Knoxville’s truck route around downtown
I-640 is a roughly 11-mile bypass that leaves I-40/I-75 at I-40 Exit 385 in West Knoxville, loops north of downtown, and rejoins I-40 at Exit 393 in East Knoxville. It opened in 1980, ahead of the 1982 World’s Fair, to keep through traffic out of downtown. For its first three miles it also carries I-75.
It has an important rule for truckers: all trucks carrying hazardous cargo through Knoxville are required to use I-640 instead of I-40 through downtown. Many through-truckers use it anyway to skip the downtown ramps.
I-640 exit reference
| Exit | Destination | Notes for drivers |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | I-40 / I-75 – Nashville, Chattanooga | West end (I-40 Exit 385) |
| 1 | SR 62 (Western Avenue) | I-75 still runs with I-640 here |
| 3A / 3B | I-75 north, I-275 south, US-25W (Clinton Highway) | Sharps Gap — I-75 leaves |
| 6 | US-441 (Broadway) | North Knoxville |
| 8 | Washington Pike, Mall Road, Millertown Pike | Northeast Knoxville |
| — | I-40 east – Asheville | East end (I-40 Exit 393) |
Breaking down on I-640
- Sharps Gap. I-75, I-275, and I-640 traffic all meet here, with lane changes and ramps close together. If the truck can move, don’t stop in the interchange.
- Hazmat loads. If you’re placarded and stop on I-640, tell dispatch the hazard class up front, and follow your company’s and emergency responders’ procedures for any leak or fire.
- Rush hour. Traffic backs up at both ends where I-640 meets I-40, and near Broadway. Stop-and-go brings out overheating and brake problems.
I-640 has limited shoulders in places. Pull as far right as you can, flashers on, triangles out when it’s safe, and call.
Calls we run most on I-640
- Emergency Roadside Assistance
- Air Brake Service
- Cooling System & Radiator Repair
- Mobile Tire Service
- Electrical & Charging Repair
- DPF, DEF & Regen Service
Towns along this route
I-640 breakdowns: questions
Do hazmat trucks have to use I-640?
Yes. Trucks carrying hazardous cargo through Knoxville are required to use I-640 instead of I-40 through downtown.
Can you work on a placarded truck?
We can repair the mechanical problem on a hazmat-loaded truck. Tell dispatch the hazard class when you call. If anything is leaking, call 911 first and follow your emergency response procedures.
How long is I-640?
About 11 miles, from I-40 Exit 385 in West Knoxville to I-40 Exit 393 in East Knoxville.
Where does I-75 leave I-640?
At Sharps Gap (I-640 Exit 3A), where I-75 heads north toward Lexington and I-275 comes in from downtown.