Some observations about Highway 840. Yesterday afternoon, Sarahs transportation arrangements collapsed, and I had to drive to Knoxville and pick her up. I left Paris about 2:05. Traffic on I-40 was brutal, even in rural areas, though I encountered no traffic jams. Everyone uses Highway 840 to access I-65 and I-24 south, but I was wondering if, in proper situations, one might justify driving it its entire length to go to Knoxville. When I reached 840, at exit 176, I made a last minute decision and exited the interstate. My newly updated GPS (used for traffic, I know how to get to Knoxville) said to drive 75 miles. I was shocked by how long the road was and considered turning around. But when I thought how bad things must have been on the afternoon before Thanksgiving, in Nashville, I stayed. As usual, driving on 840 was a pleasure. No traffic--almost literally. Smooth. Even the lanes seem wider. The police were everywhere, so I drove it in just over one hour, coming out on exit 235 near Lebanon, far beyond Nashvilles traffic. By the time we came home, it was getting late. Traffic, even on I-40 had thinned to nothing. I guess everyone was settling in for Thanksgiving. With no traffic, I did not take 840. Exit 176 to Exit 235 using 840 = 75 miles. (Wiki says 78, I will have to check again). This drive, in pleasant conditions, at rush hour, took just over 1 hour. Exit 235 to Exit 176 on I-40, straight through Nashville = 59 miles. This took 54 minutes late at night with minimal traffic and no stops. So, 840 is about 15 miles longer, and, under ideal conditions for both, takes about 8 minutes longer. BUT, in Nashvilles rush hour, I seriously doubt you could drive the 59 miles in 62-63 minutes, which you CAN do on 840. If you factor in the stress factor, and the threat of full-stop traffic jams, I think it is smart to use 840 as a full Nashville bypass in the daytime. Comments welcome.
Posted on: Thu, 28 Nov 2013 16:27:36 +0000
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