How Bad is Knoxville Traffic?
Knoxville is the 198th most congested city in the United States, with drivers losing an average of 23 hours to traffic in 2020.
Written by Zachary Morgan
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Drivers in Knoxville lose anywhere from 23-45 hours a year due to high traffic volume. It’s not as bad as other US cities, but traveling through Knoxville can still be difficult if you don’t know what to expect.
Knoxville, Tennessee is the largest city in the eastern part of the state, with a population just under 200,000. A gateway to the beautiful Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is a center of Appalachian culture and home to the University of Tennessee, where the state’s beloved Volunteers take to the field in their signature orange and white. As a major city, it is also known to experience high volumes of traffic.
That’s why the
car insurance
experts at Jerry
created this guide to driving in Knoxville. We’ll go over some of the statistics, look at driving trends, and give you some useful tips for navigating the Marble City. We'll even show you how Jerry can help you save on your Knoxville insurance costs
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Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversHow bad is Knoxville traffic?
The
Global Traffic Scorecard
currently ranks Knoxville as the 198th most congested city in the United States. Don’t be fooled by the high ranking, though.
In 2020, drivers in Knoxville spent an average of 23 hours sitting in traffic, at a cost of roughly $493 per driver. These levels were significantly reduced from previous years by the COVID-19 pandemic, however, and congestion will soon return to pre-pandemic levels in all likelihood. Take a look at the past few years of traffic volume to get a good idea of what to expect in Knoxville:
Year | Hours lost to congestion |
|---|---|
2020 | 23 hours |
2019 | 45 hours |
2018 | 44 hours |
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As you can see, the pandemic had a significant impact on traffic in Knoxville, reducing it almost by half.
News reports
indicate that traffic is rapidly returning to pre-pandemic levels, so be prepared.
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Why is Knoxville traffic so bad?
Many different factors contribute to traffic congestion, and no two cities are exactly the same in this regard. Here are some reasons why you might encounter traffic in Knoxville.
Location
Knoxville is not exceptionally large or populous compared to other US cities, but it lies in the heavily traveled eastern part of the state. On a map, you can see multiple highways and byways converging on Knoxville, including: I-40, I-75, I-140 (a spur of I-40), I-640, and I-275. These roads can become heavily congested, particularly at certain times during the day, and you might be better off planning to avoid them.
City layout
A common complaint among Knoxville residents is that the city’s westward expansion has led to a high-degree of traffic buildup thanks to poor planning. Specifically, the expansion has caused an issue wherein through traffic has been diverted onto what should be city-specific roadways. Like most US cities, the urban layout specifically encourages driving, so there is no simple solution to this matter other than providing a complete alternative to through traffic. Here’s a list of hotspots that you might be better off avoiding.
- E Governor John Sevier Hwy
- Henley St
- Cumberland Ave
- Clinch Ave
- N Broadway
- Western Ave
MORE: The best type of car insurance to get if you commute long distances
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How to navigate Knoxville traffic like a pro
There’s a reason why so many people will tell you that sitting in traffic is the worst part of their day. Not only is congestion tedious, but it can be immensely frustrating, causing
road rage that could impact your car insurance
.The
Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization
found that 30% of major crashes occur on high-volume, arterial roadways. This is despite the fact that these arterials comprise only 4% of the regional road network in Knoxville. These statistics represent a threat not just to your physical wellbeing, but to your wallet as well.Don’t worry, though, because we have some tips that can help you navigate the Scruffy Little City like an expert.
- Take the road less traveled. Look for backroads and alternate routes to your destination instead of relying on the interstates. You’re much less likely to run into significant traffic that way.
- Avoid rush hour as much as you can. Knoxville doesn’t have too much of a morning rush, but things can get hectic later in the evening. Try to stay off the roads when people are driving home from work, typically between 4-6pm.
- Plan ahead with a traffic app. Take advantage of the miracle of technology by checking your phone’s app store for a good traffic app. We recommend Waze, Google Maps, or INRIX. Whatever you choose, check the app before you hit the road to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- Keep your eyes on the road! You’ve probably heard this before, butdistracted drivingis a serious issue these days. Try not to have anything too distracting in your orbit while you’re driving, whether it be a bag of fast food, your phone in your hand, or music that’s too loud. Always keep your eyes on the road and maintain a safe distance from other drivers.
Prepare for Knoxville traffic by updating your car insurance
Wherever your journey may take you, it’s a good idea to consider updating your car insurance policy before you hit the road. That’s where Jerry comes in.
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Is Knoxville hard to drive in?
Most of the time, no. Certain parts of the city, particularly the western side, can get a little crowded due to through traffic, and there is a bit of a rush during the late afternoon hours. You should be fine as long as you trust your GPS and pay attention to your surroundings.
What is the best time to drive through Knoxville?
The earlier, the better. Knoxville doesn’t have too much of an early morning rush, but the roads in the evening can get pretty crowded, particularly between 4-6pm.
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