennessee Governor [[Winfield Dunn]] and Arkansas Governor [[Dale Bumpers]] on August 17, 1973.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = I-40 Bridge Dedicated After Political Disclaimers |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56531801/i-40-bridge-dedicated-after-political/ |page = 7 |work = [[The Tennessean]] |location = Nashville |agency = United Press International |date = August 18, 1973 |access-date = June 17, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222301/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56531801/i-40-bridge-dedicated-after-political/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Watts |first1 = Micaela A. |title = A Death, a Redesign, a Funding Feud: Story of the Road to the Hernando de Soto I-40 Bridge |url = https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2021/06/03/history-hernando-de-soto-40-bridge-downtown-memphis/5172758001/ |access-date = June 12, 2021 |work = The Commercial Appeal |date = June 3, 2021 |location = Memphis |archive-date = January 23, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220123054620/https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2021/06/03/history-hernando-de-soto-40-bridge-downtown-memphis/5172758001/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

The {{convert|9|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} segment from SR&nbsp;299 to US&nbsp;27 near Harriman and Rockwood, including the descent down Walden Ridge, was the last section of I-40 completed between Memphis and Knoxville, and was repeatedly delayed by geological problems. The westbound lanes opened to two-way traffic on November 18, 1972,<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=November 6, 1972 |title=Dunn Says Leg of I-40 Will Open Nov. 18 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-dunn-says-le/132665512/ |page=A-1 |work=The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date=September 30, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029030144/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-dunn-says-le/132665512/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=August 7, 1974 |title=Roane I-40 Link To Open Aug. 19 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-roane-i-40-link-to-open-a/132665504/ |page=13 |work=The Tennessean |location=Nashville |access-date=September 30, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029031147/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-roane-i-40-link-to-open-a/132665504/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the complete section opened on August 19, 1974.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Slide-Plagued I-40 Link Finally Opens |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56531866/slide-plagued-i-40-link-finally-opens/ |page = 17 |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |agency = Associated Press |date = August 20, 1974 |access-date = April 18, 2019 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222324/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56531866/slide-plagued-i-40-link-finally-opens/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Work started on this section in early 1966, and was originally expected to be completed by late 1968.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = I-40 Section Opened |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56531992/i-40-section-opened/ |work = Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle |agency = Associated Press |date = August 19, 1974 |oclc = 12704645 |access-date = April 12, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222416/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56531992/i-40-section-opened/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The final segment of the planned route of I-40 in Tennessee, {{convert|21.5|mi|km}} connecting US&nbsp;11E/25W/70 east of Knoxville to US&nbsp;25W/70 in Dandridge, was dedicated by Dunn and partially opened to traffic on December 20, 1974;<ref name="Yarbrough">{{cite news |last1 = Yarbrough |first1 = Willard |title = All Interstates in ET Open; Dunn Dedicates New Sections |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91441849/all-interstates-in-et-open/ |access-date = December 30, 2021 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |date = December 21, 1974 |pages = 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91441878/et-interstate-links-opened/ 14] |archive-date = December 30, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211230084532/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91441849/all-interstates-in-et-open/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Two Interstate Links in East Open Friday |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56526484/two-interstate-links-in-east-open-friday/ |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |date = December 18, 1974 |page = 25 |access-date = April 18, 2019 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = January 20, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220120222628/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56526484/two-interstate-links-in-east-open-friday/ |url-status = live }}</ref> it fully opened on September 12, 1975.<ref name=tennessean975>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = I-40 Link Opening Near Knoxville |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56532090/i-40-link-opening-near-knoxville/ |page = 11 |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |agency = Associated Press |date = September 11, 1975 |access-date = April 18, 2019 |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222520/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56532090/i-40-link-opening-near-knoxville/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Initially planned with four lanes, engineers chose to expand this segment to six lanes in 1972 after construction had begun, based on studies projecting a higher-than-average traffic volume.<ref>{{cite news |last = Vines |first = Georgiana |date = May 14, 1972 |title = Portion of I-40 To Be Expanded To Six Lanes |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89415227/portion-of-i-40-to-be-expanded-to-six/ |page = A1 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = November 23, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 23, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211123054332/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89415227/portion-of-i-40-to-be-expanded-to-six/ |url-status = live }}</ref> This segment, one of the nation's first rural six-lane highways, was also  dedicated on the same day that the last sections of I-75 and I-81 in Tennessee were opened.<ref name="Yarbrough"/><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Dunn Opens 96 Interstate Miles |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56526535/dunn-opens-96-interstate-miles/ |page = 32 |work = The Tennessean |agency = Associated Press |date = December 21, 1974 |access-date = April 18, 2019 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222319/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56526535/dunn-opens-96-interstate-miles/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The last section of I-40 in Tennessee to be completed linked Chelsea Avenue and US&nbsp;64/70/79 in Memphis, and was originally part of I-240.<ref name="Dawson"/> Due to its location within a floodplain, an artificial fill of {{convert|23|e6cuyd|e6m3}} of sand and silt was required for the roadbed, most of which was dredged and pumped from the bottom of the Mississippi River via a [[pipeline]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Work To Begin Soon On I-240 Loop Route |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-memphis-press-scimitar-work-to-begin/135230705/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |work=Memphis Press-Scimitar |date=December 12, 1974 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115084959/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-memphis-press-scimitar-work-to-begin/135230705/ |url-status=live |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |page=12 |via=Newspaper.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Big Link |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-the-big-link/135230675/ |access-date=15 November 2023 |work=The Commercial Appeal |date=January 16, 1977 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115085455/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-the-big-link/135230675/ |url-status=live |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |location=Memphis |page=8B |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Contracts for this work were let in May and July 1974.<ref>{{cite news |title=State Accepts Bid on I-240 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-memphis-press-scimitar-state-accepts/135230937/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |work=Memphis Press-Scimitar |date=May 7, 1974 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115090803/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-memphis-press-scimitar-state-accepts/135230937/ |url-status=live |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bid To Finish Interstate Let |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-memphis-press-scimitar-bid-to-finish/135231022/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |work=Memphis Press-Scimitar |date=July 20, 1974 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115091309/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-memphis-press-scimitar-bid-to-finish/135231022/ |url-status=live |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |page=10 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Dredging and fill work was complete by the end of 1977,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Manley |first1=Brent |title=Finishing I-240 Loop Will Close City's Traffic Gap |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-memphis-press-scimitar-finishing-i-2/135230235/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |work=Memphis Press-Scimitar |date=April 16, 1977 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115084644/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-memphis-press-scimitar-finishing-i-2/135230235/ |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |url-status=live |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bids To Be Taken On Paving Northern Leg Of Interstate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-memphis-press-scimitar-bids-to-be-ta/135230474/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |work=Memphis Press-Scimitar |date=April 4, 1978 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115090000/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-memphis-press-scimitar-bids-to-be-ta/135230474/ |url-status=live |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |page=11 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> and the section was opened to traffic by Governor [[Lamar Alexander]] on March 28, 1980.<ref name="Dawson">{{cite news |last = Dawson |first = William |date = March 29, 1980 |title = Flow Of Compliments, Traffic Marks Opening Of I-240 Link |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551471/flow-of-compliments-traffic-marks/ |page = 13 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = November 8, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 8, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211108063408/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551471/flow-of-compliments-traffic-marks/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

===Controversies===
{{Further|Highway revolts in the United States}}
[[File:Memphis, Tennessee 1955 Yellow Book.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Old highway map|1955 [[Federal Highway Administration|Bureau of Public Roads]] plan for Interstate Highways in Memphis. I-40 (center) was originally planned to pass through Overton Park, but was not built due to public opposition.]]
I-40 was originally planned to pass through [[Overton Park]] in Memphis, a {{convert|342|acre|ha|adj=on}} public park. This location was announced in 1955, and was approved by the Bureau of Public Roads in November 1956.<ref name=court/><ref name=hearing/> The park consists of a wooded refuge, the [[Memphis Zoo]], the [[Memphis Brooks Museum of Art]], the [[Memphis College of Art]], a nine-hole [[golf course]], an amphitheater which was the site of [[Elvis Presley]]'s first paid concert in 1954, and other amenities. When the state announced the routing through the park, a group of local citizens spearheaded by a group of older women called "little old ladies in tennis shoes" by media outlets began a campaign to halt construction. The organizers collected over 10,000&nbsp;signatures, and founded [[Citizens to Preserve Overton Park]] in 1957.<ref name=McNichol>{{cite book |last = McNichol |first = Dan |date = 2006 |title = The Roads that Built America: The Incredible Story of the U.S. Interstate System |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=b0qO1yCFRxYC |location = New York |publisher = [[Sterling Publishing]] |pages = 159–161 |isbn = 9781402734687 |via = Google Books |access-date = March 19, 2023 |archive-date = April 5, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230405003107/https://books.google.com/books?id=b0qO1yCFRxYC |url-status = live }}</ref> The movement was also backed by [[environmental movement in the United States|environmentalists]], who feared that the Interstate's construction would upset the park's ecological balance; the wooded area had become an important stopover for [[bird migration|migratory bird]]s.<ref name=moore3>{{harvp|Moore|1994|pp=112–113|ps=.}}</ref>

The organization filed a lawsuit in the [[United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee|US District Court for the Western District of Tennessee]] in December 1969 after the Secretary of Transportation [[John A. Volpe]] authorized the state to solicit bids the previous month.<ref>{{cite news |last = Trotter |first = Wayne |date = December 11, 1969 |title = Lawsuit Delays Expressway Link |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93773449/lawsuit-delays-expressway-leg/ |page = 1 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = January 29, 2022 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = January 30, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220130014746/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93773449/lawsuit-delays-expressway-leg/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The suit was dismissed on February 26, 1970, by Judge [[Bailey Brown]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Bill |date=February 26, 1970 |title=Overton X-Way Suit Dismissed; Judge Rules for State and the U.S. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120115524/overton-x-way-suit-dismissed/ |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120115579/judge-dismisses-suit-in-overton-x-way/ 2] |work=[[Memphis Press-Scimitar]] |access-date=March 3, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303223303/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120115524/overton-x-way-suit-dismissed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which was subsequently upheld by the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit|Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals]] on September 29, 1970.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = September 30, 1970 |title = Pack 'Pleased' But Says Appeal May Delay I-40 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93774742/pack-pleased-but-says-appeal-may/ |page = 55 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = January 29, 2022 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = January 30, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220130020319/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93774742/pack-pleased-but-says-appeal-may/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The case was then appealed to the [[Supreme Court of the United States|US Supreme Court]], which reversed the lower-court rulings in the [[List of landmark court decisions in the United States|landmark decision]] of ''[[Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe]]'' on March 2, 1971. The court found that Volpe had violated clauses of the [[United States Department of Transportation#History|Department of Transportation Act of 1966]] and the [[Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1968]], which prohibit the approval of federal funding for highway projects through public parks with feasible alternative routes.<ref name=court>{{cite court |litigants = Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe |vol = 401 |reporter = U.S. |opinion = 402 |court = U.S. Supreme Court |year = 1971 |url = http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?navby=CASE&court=US&vol=401&page=402}}</ref> Tennessee continued exploring options to route I-40 through Overton Park for many years after this decision including [[tunnel]]ing under the park or constructing the highway below grade, but concluded that the alternatives were too expensive.<ref name=hearing>{{cite report |last = Adams |first = Brock |author-link = Brock Adams |date = April 19, 1978 |title = Proposed Highway Construction Through Overton Park, Memphis, Tenn.: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Transportation, of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate, Ninety-Fifth Congress, Second Session |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=s8TDCQt1YnAC |publisher = [[United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works]], [[U.S. Government Printing Office]] |pages = 45–56 |docket = 95-H59 |access-date = April 27, 2020 |via = Google Books |archive-date = October 29, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231029220741/https://books.google.com/books?id=s8TDCQt1YnAC |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dlynx.rhodes.edu/jspui/bitstream/10267/28400/1/Doupe_Adam_ocr.pdf |title=Challenging the Urban Lifestyle: Memphis, Overton Park, and the Interstate 40 Controversy |last=Doupé |first=Adam C. |date=2006 |website=dlynx.rhodes.edu |publisher=[[Rhodes College]] |location=Memphis |access-date=August 27, 2023 |archive-date=August 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827230550/https://dlynx.rhodes.edu/jspui/bitstream/10267/28400/1/Doupe_Adam_ocr.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 9, 1981, Governor Alexander submitted a request to Secretary of Transportation [[Neil Goldschmidt]] to cancel the route through Overton Park, which was approved seven days later.<ref>{{cite news |last = Brosnan |first = James W. |date = January 10, 1981 |title = State Seeks To Withdraw I-40 Segment |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551990/state-seeks-to-withdraw-i-40-segment/ |page = 3 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = November 8, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 8, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211108070320/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551990/state-seeks-to-withdraw-i-40-segment/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name=ca19810117>{{cite news |last1 = Cunningham |first1 = Morris |last2 = Brosnan |first2 = James W. |date = January 17, 1981 |title = I-40 Funds Diverted, Park Route Canceled |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551737/i-40-funds-diverted-park-route-canceled/ |page = 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551755/canceling-park-route-nets-city-i-40/ 3] |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = November 8, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 8, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211108065153/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88551737/i-40-funds-diverted-park-route-canceled/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

On June 28, 1982, the [[American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials]] approved an application by TDOT to redesignate the northern portion of [[Interstate 240 (Tennessee)|I-240]] as the remainder of I-40;<ref>{{AASHTO minutes |year=1982S |page=5 |access-date=November 11, 2015 }}</ref> this added about {{convert|3.4|mi|km}} to the route.<ref name=Moore1/><ref>{{cite web |last=Farris |first=Robert E. |authorlink=Robert E. Farris |url=https://na4.visualvault.com/app/AASHTO/Default/documentviewer?DhID=b1e88bea-00d5-ea11-a98a-ff9beffbfef8&hidemenu=true |title=An Application from the State Highway or Transportation Department of Tennessee for the Relocation of U.S. (I) Route I-40 |date=May 13, 1982 |website=VisualVault |publisher=[[American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials]] |access-date=August 23, 2023}}</ref> About {{convert|4|mi|km|spell=in}} of a controlled-access highway was built within the I-240 loop east of the park before the cancellation; this portion of highway was named [[Sam Cooper Boulevard]] in December 1986,<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=December 18, 1986 |title=Corrections & Amplifications |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120117774/corrections-amplifications/ |page=A2 |work=The Commercial Appeal |location=Memphis |access-date=March 3, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303225632/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120117774/corrections-amplifications/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and terminates at East Parkway in the [[Binghampton, Memphis|Binghampton]] neighborhood near the park.<ref name=shelby/> [[Right-of-way (transportation)|Right-of-way]] was also acquired west of the park, and many structures were demolished to make way for the Interstate; some of these empty lots have since been built on.<ref name=ca98/> When the route was canceled, about $280&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|280000000|1981}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}) had been budgeted by the federal government for its construction; these funds were then diverted for other transportation improvements in the [[Memphis metropolitan area]].<ref name=ca19810117/><ref name=ca98/>

I-40 passes through the [[Jefferson Street (Nashville)|Jefferson Street]] community in western Nashville, a predominantly [[African Americans in Tennessee|Black]] neighborhood which contains three [[Historically black colleges and universities|historically Black college]]s and was home to a large African American middle class in the early-to-mid-20th century.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Mielczarek |first1 = Natalia |title = Jefferson Street was 'Mecca' for Sit-In Movement |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90123043/jefferson-street-was-mecca-for-sit-in/ |access-date = May 6, 2018 |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |date = June 24, 2004 |pages = 8, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90123062/sit-ins/ 9] |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 6, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211206102929/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90123043/jefferson-street-was-mecca-for-sit-in/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name=wmot>{{cite news |last1 = Follett |first1 = Matt |last2 = Watson |first2 = Brady |title = Reviving Nashville's Jefferson Street R&B Scene in Museums Small and Large |url = http://wmot.org/post/reviving-nashvilles-jefferson-street-rb-scene-museums-small-and-large#stream/0 |access-date = May 6, 2018 |publisher = [[WMOT]] |date = December 18, 2017 |archive-date = May 6, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180506173932/http://wmot.org/post/reviving-nashvilles-jefferson-street-rb-scene-museums-small-and-large#stream/0 |url-status = live }}</ref> Planners considered placing this section near [[Vanderbilt University]], but settled on the current alignment by the mid-1950s.<ref name="Houston">{{cite book |last = Houston |first = Benjamin |author-link =  |date = 2012 |title = The Nashville Way: Racial Etiquette and the Struggle for Social Justice in a Southern City |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=DSKpAAAAQBAJ |location = Athens, Georgia |publisher = [[University of Georgia Press]] |pages = 204–212 |isbn = 978-0-8203-4328-0 |via = Google Books |access-date = March 19, 2023 |archive-date = April 4, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230404184029/https://books.google.com/books?id=DSKpAAAAQBAJ |url-status = live }}</ref> Before construction began, many residents believed that the Interstate would lead to the economic decline of their neighborhood and divide it from the rest of the city.<ref name="Houston"/> Some also believed that the routing was an act of [[racial discrimination]], and criticized the state for a lack of transparency about its plans.<ref name="Houston"/> In October 1967, several residents of Jefferson Street formed the I-40 Steering Committee and filed a lawsuit against the state in the [[United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee|US District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee]] in the hope forcing a reroute of the Interstate.<ref name="Houston"/> Judge [[Frank Gray Jr.]] ruled against the committee on November 2, saying that there was no feasible alternate route.<ref name="6thcir"/> Gray conceded, however, that the methods used by the state to notify residents about the project were unsatisfactory and the route would have an adverse effect on their community.<ref name="Houston"/> The organization appealed the decision to the Sixth Circuit, which unanimously upheld the lower court's decision on December 18; and to the Supreme Court, which refused to hear the case on January 29, 1968.<ref name="6thcir">{{cite court |litigants = Nashville I-40 Steering Committee v. Ellington |vol = 387 |reporter = F.2d |opinion = 179 |court = 6th Cir. |date = January 29, 1968 |url = https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/387/179/262311/ |access-date = August 13, 2020 }}</ref> The construction of I-40 through Jefferson Street resulted in many Black residents being displaced to the Bordeaux area of North Nashville, and led to the predicted economic downturn in the  neighborhood.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Deville |first1 = Nancy |title = Footpath Became Heart of City's Black Middle Class. From the '40s to '60s, Jefferson Street was Among the Best-Known Music Districts in the Nation |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90123091/footpath-became-heart-of-citys-black/ |access-date = May 6, 2018 |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |date = June 24, 2004 |pages = 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90123099/jefferson-street/ 11] |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 6, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211206131550/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90123091/footpath-became-heart-of-citys-black/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Whittington |first=Maranda |date=February 2, 2023 |title=How Interstate 40 Changed the Face of Jefferson Street |url=https://www.wkrn.com/hidden-history/black-history-month/how-interstate-40-changed-the-face-of-jefferson-street/ |work=WKRN-TV |location=Nashville |access-date=August 23, 2023 |archive-date=August 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824015819/https://www.wkrn.com/hidden-history/black-history-month/how-interstate-40-changed-the-face-of-jefferson-street/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Major projects and expansions===
===={{anchor|Memphis}}Memphis projects====
[[File:I-40-240 Midtown interchange Memphis 2003.png|thumb|alt=Aerial view|The interchange between I-40 and I-240 in Midtown Memphis in 2003, shortly before reconstruction. [[unused highway|Unused]] ramps and bridges and grading for the canceled section of I-40 (right) are visible]]
The first [[high-occupancy vehicle lane|high-occupancy vehicle]] (HOV) lanes in the Memphis area opened on September 15, 1997, on the {{convert|7.5|mi|km|adj=on}} section between I-240 and US&nbsp;64 in Bartlett with the completion of a project widening the section from four to eight lanes.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title = High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes Open |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89192885/high-occupancy-vehicle-lanes-open/ |page = B1 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |date = September 15, 1997 |accessdate = November 18, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 19, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211119044614/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89192885/high-occupancy-vehicle-lanes-open/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The cancellation of the section of I-40 through Overton Park rendered both interchanges with I-240 inadequate to handle the unplanned traffic patterns, necessitating their reconstruction;<ref name=ca98>{{cite news |last = Risher |first = Wayne |date = June 28, 1998 |title = I-40 vs. the Park: Who Was Right? Overton Decision Brought Tradeoff |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89190753/overton-decision-brought-tradeoff/ |page = A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89190892/overton/ A16], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89190962/park/ A17] |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |accessdate = November 18, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 19, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211119040817/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89190753/overton-decision-brought-tradeoff/ |url-status = live }}</ref> both interchanges also contained ramps with hazardously sharp curves.<ref>{{cite news |date = December 27, 1988 |title = Memphis City Council Wants Quick Redesign of Ramp Where Tanker Exploded |publisher = Associated Press }}</ref> The eastern interchange was reconstructed with two projects.<ref name="revamptheramp">{{Cite web |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/HotProjects/Ramp/projdesc.html |title = I-40/I-240 Project |date = 2001 |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010616205907/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/HotProjects/Ramp/projdesc.html |archive-date = June 16, 2001 |access-date = February 16, 2020 }}</ref> The first, which began in January 2001 and finished in October 2003, constructed a two-lane overpass from I-40 westbound to I-240 westbound; this replaced a one-lane loop ramp and widened the approach of I-240 south of the interchange.<ref>{{cite news |last = Adams |first = Tracy |date = June 26, 2003 |title = Honk If You Like I-40 Relief |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90006239/honk-if-you-like-i-40-relief/ |page = A1 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |accessdate = January 30, 2022 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = January 30, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220130023207/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90006239/honk-if-you-like-i-40-relief/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = TDOT Sharpens Listening Skills |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93776122/tdot-sharpens-listening-skills/ |access-date = January 30, 2022 |work = The Commercial Appeal |date = October 17, 2003 |location = Memphis |page = B4 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = January 30, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220130022216/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93776122/tdot-sharpens-listening-skills/ |url-status = live }}</ref> I-40 north of the interchange was also reconstructed in preparation for the second project, and the interchanges with US&nbsp;64/70/79 (Summer Avenue) and White Station Road were modified.<ref name="revamptheramp"/>

The second project, initially scheduled to begin in January 2004,<ref name="revamptheramp"/> was delayed until October 2013 due to funding and redesign complications.<ref name=wreg13>{{cite news |last = Reese |first = Michelle |date = October 8, 2013 |title = Construction Set To Begin On I-240/I-40 Interchange |url = https://wreg.com/news/construction-set-to-begin-on-i-240i-40-interchange/ |publisher = [[WREG-TV]] |location = Memphis |access-date = February 16, 2020 |archive-date = February 16, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200216100527/https://wreg.com/news/construction-set-to-begin-on-i-240i-40-interchange/ |url-status = live }}</ref> A two-lane overpass was built to carry I-40 eastbound traffic through the interchange, replacing a one-lane ramp. The single-lane ramp carrying I-40 westbound traffic through the interchange was repurposed as the exit ramp for Summer Avenue, and was replaced with a two-lane overpass connecting to the overpass constructed in the first project. This project also widened the ramp connecting I-240 eastbound and I-40 eastbound to three lanes, widened both approaches to the interchange on I-40, which required a new 14-lane bridge over the Wolf River, widened the approach on I-240 south of the interchange, added through lanes to Sam Cooper Boulevard, and reconfigured the [[Tennessee State Route 204|SR&nbsp;204]] (Covington Pike) interchange.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/i40-240memphis/ |author = <!--Not stated--> |date = 2013 |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = February 16, 2020 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131013014809/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/i40-240memphis/ |title = I-40/I-240 Interchange |archive-date = October 13, 2013 }}</ref> It cost $109.3&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|109300000|2016}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}), the most expensive contract in state history at the time,<ref name=wreg13/> and was completed on December 15, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://dementconstruction.com/i-40-i-240-interchange-phase-ii/ |title = I-40 / I-240 Interchange – Phase II |author = <!--Not stated--> |date = 2016 |publisher = Dement Construction Company |access-date = February 16, 2020 |archive-date = February 16, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200216102029/https://dementconstruction.com/i-40-i-240-interchange-phase-ii/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=July 19, 2017 |title=Haslam Marks Completion of Memphis Interstate Project |url=https://wreg.com/news/haslam-marks-completion-of-memphis-interstate-project/ |work=WREG-TV |location=Memphis |access-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326062503/https://wreg.com/news/haslam-marks-completion-of-memphis-interstate-project/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The interchange with the western terminus of I-240 near midtown Memphis was reconstructed between June 2003 and December 2006.<ref name=commercialappeal06>{{cite news |last = Charlier |first = Tom |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89563429/midtown-i-40-240-project-wraps-up/ |title = Midtown I-40/240 Project Wraps Up; Dangerous Curves Led to Deaths of 8 in 1988 |date = December 10, 2006 |work = The Commercial Appeal |page = B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89563503/project/ B7] |location = Memphis |accessdate = November 26, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 26, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211126115718/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89563429/midtown-i-40-240-project-wraps-up/ |url-status = live }}</ref> This project converted the interchange into a [[interchange (road)#T and Y interchanges|directional T]] configuration, which required the demolition of several [[unused highway|unused ramps and bridges]] which had been built in the expectation that I-40 would continue east of the interchange.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/hotprojects/midtown/ |title = I-40/I-240 Midtown Interchange |author = <!--Not stated--> |date = 2003 |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = February 16, 2020 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040405220257/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/hotprojects/midtown/ |archive-date = April 5, 2004 }}</ref> The nearby cloverleaf interchange with SR&nbsp;14 (Jackson Avenue) was reduced to a [[partial cloverleaf interchange]], and several additional auxiliary lanes and [[Frontage road|slip ramps]] were constructed. The northern merge point between I-40 and I-240 was moved north of the SR&nbsp;14 interchange.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/hotprojects/midtown/facts.htm |title = I-40/240 Midtown Interchange – Project Facts |author = <!--Not stated--> |date = 2003 |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = January 18, 2020 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051227044009/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/hotprojects/midtown/facts.htm |archive-date = December 27, 2005 }}</ref>

====Nashville area====
[[File:Interstate 40 @ Beckwith.jpg|thumb|left|alt=An eight-lane highway, seen from above|I-40 near [[Mount Juliet, Tennessee|Mount Juliet]], a suburb of Nashville]]
In November 1977, [[Tennessee Department of Transportation|TDOT]] installed a system to detect [[tailgating]] vehicles in the westbound lanes of the concurrent segment with I-24: sensors embedded in the roadway which were connected to overhead warning signs with flashing lights and horns.<ref>{{cite news |last = Gibson |first = Frank |date = November 26, 1977 |title = Sensors Lurk On Interstates For Tailgaters |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/88272867/sensors-lurk-on-interstates-for/ |page = 1, [https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/88273191/tailgating-sensors-set-on-interstates/ 6] |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |access-date = November 3, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = March 10, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220310073936/https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/88272867/sensors-lurk-on-interstates-for/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date = December 1, 1977 |title = Checking On Tailgaters |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/88272749/checking-on-tailgaters/ |page = 14 |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |access-date = November 3, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = March 10, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220310073933/https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/88272749/checking-on-tailgaters/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The system (the first of its kind in the country) experienced technical problems, was criticized as ineffective, and was decommissioned in July 1980.<ref>{{cite news |last = Travis |first = Fred |date = October 14, 1980 |title = Another Expensive Boondoggle |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88273757/another-expensive-boondoggle/ |page = 10A |work = The Leaf-Chronicle |location = Clarksville, Tennessee |access-date = November 3, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = March 10, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220310073934/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88273757/another-expensive-boondoggle/ |url-status = live }}</ref> This segment of I-40 was widened from six to eight lanes between July 1979 and January 1980 by removing the right shoulders, narrowing the lanes by {{convert|1|ft|cm|spell=in}}, and shifting traffic slightly to the left.<ref>{{cite news |date = May 28, 1979 |title = Motorists Face I-40 Disruption |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/88276594/motorists-face-i-40-disruption/ |page = 16 |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |access-date = November 3, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = March 10, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220310073939/https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/88276594/motorists-face-i-40-disruption/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date = July 12, 1979 |title = Work To Widen I-24-40 Lanes Scheduled To Begin Today |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/88275815/work-to-widen-i-24-40-lanes-scheduled/ |page = 15 |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |access-date = November 3, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = March 10, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220310073937/https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/88275815/work-to-widen-i-24-40-lanes-scheduled/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

The short segment of I-40 from east of the split with I-24/I-440 and east of SR&nbsp;255 (Donelson Pike) in eastern Nashville was widened to six lanes from August 1986 to December 1987.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = July 18, 1986 |title = Legals (Column) |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/88281541/legals-column/ |page = 7-C |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |access-date = November 3, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = October 29, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231029222301/https://tennessean.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-legals-column/88281541/ |url-status = live }}</ref> From October 1987 to November 1989, the {{convert|4.7|mi|km|adj=on}} segment from east of SR&nbsp;255 to east of SR&nbsp;45 was widened from four to eight lanes.<ref name=roadwork1087>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = October 26, 1987 |title = Road Work (Column) |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/87064123/road-work/ |page = 2-B |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |access-date = October 14, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = October 27, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211027183454/https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/87064123/road-work/ |url-status = live }}</ref> West of downtown Nashville, the {{convert|3|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} section between SR&nbsp;155 (Briley Parkway/White Bridge Road) and US&nbsp;70 (Charlotte Pike) was expanded to six lanes from February 1988 to December 1989. From April 1991 to December 1992, the {{convert|5.9|mi|km|adj=on}} section in Bellevue linking US&nbsp;70 and US&nbsp;70S was widened to six lanes.<ref name=contracts8791>{{cite web |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/business-how-do-i-documents/Const_n87-91%20(1).pdf |title = 1987–1991 Contract Awards |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = July 7, 2020 |archive-date = January 24, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200124101423/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/business-how-do-i-documents/Const_n87-91%20(1).pdf |url-status = live }}</ref>

The first HOV lanes on I-40 in Tennessee were opened to traffic on November 14, 1996, with the completion of a project which widened the {{convert|8|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} section between west of SR&nbsp;45 (Old Hickory Boulevard) in eastern Nashville and east of SR&nbsp;171 in [[Mount Juliet, Tennessee|Mount Juliet]] from four to eight lanes.<ref name=Nov96>{{cite news |last = Donsky |first = Paul |date = November 13, 1996 |title = Late for Work? Pick Up a Friend |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44627955/late_for_work/ |page = 1B |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |access-date = May 5, 2019 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = February 16, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200216161133/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44627955/late_for_work/ |url-status = live }}</ref> They were Tennessee's second set of HOV lanes.<ref>{{cite press release |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = HOV Lanes Open on I-40 East |url = http://www.state.tn.us/transport/oldpress/press03.htm |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = November 14, 1996 |access-date = April 11, 2020 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19970723040449/http://www.state.tn.us/transport/oldpress/press03.htm |archive-date = July 23, 1997 }}</ref> The project, which began in early 1995, was the state's first to use split [[Jersey barrier]]s in the median every few miles to allow police enforcement from the left shoulder.<ref>{{cite news |last = Cheek |first = Duren |title = Work Helps Police Patrol HOV Lanes |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56532430/work-helps-police-patrol-hov-lanes/ |page = 1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56532456/widening-aims-to-put-teeth-in-hov-law/ 14B] |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |date = November 26, 1995 |access-date = April 11, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222215/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56532430/work-helps-police-patrol-hov-lanes/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The short stretch between SR&nbsp;155 (Briley Parkway/White Bridge Road) and the western terminus of I-440 was modified from November 2002 to July 2005; it was widened to eight through lanes, auxiliary lanes were added, access to local thoroughfares was improved and expanded, and two overpasses provided partial access control to the southern end of Briley Parkway.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Denton |first1 = Rebecca |title = I-40/Robertson Work Taking Shape; $43.6 Million First Phase Set for 2005 Completion |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/100350030/i-40robertson-work-taking-shape/ |access-date = April 23, 2022 |work = The Tennessean |date = April 3, 2003 |location = Nashville |page = 1M |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = June 12, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220612085527/https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/100350030/i-40robertson-work-taking-shape/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Bryant |first1 = Linda |title = Many on West Side Await I-40 Project Phase Two Startup |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/100349047/many-on-west-side-await-i-40-project/ |access-date = April 23, 2022 |work = The Tennessean |date = August 12, 2005 |location = Nashville |page = M4 |archive-date = April 24, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220424033231/https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/100349047/many-on-west-side-await-i-40-project/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The second phase (from July 2009 to August 2011) constructed an overpass between I-40 and Briley Parkway, converting the interchange to full access control, modified the White Bridge Road interchange, and widened a short stretch of I-40 west of the interchange.<ref>{{cite news |title = Bredesen Breaks Ground on Recovery Act Project in Nashville |url = http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/2187 |date = July 1, 2009 |work = Tennessee Government Newsroom |agency = Tennessee Department of Transportation |location = Nashville |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090708214426/http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/2187 |archive-date = July 8, 2009 |df = mdy-all |accessdate = July 6, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = I-40 Interchange at Robertson Rd. (Phase II) |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/i40interchange/default.htm |website = tn.gov |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = April 24, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110825183625/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/i40interchange/default.htm |archive-date = August 25, 2011 |location = Nashville |url-status = dead }}</ref>

A project from January 2004 to January 2007 widened the {{convert|3|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} section connecting I-24/440 to SR&nbsp;255 from six to eight through lanes, added auxiliary lanes between interchanges, and reconstructed the interchange with SR&nbsp;155 (Briley Parkway) for controlled access.<ref>{{cite news |last = Stults |first = Rachel |date = August 22, 2004 |title = Blasting Blocks Interstate for 12½ Hours |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87123993/blasting-blocks-interstate-for-12-12/ |page = 2A |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |access-date = October 15, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = October 29, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211029174815/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87123993/blasting-blocks-interstate-for-12-12/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |author = <!--Not stated--> |title = Interstate 40 Widening Project in Nashville Completed Five Months Early |url = https://www.tn.gov/news/2007/1/22/interstate-40-widening-project-in-nashville-completed-five-months-early.html |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = January 22, 2007 |access-date = May 5, 2019 |archive-date = May 3, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190503094053/https://www.tn.gov/news/2007/1/22/interstate-40-widening-project-in-nashville-completed-five-months-early.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Work to widen {{convert|6|mi|km|spell=in}} of I-40 from four to eight lanes from east of SR&nbsp;171 to east of SR&nbsp;109 in Lebanon began in July 2012 and was completed in July 2014.<ref>{{cite press release |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = I-40 Widening Project in Wilson County Is Underway |url = https://www.tn.gov/news/2012/7/26/i-40-widening-project-in-wilson-county-is-underway.html |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = July 26, 2012 |access-date = May 5, 2019 |archive-date = May 5, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190505224348/https://www.tn.gov/news/2012/7/26/i-40-widening-project-in-wilson-county-is-underway.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Horton |first = Jennifer |date = July 11, 2014 |title = Is I-40 Widening Project Complete? |url = https://www.wilsonpost.com/news/is-i--widening-project-complete/article_6a447b28-2ffc-56d1-bae2-8377f940b31c.html |work = [[The Wilson Post]] |location = Lebanon, Tennessee |access-date = May 5, 2019 |archive-date = May 5, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190505225529/https://www.wilsonpost.com/news/is-i--widening-project-complete/article_6a447b28-2ffc-56d1-bae2-8377f940b31c.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The {{convert|4|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} stretch from east of SR&nbsp;109 to east of I-840 in Lebanon was widened from four to eight lanes between April 2019 and September 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last = Frio |first = Alan |date = April 3, 2019 |title = State Widening I-40 in Wilson County |url = https://www.wsmv.com/news/local/state-widening-i--in-wilson-county/article_be4b76fc-5669-11e9-8da5-939633ee1437.html |publisher = [[WSMV-TV]] |location = Nashville |access-date = May 5, 2019 |archive-date = May 5, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190505225525/https://www.wsmv.com/news/local/state-widening-i--in-wilson-county/article_be4b76fc-5669-11e9-8da5-939633ee1437.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Smith |first = Xavier |date = September 2, 2021 |title = Interstate 40 Widening Project Nears Completion |url = https://www.wilsonpost.com/news/interstate-40-widening-project-nears-completion/article_dd284ba8-06d0-11ec-a8be-ab6c8ee5f295.html |work = The Wilson Post |location = Lebanon, Tennessee |access-date = October 14, 2021 |archive-date = October 29, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211029175406/https://www.wilsonpost.com/news/interstate-40-widening-project-nears-completion/article_dd284ba8-06d0-11ec-a8be-ab6c8ee5f295.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

===={{anchor|Knoxville}}Knoxville projects====
[[File:I-40 SmartFIX40 1.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Driver's view of a four-lane divided highway under construction|Widening work ongoing during [[SmartFIX40]]]]
Beginning in early May 1980, the segment of I-40 in Knoxville between Papermill Road and Gay Street was modified in a project which modified the interchanges with 17th Street, Western Avenue, and Gay Street; widened the segment to a minimum of six through lanes; added frontage roads; and reconstructed the gridlock-prone cloverleaf interchange with I-75 known as "Malfunction Junction" into a stack interchange with overpasses.<ref name=82report>{{cite report |author1 = Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission |author2 = Barton-Aschman Associates |author3 = Knoxville International Energy Exposition |author4 = K-Trans |date = December 1982 |title = 1982 World's Fair Transportation System Evaluation |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=FYwnAQAAMAAJ |publisher = Office of Planning Assistance, Urban Mass Transportation Administration |page = <!--Multiple--> |docket = DOT-I-83-4 |access-date = June 6, 2020 |via = Google Books |archive-date = October 29, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231029222259/https://books.google.com/books?id=FYwnAQAAMAAJ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = February 27, 1980 |title = Notice to Contractors of State Highway Bids to Be Received March 14, 1980 (Legal Notice) |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/88274658/notice-to-contractors-of-state-highway/ |page = 48 |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |access-date = November 3, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = April 19, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220419222158/https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/88274658/notice-to-contractors-of-state-highway/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The non-contiguous segment between US&nbsp;11W (Rutledge Pike) and US&nbsp;11E/25W/70 (Asheville Highway) was also widened to six lanes.<ref>{{cite news |title = Interstate Work Ahead of Schedule; 3 Contracts Signed |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91442063/interstate-work-ahead-of-schedule-3/ |access-date = December 30, 2021 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |date = April 29, 1980 |page = 21 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 30, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211230085737/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91442063/interstate-work-ahead-of-schedule-3/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Work was completed on March 30, 1982, with a ceremony officiated by Governor Alexander.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title = Junction Bottleneck Officially Broken |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89194354/junction-bottleneck-officially-broken/ |page = C1 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |date = March 31, 1982 |accessdate = November 19, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 19, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211119052924/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89194354/junction-bottleneck-officially-broken/ |url-status = live }}</ref> While these projects were underway, the concurrent part of I-75 on this segment was rerouted around the western leg of I-640 (completed in December 1980) and the short segment of I-75 north of this segment became I-275.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title = Governor to Open West Leg of I-640/75 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89194503/governor-to-open-west-leg-of-i-64075/ |page = B10 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |date = December 21, 1980 |accessdate = November 19, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 19, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211119053506/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89194503/governor-to-open-west-leg-of-i-64075/ |url-status = live }}</ref> These projects were part of a $250 million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|250000000|1982}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}) multi-phase improvement project for area roads which was accelerated in preparation for the [[1982 World's Fair]].<ref>{{cite book |last = Hunt |first = Keel |author-link =  |date = 2018 |title = Crossing the Aisle: How Bipartisanship Brought Tennessee to the Twenty-First Century and Could Save America |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=h7wpEAAAQBAJ |location = Nashville |publisher = Vanderbilt University Press |pages = 101–102, 117–129, 122 |isbn = 978-0-8265-2241-2 |via = Google Books |access-date = March 19, 2023 |archive-date = April 5, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230405131351/https://books.google.com/books?id=h7wpEAAAQBAJ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Stiles |first = John M. |date = March 7, 1982 |title = Interstate Works Stays on Schedule Despite Weather |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91442239/interstate-work-stays-on-schedule/ |page = B1 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |accessdate = December 30, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 30, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211230090419/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91442239/interstate-work-stays-on-schedule/ |url-status = live }}</ref> They were followed by widening I-40 to six lanes between Broadway and US&nbsp;11W from July 1990 to October 1991.<ref name=contracts8791/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lackey |first1=Skip |title=Closed I-40 Lanes To Open For Game |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-closed-i-40/135228337/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |work=The Knoxville News-Sentinel |date=September 12, 1991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115063324/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-closed-i-40/135228337/ |archive-date=November 15, 2023 |page=A3 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

By the mid-1970s, the concurrent segment of I-40 with I-75 between Lenoir City and western Knoxville was congested. The FHWA authorized TDOT in 1978 to widen the section from the I-75 interchange near Lenoir City to the Pellissippi Parkway to six lanes and the segment from the Pellissippi Parkway to I-640 to eight lanes, and to reconstruct interchanges along this section. TDOT announced plans to proceed with the project in May 1981, initially choosing to widen the entire segment to six lanes due to the need for immediate congestion relief and additional right-of-way required by the larger project.<ref name=eis86/> The six-lane project began in July 1984 with the segment between Papermill Road and the Pellissippi Parkway, and was completed in December 1985.<ref>{{cite news |last = Stiles |first = John H. |date = October 13, 1985 |title = Third Lane of I-40/75 May Open This Week |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89195553/third-lane-of-i-4075-may-open-this-week/ |page = B6 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = November 19, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 19, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211119084741/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89195553/third-lane-of-i-4075-may-open-this-week/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The remainder of the project, located between the Pellissippi Parkway and the I-75 split, was done from June 1985 to July 1986.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = May 11, 1985 |title = I-40 Expansion Set at $9.4 Million |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90063966/i-40-expansion-set-at-94-million/ |page = C1 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = December 5, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 5, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211205104408/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90063966/i-40-expansion-set-at-94-million/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

On October 9, 1986, the FHWA approved an [[environmental impact statement]] (EIS) for the remainder of the I-40/I-75 improvement project.<ref name=eis86>{{cite book |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date = 1986 |title = Proposed Improvements for Interstate 40/75 and Interchanges from East of Pellissippi Parkway (I-40 Mile Marker 377) to East of Papermill Road (I-40 Mile Marker 383) in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee: Final Environmental Impact Statement |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=xqg1AQAAMAAJ |location = Washington D.C., Nashville |publisher = Federal Highway Administration, Tennessee Department of Transportation |via = Google Books |access-date = March 19, 2023 |archive-date = April 5, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230405003108/https://books.google.com/books?id=xqg1AQAAMAAJ |url-status = live }}</ref> The first phase, between August 1990 and August 1994, widened the section from east of the Pellissippi Parkway to east of Cedar Bluff Road and reconstructed the Cedar Bluff Road interchange.<ref>{{cite news |last = Parish |first = Joe |date = October 3, 1990 |title = Cedar Bluff Merchants Welcome Work on Interstate |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89198020/cedar-bluff-merchants-welcome-work-on/ |page = W3 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |accessdate = November 19, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 19, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211119085450/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89198020/cedar-bluff-merchants-welcome-work-on/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Lackey |first = Skip |date = July 26, 1994 |title = Repaving Job to Snarl I-40 for 2–3 Weeks |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90006006/repaving-job-to-snarl-i-40-for-2-3-weeks/ |page = A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90006028/i-40/ A5] |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |accessdate = December 4, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 4, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211204060121/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90006006/repaving-job-to-snarl-i-40-for-2-3-weeks/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In preparation for the second phase, Gallaher View Road was extended north to the Interstate between April 1994 and July 1996 with a new overpass and on-ramp.<ref name="Lackey"/><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = July 22, 1996 |title = Gallaher View Overpass, On-Ramp Open to Public |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90007691/gallaher-view-overpass-on-ramp-open-to/ |page = A4 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = December 4, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 4, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211204072853/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90007691/gallaher-view-overpass-on-ramp-open-to/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The second phase, from May 1996 to December 1999, widened the section from east of Cedar Bluff Road to east of Gallaher View Road and extended Bridgewater Road to the Interstate.<ref>{{cite news |last = Womack |first = Bob |date = May 22, 1996 |title = Access Alternatives; Project to Close Bridgewater to Through Traffic |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90006594/project-to-close-bridgewater-to-through/ |page = W1 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = December 4, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 4, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211204070521/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90006594/project-to-close-bridgewater-to-through/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = December 13, 1999 |title = Street Beat |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90007431/street-beat/ |page = A6 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = December 4, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 4, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211204072853/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90007431/street-beat/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The interchange with Walker Springs Road was replaced, providing access to all three roads via [[collector–distributor]] [[frontage road]]s.<ref name="Lackey">{{cite news |last = Lackey |first = Skip |date = July 6, 1997 |title = Walker Springs Construction Inconvenient |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90006652/walker-springs-construction-inconvenient/ |page = B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90006758/roads/ B5] |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = December 4, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 4, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211204070521/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90006652/walker-springs-construction-inconvenient/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The third phase, from early 2000 to late 2002, widened the segment linking Papermill Road to I-640 from six to 10&nbsp;lanes. The fourth phase, from September 2000 to July 2003, improved the interchange with SR&nbsp;131 and widened the section to the Pellissippi Parkway.<ref>{{cite news |last = Kovac |first = Rachel |title = Barrels Gone at Lovell Road; Longtime Construction Project Finally Finished |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89563077/barrels-gone-at-lovell-road/ |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |date = July 23, 2003 |page = A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89563139/lovell/ A8] |accessdate = November 26, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 26, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211126111034/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89563077/barrels-gone-at-lovell-road/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The final phase, from January 2003 to December 2006, widened the section connecting Gallaher View Road to Papermill Road and reconfigured the interchanges with the US&nbsp;11/70 connector and Papermill Road.<ref>{{cite news |last = Jacobs |first = Don |date = December 27, 2004 |title = Interstate Project Shifts Into High Gear |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89563237/interstate-project-shifts-into-high-gear/ |page = A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89563262/interstate/ A7] |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = November 26, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 26, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211126113044/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89563237/interstate-project-shifts-into-high-gear/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Jacobs |first = Don |date = November 24, 2006 |title = I-40, Kingston Pike Lanes Open in Time for Holiday Traffic |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90652503/i-40-kingston-pike-lanes-open-in-time/ |pages = A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90652520/traffic/ A8] |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |accessdate = December 16, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 16, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211216063810/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90652503/i-40-kingston-pike-lanes-open-in-time/ |url-status = live }}</ref> A collector–distributor facility serving the westbound ramps was built along the Papermill interchange, and ramps to Weisgarber Road and SR&nbsp;332 were constructed.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/HotProjects/knox/default.htm |title = I-40/I-75 Knoxville Interchange Improvement Project |author = <!--Not stated--> |date = 2003 |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |location = Nashville |access-date = June 11, 2021 |url-status = dead |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20060304132832/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/HotProjects/knox/default.htm |archivedate = March 4, 2006 }}</ref>

In 1989, TDOT began preliminary planning work to widen the four-lane section from east of I-275 to Broadway/Hall of Fame Drive, and reconstruct the accident-prone interchange with [[Tennessee State Route 158|SR&nbsp;158]] (James White Parkway), which contained left-hand entrance and exit ramps. Preliminary engineering began in 1995, and the FHWA approved an EIS for the project on February 28, 2002.<ref name="smartfixEIS">{{cite book |author1 = Tennessee Department of Transportation |author2 = Federal Highway Administration |title = Interstate 40 from I-275 to Cherry Street in Knoxville, Knox County: Environmental Impact Statement |date = February 28, 2002 |publisher = U.S. Government Printing Office |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=jKU1AQAAMAAJ |access-date = October 22, 2022 |format = PDF |via = Google Books |archive-date = December 11, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221211055113/https://books.google.com/books?id=jKU1AQAAMAAJ |url-status = live }}</ref> On June 14, 2004, the two-phase project was unveiled to the public with the name [[SmartFIX40]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/archived_news_stories/2004/tdot_launches_smartfix40 |title = TDOT Launches SmartFIX40 |author = <!--Not stated--> |date = June 14, 2004 |publisher = City of Knoxville |access-date = April 14, 2023 |archive-date = April 15, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230415032648/https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/archived_news_stories/2004/tdot_launches_smartfix40 |url-status = live }}</ref> The first phase, from July 6, 2005, to September 21, 2007,<ref>{{cite press release |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = James White Parkway Reopens |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2007/092107.htm |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = September 21, 2007 |access-date = February 1, 2021 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090430071404/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2007/092107.htm |archive-date = April 30, 2009 }}</ref> rebuilt and realigned the interchanges with SR 158, Broadway/Hall of Fame Drive, and Cherry Street; and built collector–distributor ramps between these interchanges.<ref name=brochure05>{{cite web |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/smartfix/brochure/SmartFIX40acc05-04.pdf |title = Accelerating Highway Construction (Brochure) |author = <!--Not stated--> |date = May 2005 |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |location = Nashville |access-date = January 31, 2021 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090430071500/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/smartfix/brochure/SmartFIX40acc05-04.pdf |archive-date = April 30, 2009 }}</ref><ref name=brochure06>{{cite web |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/smartfix/brochure/SmartFix40brochure.pdf |title = Better Roads Faster, Better City Now (Brochure) |author = <!--Not stated--> |date = September 2006 |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = January 31, 2021 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090430071505/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/smartfix/brochure/SmartFix40brochure.pdf |archive-date = April 30, 2009 }}</ref> For the second phase, I-40 between SR&nbsp;158 and Broadway/Hall of Fame Drive was closed between May 1, 2008, and June 12, 2009.<ref>{{cite news |title = Interstate 40 Reopens in Knoxville 18 Days Ahead of Schedule |url = http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/2104 |date = June 12, 2009 |work = Tennessee Government Newsroom |agency = Tennessee Department of Transportation |location = Nashville |access-date = June 15, 2009 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090615075026/http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/2104 |archive-date = June 15, 2009 |df = mdy-all }}</ref> This allowed crews to widen this section to six lanes with additional auxiliary lanes and rebuild the SR&nbsp;158 interchange on an accelerated timeline.<ref>{{cite news |last = Jacobs |first = Don |date = June 1, 2008 |title = I-40 Closure Going Smoothly as Traffic Adjusts to Changes |url = https://archive.knoxnews.com/news/local/i-40-closure-going-smoothly-as-traffic-adjusts-to-changes-ep-411565404-359879881.html/ |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = January 31, 2021 |archive-date = February 1, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210201030049/https://archive.knoxnews.com/news/local/i-40-closure-going-smoothly-as-traffic-adjusts-to-changes-ep-411565404-359879881.html/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Through traffic used I-640 or surface streets during the closure, and inbound and outbound ramps connecting I-40 and I-640 at both interchanges were temporarily widened to three lanes to accommodate the extra volume.<ref>{{cite news |last = Jacobs |first = Don |date = April 13, 2008 |title = Downtown's 14-Month I-40 Shutdown Will Mean New Routes, Potential Surprises |url = https://archive.knoxnews.com/news/local/downtowns-14-month-i-40-shutdown-will-mean-new-routes-potential-surprises-ep-411801200-359923741.html/ |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = January 31, 2021 |archive-date = February 1, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210201030055/https://archive.knoxnews.com/news/local/downtowns-14-month-i-40-shutdown-will-mean-new-routes-potential-surprises-ep-411801200-359923741.html/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Both phases of SmartFIX40 received an America's Transportation Award from the [[American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials|AASHTO]] in 2008 and 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://americastransportationawards.org/2008-2/tn-smartfix40/ |title = TN: SmartFix40 |author = <!--Not stated--> |date = 2008 |website = americastransportationawards.org |publisher = American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials |access-date = January 31, 2021 |archive-date = January 19, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210119075609/https://americastransportationawards.org/2008-2/tn-smartfix40/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://americastransportationawards.org/past-projects/2010-2/tn-smartfix40-phase-2-knoxville-project/ |title = TN: SmartFIX40 Phase 2 Knoxville Project |author = <!--Not stated--> |date = 2010 |website = americastransportationawards.org |publisher = American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials |access-date = January 31, 2021 |archive-date = February 5, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210205211939/https://americastransportationawards.org/past-projects/2010-2/tn-smartfix40-phase-2-knoxville-project/ |url-status = live }}</ref> At a cost of $203.7&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|203700000|2009}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}), SmartFIX40 was the largest project ever coordinated by TDOT at the time and the second of its kind in the US.<ref name="smartfix40eng">{{cite web |last1 = Walker |first1 = Jeff |title = I-40 SmartFix 40 Phase I, II, III and IV |url = https://wilsonpc.com/portfolio/i-40-smartfix-40-phase-i-ii-iii-and-iv/ |publisher = Wilson and Associates Engineering |location = Franklin, Tennessee |access-date = May 28, 2022 |archive-date = January 26, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220126222903/https://wilsonpc.com/portfolio/i-40-smartfix-40-phase-i-ii-iii-and-iv/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

====Other projects====
[[File:High altitude view of Tennessee River at Humphreys County, Tennessee.jpg|thumb|left|alt=The winding Tennessee River|High-altitude view of the Tennessee River looking north, with I-40 at the bottom and the [[Jimmy Mann Evans Memorial Bridge]] in the bottom left]]
Between July 1997 and November 1999, the {{convert|6|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} section from US&nbsp;25W/70 to I-81 in Jefferson County was widened to six lanes.<ref>{{cite news |title = I-40 Widening Project Wraps Up |work = The Standard Banner |date = December 15, 1999 |location = Dandridge, Tennessee |page = 1 }}</ref> A 2008 TDOT study of the I-40 and I-81 corridors identified a number of steep grades which were difficult for trucks to climb, causing congestion and safety hazards, and the department constructed [[truck climbing lane]]s throughout the corridor in response. In 2018, three westbound truck lanes{{snd}}a {{convert|2|mi|km|-long|adj=mid|spell=in}} lane immediately west of the Tennessee River in Benton County, a {{convert|2|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} lane in Humphreys and Hickman counties, and a {{convert|1|mi|km||adj=mid|spell=in}} lane east of Crossville{{snd}}were completed.<ref name="Chronicle"/><ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = October 30, 2017 |title = TDOT Says Truck Climbing Lane in Benton Co. Will Make I-40 Safer |url = https://www.wbbjtv.com/2017/10/30/tdot-says-truck-climbing-lane-benton-co-will-make-40-safer/ |publisher = [[WBBJ-TV]] |location = Jackson, Tennessee |access-date = November 14, 2021 |archive-date = November 14, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211114071750/https://www.wbbjtv.com/2017/10/30/tdot-says-truck-climbing-lane-benton-co-will-make-40-safer/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name=gadd>{{cite news |last = Gadd |first = Chris |date = May 16, 2018 |title = What's I-40 Roadwork on Dickson-Nashville Commute? 'Truck Climbing' Lane |url = https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/dickson/2018/05/16/dickson-interstate-40-eastbound-work-adding-truck-climbing-lane/608951002/ |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |access-date = November 14, 2021 |archive-date = October 29, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231029222345/https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/dickson/2018/05/16/dickson-interstate-40-eastbound-work-adding-truck-climbing-lane/608951002/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Two additional projects, a {{convert|4|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} lane in Dickson and Williamson counties and a {{convert|3|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} lane in western Smith County (both eastbound), were completed the following year.<ref name=gadd/> In 2020, a truck lane was built on a {{convert|2|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} eastbound segment in eastern Cumberland County.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date = September 25, 2019 |title = Construction of Truck Climbing Lane Ongoing on I-40 in Cumberland Co. |url = http://1057news.com/2019/09/25/07/24/58/construction-of-truck-climbing-lane-ongoing-on-i-40-in-cumberland-co/ |publisher = [[WIHG|WIHG-FM]] |location = Crossville, Tennessee |access-date = November 14, 2021 |archive-date = November 14, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211114071752/http://1057news.com/2019/09/25/07/24/58/construction-of-truck-climbing-lane-ongoing-on-i-40-in-cumberland-co/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

In Jackson, I-40 was widened to six lanes and interchanges were improved in three phases. The first phase, which began on October 2, 2017, widened I-40 between west of US&nbsp;45 Byp. and east of US&nbsp;45, a distance of about {{convert|2.9|mi|km}}; added auxiliary lanes between these interchanges and the interchange with US&nbsp;412; converted the cloverleaf interchange with the US&nbsp;45 Byp. into a partial cloverleaf interchange and the cloverleaf with US&nbsp;70 into a [[single-point urban interchange]] (SPUI); and replaced bridges and improved intersections on both routes near the interchanges.<ref name=tdot1017>{{cite press release |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |title = Governor to Break Ground on I-40 Widening and Casey Jones Project in Jackson |url = https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2017/10/2/governor-to-break-ground-on-i-40-widening-and-casey-jones-project-in-jackson.html |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = October 2, 2017 |access-date = October 24, 2020 |archive-date = October 26, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201026222027/https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2017/10/2/governor-to-break-ground-on-i-40-widening-and-casey-jones-project-in-jackson.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Stephenson |first = Cassandra |date = August 21, 2019 |title = Building Bridges Takes Time: What to Expect from Continuing North Highland Construction |url = https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2019/08/21/north-highland-construction-i-40-bridge-traffic-tdot/2063130001/ |work = The Jackson Sun |access-date = October 24, 2020 |archive-date = October 29, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231029222302/https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2019/08/21/north-highland-construction-i-40-bridge-traffic-tdot/2063130001/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The first phase finished in early July 2021.<ref>{{cite press release |author = <!--Not stated--> |title = West Tennessee Weekly Construction June 30 – July 7, 2021 |url = https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2021/7/1/west-tennessee-weekly-construction-june-30-july-7--2021.html |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = July 1, 2021 |access-date = October 24, 2021 |archive-date = October 24, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211024042548/https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2021/7/1/west-tennessee-weekly-construction-june-30-july-7--2021.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The second phase, which began on November 4, 2020, widened I-40 from east of US&nbsp;45 to east of US&nbsp;70/412, a distance of about {{convert|5.5|mi|km}}, added auxiliary lanes, and replaced bridges.<ref>{{cite news |last = Fernandez |first = Stephanie |date = November 4, 2020 |title = TDOT Announces Construction Plans for Interstate Widening, Bridge Repair |url = https://www.wbbjtv.com/2020/11/04/tdot-announces-construction-plans-for-interstate-widening-bridge-repair/ |publisher = [[WBBJ-TV]] |location = Jackson, Tennessee |access-date = November 10, 2020 |archive-date = November 11, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201111142338/https://www.wbbjtv.com/2020/11/04/tdot-announces-construction-plans-for-interstate-widening-bridge-repair/ |url-status = live }}</ref> It was completed on November 7, 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last = Shields |first = Brandon |date = December 21, 2022 |title = I-40 Widening Enters Final Phase at Exit 79 |url = https://jacksonpost.news/i-40-widening-enters-final-phase-at-exit-79/ |work = The Jackson Post |location = Jackson, Tennessee |access-date = February 5, 2023 |archive-date = February 5, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230205050326/https://jacksonpost.news/i-40-widening-enters-final-phase-at-exit-79/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The final phase, which began on July 10, 2022, and  was completed ahead of schedule on December 13, 2023, widened the {{convert|1.2|mi|km|adj=on}} segment from west of US&nbsp;412 to west of US&nbsp;45 Byp.<ref>{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite press release |author = <!--Not stated--> |title = TDOT Awards Contract to Continue Widening I-40 |url = https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2022/7/7/tdot-awards-contract-to-continue-widening-i-40-.html |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = July 7, 2022 |access-date = July 7, 2022 |archive-date = July 7, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220707205348/https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2022/7/7/tdot-awards-contract-to-continue-widening-i-40-.html |url-status = live }}|{{cite news |last = Luningham |first = Ashley |date = July 12, 2022 |title = Widening of I-40 Bridges Near Exit 79 to Begin Soon |url = https://www.wbbjtv.com/2022/07/12/widening-of-i-40-bridges-near-exit-79-to-begin-soon/ |publisher = WBBJ-TV |location = Jackson, Tennessee |access-date = July 12, 2022 |archive-date = July 12, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220712210319/https://www.wbbjtv.com/2022/07/12/widening-of-i-40-bridges-near-exit-79-to-begin-soon/ |url-status = live }}|{{cite press release |author = <!--Not stated--> |title = I-40 Widening in Jackson Complete Ahead of Schedule |url = https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2023/12/13/i-40-widening-in-jackson-complete-ahead-of-schedule-.html |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = December 13, 2023 |access-date = December 16, 2023 }}}}</ref>

===Geological difficulties===

East Tennessee's rugged terrain presented a number of challenges to I-40 construction crews and engineers. [[Rockfall|Rockslides]], especially along the eastern Cumberland Plateau and in the Pigeon River gorge, have been a persistent problem during and since the road's construction.<ref name=Moore4/>

====Crab Orchard and Walden Ridge area====

On December 17, 1986, a truck driver was killed when his truck struck a boulder which had fallen across the road just east of [[Crab Orchard, Tennessee|Crab Orchard]].<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Moser |first1 = Mike |title = Trucker Killed, One Hurt, in I-40 Rockslide; Road Shut |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/79349258/trucker-killed-one-hurt-in-i-40/ |access-date = June 11, 2021 |work = The Tennessean |date = December 17, 1986 |location = Nashville |page = 2-B |archive-date = June 11, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210611031129/https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/79349258/trucker-killed-one-hurt-in-i-40/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In response to the incident, between January 1987 and December 1988, workers flattened the cut slopes along this stretch of the Interstate and moved a {{convert|1,000|ft|m|adj=on}} section of the road {{convert|60|ft|m}} from the problematic cliffside.<ref name=Moore4>{{harvp|Moore|1994|pp=120–131|ps.=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Rock Slide Scene (Photo) |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93245524/rock-slide-scene-photo/ |access-date = January 23, 2022 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |date = January 11, 1987 |page = S6 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = January 23, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220123034847/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93245524/rock-slide-scene-photo/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

While I-40 was under construction, 20&nbsp;rockslides occurred along the Walden Ridge section (miles&nbsp;341–346) of the eastern plateau in 1968. This prompted remedial measures throughout the 1970s, including rock buttresses, [[gabion|gabion wall]]s, and horizontal drains.<ref name=Moore4/> Minor rockslides shut down the westbound lanes of this section on June 20, 1989, and on May 6, 2013.<ref>{{cite news |last=Townsend |first=Mark |date=June 21, 1989 |title=I-40W Closed Again Today At Rockwood |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-i-40w-closed-again-today/132665627/ |page=2-B |work=The Tennessean |location=Nashville |access-date=September 30, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029031651/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-i-40w-closed-again-today/132665627/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Jacobs |first1 = Don |title = TDOT: I-40 Should be Clear of Rock Slide Debris in Roane Today |url = https://archive.knoxnews.com/news/state/tdot-i-40-should-be-clear-of-rock-slide-debris-in-roane-today-ep-358340724-355878281.html/ |access-date = June 16, 2021 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |date = May 7, 2013 |archive-date = June 24, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195459/https://archive.knoxnews.com/news/state/tdot-i-40-should-be-clear-of-rock-slide-debris-in-roane-today-ep-358340724-355878281.html/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

====Pigeon River gorge====
[[File:I-40 Pigeon River Gorge, Tennessee.png|thumb|alt=A stretch of highway, with a fence along the side to keep rocks out of the road|Catchment fences and mesh nets are used in the Pigeon River gorge to mitigate the effects of rockslides.]]
The Pigeon River gorge is prone to rockslides, especially near the Tennessee–North Carolina state line.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Lohman |first1 = Isabel |title = The Inside Story of Why Rockslides on Interstate 40 Will Never Stop |url = https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2019/07/16/interstate-40-rockslides-happen-decisions-made-decades-ago-tennessee-north-carolina/1705232001/ |access-date = June 16, 2021 |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |date = July 16, 2019 |url-access = limited |archive-date = October 29, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231029222307/https://www.knoxnews.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.knoxnews.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F2019%2F07%2F16%2Finterstate-40-rockslides-happen-decisions-made-decades-ago-tennessee-north-carolina%2F1705232001%2F |url-status = live }}</ref> This stretch of I-40 was repeatedly shut down by rockslides during the 1970s, sometimes for weeks at a time. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, workers dug over {{convert|24000|ft|m}} of horizontal drains, blasted out a large number of unstable rocks, and installed mesh catchment fences.<ref name=Moore4/> However, rockslides in 1985 and 1997 again forced the closure of I-40 in the Pigeon River gorge for several weeks.<ref name=wral>{{cite news |url = http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/163821/ |title = I-40 Closed in Both Directions: Another Rock Slide |location = Raleigh, North Carolina |publisher = [[WRAL-TV]] |agency = Associated Press |date = July 1, 1997 |access-date = October 23, 2009 |archive-date = October 29, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091029014521/http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/163821/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Additional stabilization measures were implemented, including the blasting of loose rock, the installation of [[rock bolt]]s, and improved drainage.<ref>{{cite journal |first1 = Corry |last1 = Goumans |first2 = Dwayne |last2 = Wallace |name-list-style = amp |url = http://www.isee.org/tis/Proceed/General/99genv1/99v116g.pdf |title = I-40 Rockslide Causes Mountains of Problems |journal = Complete Abstracts of the ISEE Proceedings |volume = 1G |year = 1999 |page = 167 |access-date = October 23, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030902015037/http://www.isee.org/tis/Proceed/General/99genv1/99v116g.pdf |archive-date = September 2, 2003 }}</ref> Another rockslide in the gorge on October 26, 2009, blocked all lanes just across the border at North Carolina mile&nbsp;3; the section was closed to traffic in both directions until April 25, 2010.<ref>{{cite news |last = Hickman |first = Hayes |date = April 25, 2010 |url = http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/apr/25/section-of-i-40-back-open-after-oct-slide/ |title = Section of I-40 Closed Since Oct. Rockslide Reopens |work = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date = September 19, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121004095435/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/apr/25/section-of-i-40-back-open-after-oct-slide/ |archive-date = October 4, 2012 }}</ref> On January 31, 2012, the westbound lanes of I-40 were closed for a few weeks because of a rockslide near the North Carolina border.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/10668586/ |title = Tennessee Rock Slide Closes I-40 Near Asheville |date = January 31, 2012 |location = Raleigh, North Carolina |publisher = [[WRAL-TV]] |access-date = February 4, 2012 |archive-date = February 3, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120203024927/http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/10668586/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Torrential flooding in the Pigeon River from the aftermath of [[Hurricane Helene]] washed away a small section of the eastbound shoulder and embankment near the state line on September 27, 2024, closing the roadway to all traffic.<ref>{{cite news |last=Torres |first=Madalyn |date=September 30, 2024 |title=TDOT: 14 Tennessee bridges closed, 5 destroyed from flooding |url=https://www.wbir.com/article/traffic/tdot-bridges-helene-flooding-closures/51-192edf45-4b80-4eb4-a5b0-92140304af01 |work=WBIR-TV |location=Knoxville |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240930220618/https://www.wbir.com/article/traffic/tdot-bridges-helene-flooding-closures/51-192edf45-4b80-4eb4-a5b0-92140304af01 |archivedate=September 30, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2024}}</ref>

====Sinkholes====
Sinkholes are a consistent issue along highways in East Tennessee. One particularly problematic stretch is a section of I-40 between miles&nbsp;365 and 367 in Loudon County, which is underlain by cavernous rock strata. TDOT employed a number of stabilization measures in this area during the 1970s and 1980s, including backfilling existing sinkholes with limestone, collapsing potential sinkholes, and paving roadside ditches to prevent surface water from seeping into unstable soil.<ref name=Moore4/>

==={{anchor|Other history, incidents, and closures}}Incidents and closures===
{{further|Memphis tanker truck disaster}}
On December 23, 1988, a [[tank truck|tanker truck]] hauling [[liquefied petroleum gas|liquified]] [[propane]] overturned on a one-lane ramp carrying I-40 traffic through the Midtown interchange with I-240 in Memphis, poking a small hole in the front of the tank.<ref>{{cite news |last = Charlier |first = Tom |date = December 24, 1988 |title = Fiery Tanker Crash Kills 6; Cars, Homes Enveloped by Inferno Along I-240 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88843440/fiery-tanker-crash-kills-6/ |page = A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88843657/crash/ A5] |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = December 5, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 5, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211205101925/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88843440/fiery-tanker-crash-kills-6/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Beifuss |first = John |date = December 24, 1988 |title = Even Witnesses Seem Scorched by Fire's Havoc |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88843593/even-witnesses-seem-scorched-by-fires/ |page = A4 |work = The Commercial Appeal |location = Memphis |access-date = December 5, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = December 5, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211205101926/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88843593/even-witnesses-seem-scorched-by-fires/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The leaking gas ignited in a [[boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion]] (BLEVE), producing a fireball that set nearby vehicles and structures on fire and instantly killed five motorists (including the truck driver).<ref name=nfpa>{{cite report |first = Michael S. |last = Isner |date = February 6, 1990 |title = Fire Investigation Report: Propane Tank Truck Incident, Eight People Killed, Memphis, Tennessee, December 23, 1988 |url = https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Resources/Fire-Investigations/fimemphis.ashx |publisher = National Fire Protection Association |page = |access-date = January 18, 2021 |url-status = dead |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20210128223921/https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Resources/Fire-Investigations/fimemphis.ashx |archivedate = January 28, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date = December 24, 1988 |title = Propane Truck Blows Up; 8 Die, 10 Hurt |url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-12-24-mn-507-story.html |work = [[Los Angeles Times]] |agency = Associated Press |access-date = January 12, 2021 |archive-date = January 21, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210121064704/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-12-24-mn-507-story.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The tank was propelled from the crash site by the remaining combusting gas, striking a nearby overpass and crashing into a duplex apartment about {{convert|125|yd|m}} away. One occupant was killed, and additional fires spread to other buildings.<ref name=ap88>{{cite news |last = Baird |first = Woody |date = December 24, 1988 |title = Tanker Exploded 'Like An Unguided Missile'; Eight Dead |url = https://apnews.com/article/62d74e3477925379df87e065acc7bcf2 |publisher = Associated Press |access-date = January 12, 2021 |archive-date = January 15, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210115195257/https://apnews.com/article/62d74e3477925379df87e065acc7bcf2 |url-status = live }}</ref> A total of seven additional cars were destroyed, and 10&nbsp;cars, six houses, and a residential complex were damaged.<ref name=nfpa/> Ten people were injured, and two people who were inside of homes impacted by the fires later died from their injuries.<ref>{{cite news |date = December 25, 1988 |title = Death Toll at 9 in Memphis Tanker Explosion |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1988/12/25/us/death-toll-at-9-in-memphis-tanker-explosion.html |work = The New York Times |agency = Associated Press |access-date = January 12, 2021 |archive-date = January 23, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210123180620/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/12/25/us/death-toll-at-9-in-memphis-tanker-explosion.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Another truck driver was killed when he crashed into a traffic jam caused by the accident.<ref>{{cite news |date = December 23, 1988 |title = 7 Die As Propane Truck Explodes and Traffic Backup Causes 2nd Wreck |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/12/24/7-die-as-propane-truck-explodes-and-traffic-backup-causes-2nd-wreck/6366230a-fdf7-4e10-9a8b-7674f9035eda/ |newspaper = The Washington Post |access-date = January 12, 2021 |archive-date = January 22, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210122174756/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/12/24/7-die-as-propane-truck-explodes-and-traffic-backup-causes-2nd-wreck/6366230a-fdf7-4e10-9a8b-7674f9035eda/ |url-status = live }}</ref> This  event, one of Tennessee's deadliest and most destructive motor-vehicle accidents, spurred the eventual reconstruction of the interchange.<ref name=commercialappeal06/>

[[File:TDOT_work_on_Hernando_de_Soto_bridge_fracture.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Workers on a bridge|Inspectors analyzing the fracture that closed the Hernando de Soto Bridge in 2021]]
Inspectors discovered a crack on a tie girder of the Hernando de Soto Bridge on May 11, 2021, resulting in the closure of the bridge.<ref>{{cite news |title = I-40 Bridge Closed Indefinitely After Crack Discovered in Structure |url = https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2021/05/11/emergency-roadwork-shutdowns-i-bridge/ |access-date = June 11, 2021 |publisher = [[WMC-TV]] |date = May 11, 2021 |location = Memphis |archive-date = June 13, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210613142631/https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2021/05/11/emergency-roadwork-shutdowns-i-bridge/ |url-status = live }}</ref> A subsequent investigation indicated that the crack had existed since at least May 2019, and reports later surfaced that the crack had probably existed since August 2016.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Chaney |first1 = Kim |title = Yes, There Was Damage to the I-40 Hernando de Soto Bridge at the Time of 2019 Inspection |url = https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/verify/yes-there-was-damage-to-the-i-40-hernando-de-soto-bridge-at-the-time-of-2019-inspection/522-16447073-9d21-4c42-aeaa-65f4160cab9c |access-date = June 11, 2021 |publisher = [[WATN-TV]] |date = May 14, 2021 |location = Memphis |archive-date = June 11, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210611034629/https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/verify/yes-there-was-damage-to-the-i-40-hernando-de-soto-bridge-at-the-time-of-2019-inspection/522-16447073-9d21-4c42-aeaa-65f4160cab9c |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Peterson |first1 = Joyce |title = Photos Show I-40 Bridge Damage in 2016 |url = https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2021/05/18/photos-show-i-bridge-damage/ |access-date = June 11, 2021 |publisher = WMC-TV |date = May 19, 2021 |location = Memphis |archive-date = June 11, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210611034646/https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2021/05/18/photos-show-i-bridge-damage/ |url-status = live }}</ref> TDOT awarded an emergency repair contract for the bridge on May 17, 2021, and the repair was made in two phases.<ref name="tdotdesotobridge">{{cite web |title = Interstate 40 Hernando DeSoto Bridge – Timeline |url = https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/region-4/i-40-hernando-desoto-bridge/timeline.html |website = tn.gov |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = June 11, 2021 |location = Nashville |date = May 17, 2021 |archive-date = June 11, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210611034647/https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/region-4/i-40-hernando-desoto-bridge/timeline.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Duncan |first1 = Ian |title = Repairs to Cracked Mississippi River Interstate Bridge Will Stretch on for Weeks |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2021/06/03/memphis-bridge-mississippi-river/ |access-date = June 11, 2021 |newspaper = The Washington Post |date = June 3, 2021 |archive-date = August 13, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220813103146/https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2021/06/03/memphis-bridge-mississippi-river/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In the first phase, completed on May 25, 2021, fabricated steel plates were attached to both sides of the fractured beam.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Testino |first1 = Laura |title = First Phase of Two-Part I-40 Bridge Repair Complete |url = https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2021/05/25/i-40-bridge-repair-phase-one-two-part-plan-complete/7432153002/ |access-date = June 11, 2021 |work = The Commercial Appeal |date = May 25, 2021 |location = Memphis |archive-date = June 11, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210611034647/https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2021/05/25/i-40-bridge-repair-phase-one-two-part-plan-complete/7432153002/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The second phase consisted of the installation of additional steel plating and removal of part of the damaged beam.<ref name="tdotdesotobridge"/> The bridge's eastbound lanes reopened on July 31, 2021,<ref>{{cite news |last = Finton |first = Lucas |title = The Hernando DeSoto Bridge Reopens Eastbound Lanes, 2 Days Ahead of Plans |date = August 1, 2021 |url = https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2021/07/30/eastbound-lanes-40-bridge-re-open-saturday/5436041001/ |work = The Commercial Appeal |accessdate = August 1, 2021 |archive-date = August 1, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210801152017/https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2021/07/30/eastbound-lanes-40-bridge-re-open-saturday/5436041001/ |url-status = live }}</ref> and the westbound lanes reopened two days later.<ref>{{cite news |last = Burnside |first = Tina |title = A Vital Memphis Bridge Shut Down Since May Due to a Structural Crack Has Fully Reopened |date = August 2, 2021 |url = https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/02/us/memphis-hernando-desoto-bridge-reopen/index.html |publisher = CNN |accessdate = August 3, 2021 |archive-date = August 2, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210802215431/https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/02/us/memphis-hernando-desoto-bridge-reopen/index.html |url-status = live }}</ref> A report released later that year concluded that the crack resulted from a welding flaw during the beam's fabrication.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=November 12, 2021 |title=I-40 Bridge Crack Likely Went Undetected Since the Span was Fabricated in 1970s, Report Finds |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2021/11/12/hernando-de-soto-bridge-opened-with-crack-report/8586858002/ |work=The Commercial Appeal |location=Memphis |access-date=August 6, 2023 |archive-date=August 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807032530/https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2021/11/12/hernando-de-soto-bridge-opened-with-crack-report/8586858002/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Clear}}

==Exit list==
{{jcttop|state=TN|exit|length_ref=<ref name="USDOT">{{cite map |map=National Highway Planning Network |map-url=https://data-usdot.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/usdot::national-highway-planning-network/explore?location=35.843003%2C-86.343051%2C7.30 |author=Bureau of Transportation Statistics |date = June 13, 2022 |title = National Transportation Atlas Database |publisher=United States Department of Transportation |access-date=April 29, 2023 |location=Washington, D.C.}}</ref>{{efn|name=offset|While the stretch of I-40 in Tennessee is officially {{convert|455.28|mi|km}} long, mileposts and exits [[milepost equation|remain numbered]] according to the original planned routing through Overton Park in Memphis, which was approximately {{convert|3.5|mi|km}} shorter.<ref name=Moore1>{{cite book |first = Harry |last = Moore |title = A Geologic Trip Across Tennessee by Interstate 40 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=sbo-dSSnF4kC |location = Knoxville |publisher = University of Tennessee Press |year = 1994 |isbn = 9780870498329 |oclc = 840337369 |pages = 171–181 |via = Google Books |access-date = March 19, 2023 |archive-date = March 26, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230326164803/https://books.google.com/books?id=sbo-dSSnF4kC |url-status = live }}</ref>}}
}}
{{jctint|exit
|river=[[Mississippi River]]
|lspan=2
|mile=0.00
|mspan=2
|road={{jct|state=AR|I|40|dir1=west|city1=Little Rock}}
|notes=Continuation into [[Arkansas]]
}}
{{jctbridge|exit
|mile=none
|bridge=[[Hernando de Soto Bridge]]
}}
{{TNint|exitk
|county=Shelby
|cspan=22
|location=Memphis
|lspan=18
|mile=0.92
|exit=1
|road=Front Street, Riverside Drive – [[Downtown Memphis, Tennessee|Downtown Memphis]]
|notes=Western end of [[Music Highway (Tennessee)|Music Highway]] designation
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=1.09
|mile2=1.16
|exit=1A
|type=incomplete
|road=Second Street, Third Street ([[Tennessee State Route 3|SR&nbsp;3]], [[Tennessee State Route 14|SR&nbsp;14]])
|notes=Westbound exit and eastbound entrance
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=1.55
|exit=1B
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|51|name1=Danny Thomas Boulevard, [[Tennessee State Route 1|SR&nbsp;1]]}}
|notes=Signed as exits 1C (south) and 1D (north) westbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=2.23
|mile2=2.69
|exit=1E
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|240|dir1=south|road|Madison Avenue|to2=yes|extra=airport|location1=[[Jackson, Mississippi|Jackson, MS]]}}
|notes=I-240 exit 31; former I-255; semi-directional T interchange; Madison Avenue not signed westbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=3.13
|exit=1F
|type=incomplete
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|14|name1=Jackson Avenue}}
|notes=Westbound exit and eastbound entrance
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=3.89
|mile2=4.14
|exit=2
|road=Chelsea Avenue, Smith Avenue
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|type=<!--concur with I-69 in future-->
|mile=4.78
|mile2=5.49
|exit=2A
|road={{jct|state=TN|to1=To|US|51|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 3|SR&nbsp;3]]|city1=Millington}}
|notes=Access via {{jct|state=TN|SR|300|noshield=yes}}; directional-T interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=5.51
|exit=3
|road=Watkins Street
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=7.44
|exit=5
|road=Hollywood Street
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=8.60
|exit=6
|road=Warford Street
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=10.42
|exit=8
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|14|name1=Jackson Avenue, Austin Peay Highway}}
|notes=Signed as exits 8A (north) and 8B (south) westbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=12.50
|exit=10
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|204|name1=Covington Pike}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|type=incomplete
|mile=13.37
|exit=12A
|road={{jct|state=TN|road|White Station Road|to2=yes|US|64|US|70|US|79|name4=[[Tennessee State Route 1|SR 1]] / Summer Avenue}}
|notes=Eastbound exit only
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=14.39
|exit=12 (EB)<br>10 (WB)
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|240|dir1=west|road|[[Sam Cooper Boulevard]] west|location1=[[Jackson, Mississippi|Jackson, MS]]}}
|notes=Signed as exits 12B (Sam Cooper) and 12C (I-240) eastbound, exits 10B (Sam Cooper) and 10A (I-240) westbound; four-level [[stack interchange]]
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=15.67
|exit=12
|road=Sycamore View Road&nbsp;– [[Bartlett, Tennessee|Bartlett]]
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=17.27
|exit=14
|road=Whitten Road
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=18.79
|exit=15
|road=Appling Road
|notes=Signed as exits 15A (south) and 15B (north) eastbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=20.15
|exit=16
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|177|city1=Germantown}}
|notes=Signed as exits 16A (south) and 16B (north) westbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location1=Memphis
|location2=Bartlett
|mile=21.47
|exit=18
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|64|city1=Somerville|city2=Bolivar|city3=Bartlett|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 15|SR&nbsp;15]]}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Lakeland
|mile=23.87
|exit=20
|road=Canada Road&nbsp;– [[Lakeland, Tennessee|Lakeland]]
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Arlington
|lspan=2
|mile=27.95
|exit=24
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|269|SR|385|dir1=south|city1=Collierville|location2=[[Jackson, Mississippi|Jackson Miss.]]|city3=Millington}}
|notes=Signed as exits 24A (south) and 24B (north); I-269 exit 19; [[cloverleaf interchange]]
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=28.74
|exit=25
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|205|city1=Arlington}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Fayette
|cspan=4
|location1=Hickory Withe
|location2=Gallaway
|mile=32.48
|exit=28
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|196|city1=Gallaway|city2=Oakland}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=38.90
|exit=35
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|59|city1=Covington|city2=Somerville}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=<!--Not given-->
|exit=39
|type=future
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|194}}
|notes=To serve an extension of SR 194 for [[Blue Oval City]]<ref name="blueoval39">{{cite web |title = State Route 194 Extension / Exit 39 |url = https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/region-4/sr-194-extension-exit-39.html |website = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = October 22, 2022 |archive-date = October 22, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221022170143/https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/region-4/sr-194-extension-exit-39.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Wooten |first = Rya |date = July 7, 2022 |title = TDOT Set to Preview I-40 Extension Plans for Newly Coming Blue Oval City Ford Plant |url = https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/blue-oval-city-ford-somerville-mason-i40-interstate-extension/522-5ae66368-4aef-4b17-bf9e-7e50f04ace39 |publisher = [[WATN-TV]] |location = Memphis |access-date = July 7, 2022 |archive-date = July 7, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220707095329/https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/blue-oval-city-ford-somerville-mason-i40-interstate-extension/522-5ae66368-4aef-4b17-bf9e-7e50f04ace39 |url-status = live }}</ref>
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=45.80
|exit=42
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|222|city1=Stanton|city2=Somerville}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Haywood
|cspan=5
|location=none
|mile=51.25
|exit=47
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|179|name1=Stanton-Dancyville Road}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=55.72
|exit=52
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|179|SR|76|city1=Whiteville}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Brownsville
|mile=59.028
|exit=56
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|76|city1=Brownsville|city2=Somerville}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=62.60
|exit=60
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|19|name1=Mercer Road}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=68.35
|exit=66
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|70|city1=Brownsville|city2=Ripley|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 1|SR&nbsp;1]]}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Madison
|cspan=10
|location=none
|mile=70.68
|exit=68
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|138|name1=Providence Road}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=77.11
|exit=74
|road=Lower Brownsville Road
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Jackson
|lspan=6
|mile=78.81
|exit=76
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|223|dir1=south|location1=[[McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport]]|extra=airport}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=81.57
|exit=79
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|412|city1=Jackson|city2=Alamo|city3=Dyersburg|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 20|SR&nbsp;20]]|road|Vann Drive}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=82.83
|exit=80
|road={{jct|state=TN|US-Byp|45|dab1=Jackson|city1=Jackson|city2=Humboldt|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 186|SR&nbsp;186]]}}
|notes=Signed as exits 80A (south) and 80B (north)
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=84.29
|exit=82
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|45|city1=Jackson|city2=Milan|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 5|SR&nbsp;5]]|road|Vann Drive}}
|notes=Formerly signed as exits 82A (south) and 82B (north)
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=85.56
|exit=83
|road=Campbell Street, Old Medina Road
|notes=Opened June 13, 2003<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--not stated--> |date = June 14, 2003 |title = New Exit (Photo) |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112566096/campbell-street/ |page = 1A |work = The Jackson Sun |access-date = November 5, 2022 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 5, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221105074749/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112566096/campbell-street/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=87.15
|exit=85
|road=Christmasville Road, Dr. F.E. Wright Drive&nbsp;– [[Jackson, Tennessee|Jackson]]
|notes=Opened December 14, 1987<ref>{{cite news |last = Meisel |first = Jay |date = December 13, 1987 |title = Christmasville Interchange to Open, Easing Traffic Snarls |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112566208/christmasville-interchange-to-open/ |pages = 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112566222/road/ 2] |work = The Jackson Sun |access-date = November 5, 2022 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = November 5, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221105074751/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112566208/christmasville-interchange-to-open/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=89.31
|exit=87
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|70|US|412|dir2=east|city1=Huntingdon|city2=McKenzie|city3=Jackson|name2=[[Tennessee State Route 1|SR&nbsp;1]]}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=95.87
|exit=93
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|152|name1=Law Road|city1=Lexington}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Henderson
|cspan=2
|location=none
|mile=103.11
|exit=101
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|104|city1=Lexington}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Parkers Crossroads
|mile=110.34
|exit=108
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|22|city1=Parkers Crossroads|city2=Lexington|city3=Huntingdon}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county1=Henderson
|county2=Carroll
|location=none
|mile=118.47
|exit=116
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|114|city1=Natchez Trace State Park|city2=Lexington}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county1=Decatur
|county2=Benton
|location=none
|mile=128.34
|exit=126
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|641|SR|69|city1=Camden|city2=Paris|city3=Parsons}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Benton
|location=none
|mile=135.42
|exit=133
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|191|name1=Birdsong Road}}
|notes=
}}
{{jctbridge|exit
|river=[[Tennessee River]]
|mile=136.82
|mile2=137.32
|bridge= [[Jimmy Mann Evans Memorial Bridge]]
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Humphreys
|cspan=2
|location=none
|mile=139.14
|exit=137
|road=Cuba Landing
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=145.30
|exit=143
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|13|city1=Linden|city2=Waverly}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Hickman
|cspan=2
|location=none
|mile=150.64
|exit=148
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|50|to2=to|Sec|229|city1=Centerville}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Bucksnort
|mile=154.92
|exit=152
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|230|city1=Bucksnort}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Dickson
|cspan=3
|location=none
|mile=166.19
|exit=163
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|48|city1=Centerville|city2=Dickson}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Dickson
|mile=175.19
|exit=172
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|46|city1=Centerville|city2=Dickson|city3=Columbia}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=179.29
|exit=176
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|840|dir1=east|city1=Knoxville|city2=Franklin}}
|notes=Western terminus and exits 1A-B on I-840; former SR 840; half-cloverleaf interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Williamson
|location=Fairview
|mile=184.58
|exit=182
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|96|city1=Franklin|city2=Fairview|city3=Dickson}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Cheatham
|location=Kingston Springs
|mile=190.53
|exit=188
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|249|city1=Kingston Springs|city2=Ashland City}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Davidson
|cspan=27
|location=Nashville
|lspan=27
|mile=195.22
|exit=192
|road=McCrory Lane&nbsp;– [[Pegram, Tennessee|Pegram]]
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=199.01
|exit=196
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|70S|city1=Bellevue|location2=Newsom Station|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 1|SR&nbsp;1]]}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=201.76
|exit=199
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|251|name1=Old Hickory Boulevard}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=203.60
|exit=201
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|70|name1=Charlotte Pike, [[Tennessee State Route 24|SR&nbsp;24]]}}
|notes=Signed as exits 201A (east) and 201B (west) eastbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=206.39
|exit=204
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|155|name1=Briley Parkway, White Bridge Road|road|Robertson Avenue}}
|notes=Signed as exits 204A (north) and 204B (south) westbound; SR&nbsp;155 exit 6; four-level stack interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=206.93
|mile2=207.31
|exit=205
|road=51st Avenue, 46th Avenue&nbsp;– [[Nashville, Tennessee|West Nashville]]
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=208.17
|mile2=208.61
|exit=206
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|440|dir1=east|name1=Four-Forty Parkway|city1=Knoxville}}
|notes=Left exit westbound; semi-directional T interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=208.88
|exit=207
|espan=2
|road=28th Avenue
|notes=Westbound exit and eastbound entrance
}}
{{TNint
|mile=209.33
|road=Jefferson Street
|notes=Eastbound exit and westbound entrance
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=209.91
|mile2=210.28
|exit=208
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|65|dir1=north|to2=to|I|24|dir2=west|location1=[[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]]|city2=Clarksville}}
|notes=Left exit eastbound, left entrances; signed as exit 208B eastbound; western end of I-65 overlap; I-65 exit 84B southbound; former {{jct|state=TN|I|265|noshield=yes}}; directional-T interchange

}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=211.00
|exit=209
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|70|name1=Charlotte Avenue, [[Tennessee State Route 24|SR&nbsp;24]]|road|Church Street}}
|notes=Church St. not signed eastbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=211.20
|exit=209A
|road=Church Street<hr>{{jct|state=TN|US|70|US|70S|US|431|name3=Broadway, [[Tennessee State Route 1|SR&nbsp;1]]/[[Tennessee State Route 24|SR&nbsp;24]]}}
|notes=Eastbound signage<hr>Westbound signage
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=211.38
|mile2=211.52
|exit=209B
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|70S|US|431|name2=Broadway, [[Tennessee State Route 1|SR&nbsp;1]]|road|Demonbreun Street}}
|notes=Westbound signed as "Demonbreun&nbsp;St." only
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=212.04
|mile2=212.52
|exit=210
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|65|dir1=south|location1=[[Huntsville, Alabama|Huntsville]] }}
|notes=Eastern end of I-65 overlap; left exit and entrance westbound; signed as exit 210B westbound; I-65 exit 82B northbound; directional-T interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=212.71
|mile2=212.83
|exit=210C
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|31A|US|41A|dir2=south|name2=4th Avenue, 2nd Avenue, [[Tennessee State Route 11|SR&nbsp;11]] south}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=213.10
|mile2=213.48
|exit=211B
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|24|dir1=west|to2=to|I|65|dir2=north|city1=Clarksville}}, [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]]
|notes=Western end of I-24 overlap; left exit and entrance eastbound; signed as exit 211 westbound; I-24 exit 50B eastbound; former I-65 north; directional-T interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=213.91
|exit=212
|espan=2
|road=Hermitage Avenue 
|notes=Westbound exit; eastbound entrance from Green Street; access to unsigned [[U.S. Route 70 in Tennessee|US&nbsp;70]]
}}
{{TNint
|mile=214.42
|road=Fesslers Lane
|notes=Eastbound exit and westbound entrance
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=215.21
|mile2=215.78
|exit=213A
|type=concur
|notes=Eastern end of I-24 overlap; left exit and entrance westbound; I-440/Memphis not signed eastbound; I-24 exit 52B westbound; directional-T interchange
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|24|dir1=east|to2=yes|I|440|dir2=west|name2=Four-Forty Parkway|city1=Memphis|city2=Chattanooga}}
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=215.78
|exit=213
|type=incomplete
|road={{jct|state=TN|road|Spence Lane|to2=to|US|41|US|70S|name3=Murfreesboro Road, [[Tennessee State Route 1|SR&nbsp;1]]}}
|notes=Westbound exit only; eastbound access via exit 213A
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=217.28
|exit=215
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|155|name1=Briley Parkway}}
|notes=Signed as exits 215A (south) and 215B (north); SR&nbsp;155 exit 27 southbound; not signed northbound; [[cloverstack interchange]]
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=218.42
|exit=216A
|type=incomplete
|road={{jct|state=TN|extra=airport}} [[Nashville International Airport]]
|notes=Eastbound exit and westbound entrance
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=219.11
|exit=216B
|mspan=2
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|255|dir1=south|name1=Donelson Pike|location1= [[Nashville International Airport]]|location2=[[Air Freight]]|extra=airport}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=none
|exit=216C
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|255|dir1=north|name1=Donelson Pike}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=221.55
|exit=219
|road=Stewarts Ferry Pike&nbsp;– [[J. Percy Priest Dam]]
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=222.51
|exit=221A
|type=incomplete
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|45|dir1=north|name1=Old Hickory Boulevard|city1=The Hermitage}}
|notes=Eastbound exit and westbound entrance; Eastern end of Music Highway designation
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=223.41
|exit=221B
|road=Old Hickory Boulevard
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Wilson
|cspan=8
|location=Mount Juliet
|lspan=2
|mile=228.49
|exit=226
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|171|city1=Mount Juliet|road|Belinda Parkway, Providence Way}}
|notes=Signed as exits 226A (SR&nbsp;171 south), 226B (SR&nbsp;171 north), and 226C (Belinda/Providence) eastbound; Belinda Pky./Providence Way not signed westbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=231.67
|exit=229
|road=Beckwith Road, Golden Bear Gateway
|notes=Signed as exits 229A (south) and 229B (north) eastbound; Golden Bear Gtwy. not signed eastbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Lebanon
|lspan=5
|mile=234.49
|exit=232
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|109|city1=Gallatin}}
|notes=Signed as exits 232A (south) and 232B (north) eastbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=237.56
|exit=235
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|840|dir1=west|city1=Memphis|city2=Murfreesboro}}
|notes=Eastern terminus and exits 76A-B on I-840; former SR 840; [[trumpet interchange]]
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=239.03
|exit=236
|road=S. Hartmann Drive
|notes=Opened on October 18, 2002<ref>{{cite news |last = Humbles |first = Andy |date = October 17, 2002 |title = City Expects Relief As I-40 Exit Opens |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/66833752/city-expects-relief-as-i-40-exit-opens/ |page = 3B |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |access-date = January 3, 2021 |via = Newspapers.com |archive-date = January 16, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210116033019/https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/66833752/city-expects-relief-as-i-40-exit-opens/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=240.54
|exit=238
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|231|city1=Lebanon|city2=Hartsville|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 10|SR&nbsp;10]]}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=242.25
|exit=239
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|70|city1=Watertown|city2=Lebanon|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 26|SR&nbsp;26]]}}
|notes=Signed as exits 239A (east) and 239B (west) eastbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Tuckers Crossroads
|mile=247.43
|exit=245
|road=Linwood Road
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Smith
|cspan=2
|location=New Middleton
|mile=256.86
|exit=254
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|141|city1=Alexandria}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Gordonsville
|mile=261.06
|exit=258
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|53|city1=Carthage|city2=Gordonsville}}
|notes=
}}
{{jctbridge|exit
|river=[[Caney Fork River]]
|mile=265.68
|mile2=269.95
|bridge=Five total crossings on five separate bridges
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Putnam
|cspan=11
|location=Buffalo Valley
|ctdab=Putnam
|mile=270.78
|exit=268
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|96|name1=Buffalo Valley Road|location1=[[Center Hill Dam]] }}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Silver Point
|mile=275.88
|exit=273
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|56|dir1=south|city1=Smithville|city2=McMinnville}}
|notes=Western end of SR&nbsp;56 overlap; eastbound exit ramp includes direct access to [[Tennessee State Route 141|SR&nbsp;141]] west 
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Boma
|mile=278.53
|exit=276
|road=Old Baxter Road
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Baxter
|mile=282.54
|exit=280
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|56|dir1=north|city1=Baxter|city2=Gainesboro}}
|notes=Eastern end of SR&nbsp;56 overlap
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Cookeville
|lspan=5
|mile=285.33
|exit=283
|road=Tennessee Avenue, Highland Park Boulevard
|notes=Opened on June 20, 2018<ref>{{cite press release |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = TDOT Celebrates Completion of New I-40 Interchange at Academy Road in Cookeville |url = https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2018/6/21/tdot-celebrates-completion-of-new-i-40-interchange-at-academy-road-in-cookeville.html |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = June 20, 2018 |access-date = January 4, 2021 |archive-date = January 27, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200127015412/https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2018/6/21/tdot-celebrates-completion-of-new-i-40-interchange-at-academy-road-in-cookeville.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=288.27
|exit=286
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|135|name1=South Willow Avenue|city1=Cookeville}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=289.77
|exit=287
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|136|city1=Cookeville|city2=Sparta}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=291.08
|exit=288
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|111|city1=Livingston|city2=Sparta}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=292.72
|exit=290
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|70N|city1=Cookeville}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Monterey
|lspan=2
|mile=303.62
|exit=300
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|70N|SR|84|to3=to|SR|62|city1=Monterey|city2=Livingston|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 24|SR&nbsp;24]]}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=304.27
|exit=301
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|70N|SR|84|to3=to|SR|62|city1=Monterey|city2=Jamestown|city3=Livingston|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 24|SR&nbsp;24]]}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Cumberland
|cspan=6
|location=none
|mile=313.44
|exit=311
|road=Plateau Road
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Crossville
|lspan=3
|mile=320.26
|exit=317
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|127|city1=Crossville|city2=Jamestown|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 28|SR&nbsp;28]]}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=322.42
|exit=320
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|298|name1=Genesis Road|city1=Crossville}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=324.66
|exit=322
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|101|name1=Peavine Road|city1=Crossville|city2=Fairfield Glade}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Crab Orchard
|mile=332.00
|exit=329
|road={{jct|state=TN|to1=To|US|70|city1=Crab Orchard|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 1|SR&nbsp;1]]}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=341.13
|exit=338
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|299|dir1=south|name1=Westel Road|city1=Rockwood}}
|notes=Western end of SR&nbsp;299 overlap
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county1=Cumberland
|county2=Roane
|location=none
|mile=343.16
|exit=340
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|299|dir1=north|name1=Airport Road}}
|notes=Eastern end of SR&nbsp;299 overlap; transition from [[Central Time Zone]] to [[Eastern Time Zone]]
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Roane
|cspan=8
|location=Harriman
|lspan=2
|mile=350.34
|exit=347
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|27|name1=South Roane Street|city1=Harriman|city2=Rockwood|name2=[[Tennessee State Route 61|SR&nbsp;61]]}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=353.05
|exit=350
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|29|city1=Harriman|city2=Midtown}}
|notes=
}}
{{jctbridge|exit
|location_special=[[Clinch River]]
|mile=354.27
|mile2=354.54
|bridge=[[Sam Rayburn]] Memorial Bridge
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Kingston
|lspan=3
|mile=355.40
|exit=352
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|58|dir1=south|city1=Kingston}}
|notes=Western end of SR&nbsp;58 overlap
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=358.25
|exit=355
|road=Lawnville Road
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=359.31
|exit=356
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|58|dir1=north|name1=Gallaher Road|name2=[[Tennessee State Route 326|SR&nbsp;326]]|dir2=south|city1=Oak Ridge}}
|notes=Eastern end of SR&nbsp;58 overlap; signed as exits 356A (north) and 356B (south) westbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=363.09
|exit=360
|road=Buttermilk Road
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=364.09
|exit=362
|road=Industrial Park Road&nbsp;– Roane Regional Business and Technology Park
|notes=Opened on October 8, 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/oct/09/roane-celebrates-access-to-industrial-park-via-i/ |title = Roane Celebrates Access to Industrial Park via I-40 |first = Bob |last = Fowler |date = October 9, 2008 |newspaper = The Knoxville News-Sentinel |access-date=February 14, 2013 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081011023327/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/oct/09/roane-celebrates-access-to-industrial-park-via-i/ |archive-date = October 11, 2008 }}</ref>
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Loudon
|cspan=2
|location=Lenoir City
|mile=366.65
|exit=364
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|321|SR|95|city1=Lenoir City|city2=Oak Ridge|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 73|SR&nbsp;73]]}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=370.22
|mile2=370.89
|exit=368
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|75|dir1=south|city1=Chattanooga}}
|notes=Western end of I-75 overlap; left exit and entrance westbound; I-75 exits 84A-B northbound; directional-T interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Knox
|cspan=25
|location=none
|mile=371.87
|exit=369
|road=Watt Road
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Farragut
|mile=375.67
|exit=373
|road=Campbell Station Road&nbsp;– [[Farragut, Tennessee|Farragut]]
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Knoxville
|lspan=20
|mile=377.46
|exit=374
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|131|name1=Lovell Road}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=378.31
|mile2=379.62
|exit=376
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|140|dir1=east|SR|162|dir2=north|city1=Oak Ridge|city2=Maryville}}
|notes=Signed as exits 376A (north) and 376B (east); I-140 exits 1C-D westbound, not signed eastbound; cloverstack interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=380.68
|exit=378
|road=Cedar Bluff Road
|notes=Signed as exits 378A (south) and 378B (north) westbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=381.95
|mile2=382.16
|exit=379
|road=Bridgewater Road, Walker Springs Road
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=382.55
|exit=379A
|type=incomplete
|road=Gallaher View Road
|notes=Eastbound access is via exit 379
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=383.51
|exit=380
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|11|US|70|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 1|SR&nbsp;1]]|location1=West Hills}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=385.54
|mile2=386.05
|exit=383
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|332|name1=Northshore Drive, Papermill Road|road|Weisgarber Road}}
|notes=Complete access to Papermill Road; westbound exit and entrance only for Weisgarber Road; eastbound exit and entrance only for SR&nbsp;332 (Northshore Drive); westbound entrance and exit ramps accessible via collector-distributor slip ramp
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=387.64
|mile2=388.35
|exit=385
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|75|dir1=north|I|640|dir2=east |location1= [[Lexington, Kentucky|Lexington]] }}
|notes=Eastern end of I-75 overlap; semi-directional T interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=389.20
|exit=386A
|type=incomplete
|road=University Avenue, Middlebrook Pike 
|notes=Westbound access is part of exit 386B; unsigned access to [[Tennessee State Route 169|SR&nbsp;169]]
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=389.20
|mile2=389.91
|exit=386B
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|129|name1=Alcoa Highway, [[Tennessee State Route 115|SR&nbsp;115]]|city1=Alcoa|city2=Maryville|location3=[[McGhee Tyson Airport]]|location4=[[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]]|extra=airport}}
|notes=Semi-directional T interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=390.10
|mile2=390.33
|exit=387
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|62|name1=Western Avenue|road|17th Street}}
|notes=Westbound access via Ailor Avenue
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=390.20
|mile2=390.82
|exit=387A
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|275|dir1=north|location1=[[Lexington, Kentucky|Lexington]]}}
|notes=I-275 exit 0; former [[Interstate 75 in Tennessee|I-75]]; three-level stack interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=390.59
|exit=388
|type=incomplete
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|441|dir1=south|name1=Henley Street, [[Tennessee State Route 33|SR&nbsp;33]] south|city1=Downtown Knoxville}}
|notes=Eastbound entrance only, access to [[Tennessee State Route 62|SR&nbsp;62]] (Western Avenue) and Summit Hill Drive unsigned on I-40
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=390.92
|mile2=391.19
|exit=<!--Not given-->
|type=former
|road=Broadway, [[Gay Street (Knoxville)|Gay Street]], Magnolia Avenue
|notes=Removed during reconstruction from 1980–1982<ref name=82report/>
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=391.39
|exit=388A
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|158|dir1=west|to2=To|US|441|dir2=south|road|[[James White Parkway]]|city1=Downtown Knoxville|city2=University of Tennessee|name2=[[Tennessee State Route 33|SR&nbsp;33]] south}}
|notes=Western end of SR&nbsp;158 overlap (unsigned); semi-directional T interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=391.82
|exit=389
|road={{jct|state=TN|to1=To|US|441|dir1=north|name1=Hall of Fame Drive, [[Tennessee State Route 71|SR&nbsp;71]]|road|Broadway}}
|notes=SR&nbsp;71 is unsigned
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=393.00
|exit=390
|road=Cherry Street
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=394.78
|exit=392
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|11W|name1=Rutledge Pike, [[Tennessee State Route 1|SR&nbsp;1]]|road|Knoxville Zoo Drive}}
|notes=Signed as exits 392A (south) and 392B (north)
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=395.22
|mile2=395.98
|exit=393
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|640|dir1=west|US|25W|dir2=north|to3=to|I|75|dir3=north|name2=[[Tennessee State Route 9|SR&nbsp;9]] north|location1= [[Lexington, Kentucky|Lexington]]}}
|notes=I-640 exit 10; western end of US&nbsp;25W/SR&nbsp;9 overlap; semi-directional T interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=396.73
|exit=394
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|11E|US|25W|dir2=south|US|70|name3=Asheville Highway, [[Tennessee State Route 9|SR&nbsp;9]] south, [[Tennessee State Route 168|SR&nbsp;168]]}}
|notes=Eastern end of US&nbsp;25W/SR&nbsp;9 overlap
}}
{{jctbridge|exit
|location_special=[[Holston River]]
|mile=397.55
|mile2=397.78
|bridge=Ralph K. Adcock Memorial Bridge
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=400.67
|exit=398
|road=Strawberry Plains Pike&nbsp;– [[Strawberry Plains, Tennessee|Strawberry Plains]]
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=405.05
|exit=402
|road=Midway Road&nbsp;– [[Seven Islands State Birding Park]]
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Sevier
|cspan=2
|location=Sevierville
|mile=410.31
|exit=407
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|66|dir1=south|city1=Gatlinburg|city2=Sevierville|city3=Pigeon Forge}}
|notes=Western end of SR&nbsp;66 overlap; reconstructed into a [[diverging diamond interchange]] (first in Tennessee) in 2015<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Sevierville I-40 Exit 407 Diverging Diamond Interchange to Open June 30 |url = https://www.seviernewsmessenger.com/2015/06/17/i-40-exit-407-diverging-diamond-interchange/ |work = Sevier News Messenger |date = June 17, 2015 |access-date = March 16, 2020 |archive-date = February 4, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210204143000/https://www.seviernewsmessenger.com/2015/06/17/i-40-exit-407-diverging-diamond-interchange/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
}}{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=<!--Not given-->
|exit=408
|type=future
|road=<!--Not given-->
|notes=To serve a proposed connector road between [[Tennessee State Route 139|SR&nbsp;139]] and Dumplin Valley Road<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/interstate-40-exit-408.html |title=Interstate 40 Exit 408 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=<!--Not given--> |publisher=Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519005652/https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/interstate-40-exit-408.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Jefferson
|cspan=6
|location=none
|mile=415.24
|exit=412
|road=Deep Springs Road&nbsp;– [[Douglas Dam]]
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=418.42
|exit=415
|type=concur
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|25W|US|70|city1=Dandridge|name1=[[Tennessee State Route 9|SR&nbsp;9]], [[Tennessee State Route 66|SR&nbsp;66]] north}}
|notes=Eastern end of SR&nbsp;66 overlap
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Dandridge
|mile=420.77
|exit=417
|road={{jct|state=TN|SR|92|city1=Dandridge|city2=Jefferson City}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=424.01
|mile2=424.69
|exit=421
|road={{jct|state=TN|I|81|dir1=north|location1=Bristol}}
|notes=Left exit and entrance eastbound; southern terminus of I-81; I-81 exits 1A-B southbound; directional-T interchange
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=427.35
|exit=424
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|113|city1=Dandridge|city2=White Pine}}
|notes=
}}
{{jctbridge|exit
|location_special=[[French Broad River]]
|mile=427.57
|mile2=428.04
|bridge=Frances Burnett Swann Memorial Bridge
}}
{{TNint|exit
|county=Cocke
|cspan=7
|location=Newport
|lspan=2
|mile=434.49
|exit=432
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|25W|US|70|US|411|city1=Newport|city2=Sevierville|name=1|name1=SR&nbsp;9}}
|notes=Signed as exits 432A (south) and 432B (east) westbound; formerly exits 432A (south) and 432B (east) eastbound
}}
{{TNint|exit
|mile=438.23
|exit=435
|road={{jct|state=TN|US|321|SR|32|city1=Newport|city2=Gatlinburg}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Wilton Springs
|mile=443.27
|exit=440
|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|73|to2=To|US|321|name2=Wilton Springs Road|city1=Gatlinburg|city2=Cosby}}
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=446.14
|exit=443
|road=[[Foothills Parkway]]&nbsp;– [[Gatlinburg, Tennessee|Gatlinburg]], [[Cosby, Tennessee|Cosby]], [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]]
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=Hartford
|mile=450.14
|exit=447
|road=Hartford Road
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=453.73
|exit=451
|road=Waterville Road
|notes=
}}
{{TNint|exit
|location=none
|mile=454.65
|exit=
|road={{jct|state=NC|I|40|dir1=east|city1=Asheville}}
|notes=Continuation into [[North Carolina]]
}}
{{jctbtm|exit|keys=closed,concur,incomplete,unbuilt}}

==See also==
*{{Portal-inline|U.S. roads}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{AttachedKML|display=title,inline}}
*{{commons category-inline}}
*[https://www.aaroads.com/guides/i-040-tn/ I-40 in Tennessee] at AARoads
*[http://tnmusichighway.com/ Tennessee Music Highway] – official website
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqoIMgOyOxs SmartFIX40] – short documentary produced by TDOT on YouTube

{{state detail page browse|type=I|route=40|statebefore=Arkansas|state=Tennessee|stateafter=North Carolina}}
{{3di|40}}

[[Category:Interstate 40| Tennessee]]
[[Category:Interstate Highways in Tennessee|40]]
[[Category:Transportation in Shelby County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Fayette County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Haywood County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Madison County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Henderson County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Carroll County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Decatur County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Benton County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Humphreys County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Hickman County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Dickson County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Williamson County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Cheatham County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Davidson County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Wilson County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Smith County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Putnam County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Cumberland County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Roane County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Loudon County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Knox County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Sevier County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Jefferson County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Transportation in Cocke County, Tennessee]]