MANCHESTER, Tenn. — The mass departure from the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is underway after organizers abruptly canceled the event Friday due to severe weather. More than 80,000 attendees are expected to leave the site throughout the weekend, creating significant traffic congestion, local disruptions and a ripple effect across the regional economy.
Traffic Disruptions on I-24
Officials have enacted major traffic modifications to manage the volume of vehicles exiting the festival:
- The right lane of I-24 westbound from mile markers 110 to 115 is closed to allow event traffic to merge.
- Exit 112 has been opened exclusively for festival traffic.
- Vehicles leaving through the East Toll Gate are being rerouted onto Highway 127, rejoining the interstate at mile marker 127.
- Eastbound travelers are being detoured off I-24 at mile marker 97 westbound, then guided onto alternate routes to return to I-24 eastbound.
- Exits 105, 110, and 111 westbound off-ramps are closed to all traffic. Local drivers are being advised to use Exits 114 or 117.
- State troopers, TDOT crews and traffic control officers remain active along the corridor. Delays are expected to continue through at least Monday.
Economic Impact and Lost Revenue…