Tennessee
Tennessee ranked second most dangerous state for Fourth of July travel
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -In response to a AAA examine, Tennessee is essentially the most harmful state to drive in on Fourth of July weekend, solely behind Virginia.
Lieutenant Invoice Miller with the Tennessee Freeway Patrol stated that final 12 months the state noticed eight deaths on the highway over the vacation weekend, with three of them being brought on by a driver being beneath the affect.
“The car that you’re driving might be essentially the most harmful piece of apparatus you’ll ever possess.” stated Miller.
Miller stated avoiding rushing, driving beneath the affect, and being in your telephone when driving is crucial to staying secure. He additionally believed {that a} purpose why Tennessee’s knowledge is excessive is due to vacationers from out of state had been approaching unfamiliar roads to go to the scenic mountains.
“Many rural roads you could have a white fog line to your proper and when you cross that, there’s not a lot previous that besides a ditch,” stated Miller.
Some vacationers like Michelle Miller from Indiana noticed a number of the risks on the highway first hand, and did her greatest with a automobile full of youngsters to keep away from an accident.
“I see these folks weaving out and in to the left and the suitable, then getting proper off the exit. Simply sit back just a little bit and perceive we’re coping with lives right here. It’s not price a pair additional minutes you’re saving. We’re coping with lives.” stated Miller.
AAA knowledge stated that almost 50 million folks can be on the highway this weekend, with about a million being right here in Tennessee.
Copyright 2022 WVLT. All rights reserved.
Tennessee
Titans Drop in Latest Power Rankings
The Tennessee Titans are on a losing streak after falling 23-13 to the Minnesota Vikings in the team’s Week 11 matchup.
The loss puts the Titans at 2-8 on the year, meaning the team must win out in order to avoid a losing season. The Titans are tied for the fewest amount of wins in the league, putting them in position to potentially acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sports Illustrated writer Conor Orr also views the Titans as one of the NFL’s worst teams, placing them at No. 30 in his latest power rankings, one spot lower than the previous week.
“Will Levis was hurried on half of his snaps on Sunday. I don’t think we’re under any illusion that he’s the long-term answer and certainly he’s earned a place of deep suspicion among the fanbase, but there are some games where he plays at least halfway decent — Levis bested Rodgers for a barely-positive EPA per dropback rating Sunday — yet it feels like the Titans don’t have a shot,” Orr writes.
The only teams that rank below the Titans in the power rankings are the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars, who also lost by multiple scores in Week 11 action.
The Titans have struggled with offensive line play all year long, so it’s no surprise that it led to another loss against the Vikings. The Titans will have to get better in that department, along with several others, if they want to move up in the power rankings and grab a few more wins in the final third of the season.
The Titans are back in action on Sunday as they travel to the Lone Star State to face off against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Week 12.
Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
Tennessee
With I-40 damaged from Helene, how will it impact holiday traffic in Tennessee? What to know before you go
Video: I-40 damage after Tropical Storm Helene in Western North Carolina
Aerial video shows damage and beginning of repairs of Interstate 40 along the Pigeon River in Western North Carolina.
Are you taking a road trip this holiday season?
You’re not alone. AAA experts predict 71.7 million travelers to be on the roads nationwide around Thanksgiving, a 1.3 million increase over 2023 numbers.
In East Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Transportation Spokesperson Mark Nagi anticipates the highways being “very busy.” Road damage and closures add even more complication and congestion to the already-crowded roads.
Tropical Storm Helene caused grave damage to Tennessee and North Carolina highways when the storm swept through on Sept. 27. Months later, road damage continues to be top of mind for drivers.
“We’re continuing to work to get these roadways and bridges open as quickly as possible,” Nagi said.
Interstate 40 remains closed across the Tennessee and North Carolina state border after a mudslide wiped out a portion of the highway. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has a plan to reopen two-way traffic in the gorge, but not in time for Thanksgiving or Christmas travel.
To make travel a bit easier, there will be no temporary lane closures from noon on Wednesday, Nov 27, through 6 a.m. on Dec. 2, according to Nagi. However, this does not apply to long-term closures like I-40 where roads are closed for damage.
Tips for holiday travel
Knowing that highways in East Tennessee could be extra busy this year, Nagi shared some road trip tips to make the holiday travel easier.
- Download the SmartWay app, or look at the road closure map online.
- Give yourself extra time to travel. Leave early if you can.
- Try to avoid travel during peak times, including Wednesday, Nov 27.
Where is I-40 closed?
Still, you’re unable to drive across the Tennessee state line into North Carolina on I-40.
In Tennessee, there is one lane of traffic open in each direction between Mile Marker 446 and Mile Marker 451 at the state line. Commercial traffic cannot go any further than Mile Marker 440 on I-40 East, according to Nagi.
The highway is closed in both directions from Mile Marker zero to 20 in North Carolina.
How many people travel across I-40 at the gorge?
I-40 is a major thoroughfare through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The stretch of I-40 in North Carolina that was damaged by Helene supports about 7,610 trucks daily and a total average daily traffic of over 26,000 vehicles.
Alternate route: Use Interstate 26 through Erwin
You can use I-26 through Erwin to cross the state line. This route option reopened in late October, according to Nagi. There is one-lane two-way traffic through the area.
Nagi said there would likely be more traffic on this route through the holiday travel season.
Alternate route: Use Interstate 81 and Interstate 77
From Knoxville, travelers can head north on I-81, which connects with I-77 toward Charlotte. It’s more miles, but you can eventually get to Ashville and other areas of North Carolina from there.
Tennessee
Country music singer arrested for drug possession in Tennessee
Jamey Johnson was arrested for drug possession and speeding in Williamson County, Tennessee, on Sunday.
Saving Country Music was first to report the news, and TMZ confirmed it.
The arrest took place just more than a week after the release of his first album in 14 years, “Midnight Gasoline.”
News Channel 5 reports Johnson posted a $5,000 bond before he got out of jail Monday.
“We can confirm that Jamey Johnson was arrested on Sunday, Nov. 17 in Williamson County. The incident is still under investigation,” the Tennessee Highway Patrol wrote in a statement.
Johnson has served as a Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Strait and others.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
-
News1 week ago
Herbert Smith Freehills to merge with US-based law firm Kramer Levin
-
Technology1 week ago
The next Nintendo Direct is all about Super Nintendo World’s Donkey Kong Country
-
Business6 days ago
Column: OpenAI just scored a huge victory in a copyright case … or did it?
-
Health6 days ago
Bird flu leaves teen in critical condition after country's first reported case
-
Business3 days ago
Column: Molly White's message for journalists going freelance — be ready for the pitfalls
-
Politics1 week ago
Editorial: Abortion was on ballots across the country in this election. The results are encouraging
-
World7 days ago
Sarah Palin, NY Times Have Explored Settlement, as Judge Sets Defamation Retrial
-
Politics2 days ago
Trump taps FCC member Brendan Carr to lead agency: 'Warrior for Free Speech'