Big changes on I-40 and I-640 has everyone talking. Tennessee Department of Transportation raised the speed limit from 55 to 65 mph overnight Sunday.
Officials believe it will make the roads safer. Truck drivers agree and say the increase in speed is a game changer for their busy routes through Knoxville.
A TDOT study found that almost all drivers were going above the posted 55 mph speed limit, usually averaging between 67 and 75.
"This is something we believe is going to continue to make these roads safe," said TDOT spokesperson Mark Nagi.
Truck drivers say that made navigating the interstate not only difficult but dangerous
The reduced speed has always caused some sort of headache for drivers, but for truckers the low speed posed as a safety risk.
"Knoxville for driving is horrible," said Corey Porter.
He has more than a decade of truck driving experience under his belt. He travels through Knoxville frequently and said he rarely sees anyone going the speed limit.
"Our biggest problem is cars getting in front and slowing down and it takes a lot to stop this thing," he said. "Probably the average speed is about 67 and it's sometimes hard to keep up with the flow of traffic."
"What we're trying to do is make sure our speed limit signage is appropriate." Nagi said.
He believes that decision was not made lightly. After 15 years, the change was needed.
"We've had studies, we've had communications with the federal highway administration," he said.
Less than 24 hours with the new rules, a speed gun showed drivers averaging around 65 to 70 mph. It's a speed that Porter and Nagi said is actually safer than before.
"If we can all flow at the same speed it should make things a little safer. It's going to be a little bit for everyone to get used to, but in the end it's gonna help." said Porter.