KNOXVILLE, Tenn.– Arrive early, plan ahead and ride shuttles to prevent traffic congestion to and from Saturday’s Washington Redskins-Houston Oilers football game at Neyland Stadium, traffic officials said Thursday.
Dr. Steve Richards, who chairs the University of Tennessee football traffic committee, said traffic delays can be minimized if motorists park at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum or at the UT-Knoxville agricultural campus.
Knoxville area transit shuttles from the ag campus and the coliseum will begin at 6 p.m. Ag campus parking is $4, coliseum parking is $3 and shuttle rides are $2.
Richards said ag campus shuttles will drop off passengers at a new point this year — on Volunteer Boulevard at Stokely Athletic Center — and pick them up there after the game. The return coliseum shuttle pickup point remains on Stadium Drive near the University Center.
Fans may park at the UT main campus on a first come, first serve basis for $4, Richards said. Reserved parking for persons with physical handicaps is available on campus in areas 4 and 5 of lot C14, he said.
UT parking lots 9A and 9B and Circle Park are reserved for Greater Knoxville Sports Corporation parking.
To minimize pre-game traffic delays, motorists should arrive early and have the correct change available for parking lot attendants, Richards said.
Kickoff is at 8 p.m.
Other considerations traffic officials cited include:
* A westbound lane of I-40 between Papermill and Walker Springs Road will be closed Saturday, so motorists may consider alternate routes west after the game.
* Ramps to and from westbound Cumberland Ave. to northbound Alcoa Highway will be closed after the game.
* Illegally parked cars will towed to the city lot on Prosser Road.
Contact: Dr. Steve Richards (615-974-5255)