MANCHESTER, Tenn. (WTVF) — The 2019 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival begins Thursday, June 13 and runs through Sunday, June 16. During Bonnaroo, the area in and around Machester, Tenn. - where Bonnaroo is held - sees a high increase in traffic as attendees make their way to the festival. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) will be working together during the festival to help direct the extra traffic and keep drivers safe. Here's what you can expect on the roads.
Bonnaroo's gates open officially Wednesday night at 8 p.m. THP will be there 24 hours a day starting Wednesday night.
"The number one goal of the Tennessee Highway Patrol is to reduce the traffic related incidents and fatalities," said THP Colonel Dereck Stewart. "We recognize and value the importance of working closely with TDOT and our public safety partners to create a fun and safe atmosphere for those attending Bonnaroo. So, think twice if you are planning to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and passengers, do not get in a vehicle if the driver is impaired. Our troopers and local law enforcement will be looking for reckless and impaired drivers. Remember to always wear your seatbelt, and do not drive distracted."
TDOT HELP units will also be available, assisting with festival traffic and aiding drivers who might need their assistance.
According to TDOT, in addition to the HELP trucks, the following steps will be taken beginning tonight and lasting through next Monday, June 17:
- Efforts will be concentrated on keeping I-24 traffic flowing.
- Exit 111 (SR 55) will be used as the main festival exit. Exits 97, 105, 112 (temporary exit on westbound side only), 117 and 127 are alternate exits if congestion occurs on the interstate.
- TDOT maintenance units will be posted throughout the festival region, and maintenance personnel will be on call all weekend.
- TDOT will provide variable message signs to warn drivers of delays.
- There will be no construction-related lane closures on I-24 near the Bonnaroo festival area between 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12 through 7 p.m. on Monday, June 17.
- Median crossovers will be guarded to prevent motorists from parking in the crossovers and blocking emergency vehicles.
- Festival traffic will be kept in the right lane and/or on the shoulder of the interstate, allowing through traffic to utilize the left travel lane unimpeded.
During the festival, drivers should call 511 for traffic updates or visit the TDOT website to find information on alternate routes.
Finally, below is a map of detours and locations for Bonnaroo 2019.
