I-75 takes three roads through Knoxville
Northbound, I-75 comes up from Chattanooga through Loudon County and merges into I-40 at Exit 368 (I-75 Exit 84). The two run together through West Knoxville on I-40 exit numbers. At I-40 Exit 385, I-75 turns onto I-640 for about three miles, then splits north at Sharps Gap (I-640 Exit 3), where I-275 also comes in from downtown. From there it heads north past Powell, Clinton, and Lake City toward the Cumberland Mountains.
So a driver “on I-75 in Knoxville” could be on any of three numbered roads. When you call, tell dispatch which exit numbers you’re seeing.
I-75 exit reference
| Exit | Destination | Notes for drivers |
|---|---|---|
| 72 | SR 72 – Loudon | Love’s Travel Stop |
| 76 | SR 324 (Sugarlimb Road) | Loudon County |
| 81 | US-321 / SR 95 – Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, Maryville | Fuel and food, including Pilot |
| 84 / I-40 368 | I-40 west – Nashville | I-75 joins I-40 eastbound |
| I-40 369 | Watt Road | Petro, Flying J, and TA truck stops |
| MM 372 | Knox County scale house | Both directions |
| I-40 376 | Pellissippi Parkway (I-140 / SR 162) | West Knoxville |
| I-40 385 | I-640 east / I-75 north | I-75 leaves I-40 onto I-640 |
| I-640 1 | SR 62 (Western Avenue) | North Knoxville |
| I-640 3A | I-75 north, I-275 south, US-25W | Sharps Gap — I-75 leaves I-640 |
| 108 | Merchants Drive | North Knoxville |
| 110 | Callahan Drive | Industrial and trucking businesses |
| 112 | SR 131 (Emory Road) – Powell | North Knox County |
| 117 | SR 170 (Raccoon Valley Road) | Pilot Travel Center, Heiskell |
| 122 | SR 61 – Clinton, Norris | Clinton |
| 128–129 | US-441, US-25W – Lake City (Rocky Top) | Last services before the mountain section |
| 134 | US-25W / SR 63 – Caryville, Jacksboro | Mountain grades begin north of here |
The Jellico grade
North of Caryville, I-75 climbs through the Cumberland Mountains to the highest point on the entire interstate, more than 2,000 feet, before dropping toward Jellico and the Kentucky line. Northbound, the long climbs add truck climbing lanes and push cooling systems hard. Southbound, the long downgrades are where brakes overheat and fade.
Check coolant, belts, and fan clutch operation before the climb. Coming down, gear down and use the engine brake instead of riding the service brakes. If you smell hot brakes or see smoke at the bottom, pull off at Caryville or Lake City and let them cool before going on.
Where trucks break down on I-75
- Sharps Gap and I-640. Merging I-75, I-275, and I-640 traffic, with hazmat loads routed through.
- Powell to Clinton. Heavy commuter and truck traffic, with blowouts and overheating in summer.
- Raccoon Valley (Exit 117). Trucks pulling off to deal with a warning light before the climb.
- Loudon County. Open interstate south of the split where tires and cooling systems fail at speed.
Calls we run most on I-75
- Emergency Roadside Assistance
- Cooling System & Radiator Repair
- Air Brake Service
- Mobile Tire Service
- Diesel Engine Diagnostics
- DPF, DEF & Regen Service
- Jump Start & Fuel Delivery
- Fuel System Repair
Towns along this route
I-75 breakdowns: questions
Do you cover the Jellico mountain section?
Our core area on I-75 runs from Loudon County through Lake City and Caryville. For breakdowns on the mountain itself, call — dispatch will tell you whether a mechanic can reach you.
Where are the truck stops on I-75 near Knoxville?
Love’s at Exit 72 in Loudon, Pilot near Exit 81 in Lenoir City, the Watt Road cluster at I-40 Exit 369, and Pilot at Exit 117 (Raccoon Valley Road).
Why does I-75 have I-40 exit numbers in West Knoxville?
I-75 shares the road with I-40 from Exit 368 to Exit 385, and the shared stretch uses I-40’s numbers. Then it follows I-640 before heading north on its own numbers at Sharps Gap.
My truck is overheating on the climb north of Caryville. What should I do?
Get to the right lane or climbing lane, ease off, and pull off as soon as it’s safe. If the gauge is in the red, shut it down. Don’t open the radiator cap hot. Then call with your mile marker.