NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Manchester, Tennessee, will once again host the annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, one of the most popular live music events in the country. Since its inception in 2002, this event has showcased a diverse range of performers on a 700-acre Middle Tennessee farm, which temporarily becomes home to thousands of attendees from across the country. The 2024 festival is expected to draw over 65,000 people between Thursday, June 13, 2024, and Sunday, June 16, 2024.
The influx of festivalgoers significantly increases traffic volumes in and around Manchester. Consequently, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is preparing for the extra traffic. TDOT collaborates closely with the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Manchester Police Department, Manchester Fire and Rescue, Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Coffee County EMA, and festival promoters to manage traffic on I-24 and facilitate smooth travel to the festival site.
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“TDOT has once again coordinated with our agency partners to ensure safe and efficient travel during the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “The main objective is to keep thru traffic moving smoothly on I-24 while getting festivalgoers safely in and out of the Bonnaroo site. As a result of this planning, we believe we can successfully minimize traffic delays throughout the weekend.”
TDOT HELP units will assist with traffic management and provide aid to motorists in need. Other measures TDOT will implement include:
– Concentrating efforts on maintaining traffic flow on I-24.
– Deploying HELP trucks to patrol interstate and state routes in the festival region.
– Utilizing Exit 111 (SR-55) as the primary festival exit, with alternate exits available if congestion occurs.
– Posting TDOT maintenance units throughout the festival area, with personnel on call all weekend.
– Using variable message signs to warn drivers of potential delays.
– Suspending construction-related lane closures on I-24 near the festival from 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, through 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024.
– Guarding median crossovers to prevent parking that could block emergency vehicles.
– Keeping festival traffic in the right lane or on the shoulder, allowing through traffic to use the left lane unimpeded.
– Ensuring emergency vehicles use low-volume county roads.
– Installing temporary communication towers to improve emergency communications.
Drivers needing assistance from a state trooper while traveling in Tennessee can dial *THP (*847) from their cell phone to be connected to the nearest THP dispatch office. For the latest construction activity and live-streaming SmartWay traffic cameras, visit www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Drivers are reminded to use motorist information tools wisely and check travel conditions before departure. It is crucial to avoid tweeting, texting, or talking on a cell phone while driving.
Source: Read Original Release
Weekend Closure for Bridge Repairs on SR 153
SR 153 South in Hamilton County will be closed for bridge repairs over the Chickamauga Dam from 9:00 pm ET on June 7, 2024, to 6:00 am ET on June 10, 2024, with a signed detour directing traffic; delays could occur if weather conditions are unfavorable.