Drivers in Blount County are adjusting to a major traffic change that will remain in place for more than a year.

The Cusick Road ramp to northbound Pellissippi Parkway has permanently closed, and motorists now reach northbound Pellissippi from the new Amazon Connector Road just northeast of the former ramp.

TDOT says the new traffic pattern is expected to remain in place until fall 2027 while construction continues on the Relocated Alcoa Highway project.

What changed

The biggest change is simple but important: drivers can no longer use the old Cusick Road entrance to head north on Pellissippi Parkway.

Instead, traffic is being redirected to the new connector road nearby.

For people who travel this corridor regularly, especially commuters from Maryville and Alcoa or drivers heading toward Knoxville and the airport area, the new route may take some getting used to.

Why the change is happening

The ramp closure is part of the larger Relocated Alcoa Highway project, a long-term transportation effort designed to improve one of Blount County’s busiest corridors.

Work in the area includes new road alignments, interchange changes and supporting infrastructure intended to improve traffic flow and safety.

The permanent closure of the old Cusick Road ramp allows crews to continue construction without maintaining the previous access pattern.

Expect the new route to stay in place

This is not a short-term detour.

TDOT says the new northbound access pattern is expected to remain through fall 2027, so drivers should begin treating the Amazon Connector Road entrance as the new normal.

Navigation apps may take time to fully reflect the change, so regular commuters should pay close attention to signs rather than relying only on familiar directions.

What drivers should watch for

Construction activity will continue throughout the corridor, which means additional lane shifts, equipment movement and temporary restrictions are possible as the larger project advances.

Drivers should also expect traffic to move differently during peak commuting periods while motorists adjust to the new access point.

Anyone traveling through the area should allow a few extra minutes, especially during the morning and afternoon rush.

A practical change for Blount County commuters

For many drivers, this is one of those transportation updates that matters more than it sounds.

A familiar ramp is gone, the replacement route is now in use, and the change is expected to last well into 2027.

The main takeaway: if you normally use Cusick Road to reach northbound Pellissippi Parkway, start using the new Amazon Connector Road access now and plan for the pattern to stay in place for the foreseeable future.