Exit 408 To The Rescue

If you have been by exit 407 on Interstate 40, you have probably noticed big changes as walls are now up for the new Buc-ee’s convenience store being built on the southeast corner of the exit. Traffic is already a nightmare most of the time at Exit 407. Now, we’re looking at the addition of a great deal more traffic that will be wanting to get into the new 74,000 square foot Buc-ee’s when it opens next spring.

To help alleviate the oncoming traffic Armageddon at that exit, Sevier County mayor Larry Waters is working with TDOT on Exit 408. The plan is to add an additional exit for that area that will absorb a great deal of the traffic. In the meantime, plans are in place to re-shift traffic lanes on Hwy 66 at the current exit. Instead of three straight lanes and a left turn lane, there will be two straight lanes and two left turn lanes. Officials plan to add a couple additional stop lights at the exit as well. Construction on the lane shifts is to begin next month. TDOT starting that construction just in time for October…the busiest month of the year for people visiting the Smoky Mountains.