Bridge Inspections to Trigger Major Ramp Closures on I-65 and I-440 Today

Morning Disruptions Expected on Major Interchanges

Nashville commuters and Sunday travelers should prepare for significant disruptions across the city’s primary highway arteries today, February 22, 2026. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has scheduled routine bridge inspection operations that will necessitate the closure of several critical ramps connecting Interstate 65 and Interstate 440. These inspections are slated to take place between 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., potentially creating bottlenecks for those heading into the downtown loop or traveling toward South Nashville.

Key closures to watch for this morning include:

• A full closure of the I-440 westbound ramp to I-65 southbound at Exit 5.
• A full closure of the I-440 eastbound ramp to I-65 northbound at Exit 5.
• Intermittent full closures of the I-65 southbound ramp to I-440 eastbound at Exit 80 to allow crews to shift inspection equipment.

Ongoing Construction and Nightly Repairs

Beyond the morning inspections, long-term infrastructure projects continue to impact traffic flow. On I-40, bridge repair work remains active between mile markers 217 and 221. Motorists should expect continuous lane closures in both directions, and the Exit 221A ramp is currently closed to facilitate these repairs. Furthermore, widening projects on I-65 near the Rivergate Parkway area (mile markers 95–99) involve nightly lane closures starting at 8:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, which may impact early evening returns.

In the local corridor, the Woodland Street Bridge remains under its second phase of repairs, and the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is preparing for a new phase of maintenance starting tomorrow. Additionally, Bradford Hills Drive at Nolensville Pike remains closed as part of a continuous long-term utility and grading project scheduled through April 2026.

Public Transit and Event Traffic

WeGo Public Transit passengers are benefiting from the recently launched Winter 2026 service changes, which have increased Sunday frequency on high-volume routes such as Route 3 (West End) and Route 7 (Hillsboro). However, several detours remain in effect due to ongoing downtown construction. Routes 8, 18, 84, and 86 are currently operating on modified paths near John Lewis Way and James Robertson Parkway. Riders are encouraged to check the WeGo app for real-time arrival data before heading to their stops.

Evening traffic is expected to be heavy in the Broadway and West End areas due to several high-profile events. The Billy Strings concert at the Ryman Auditorium is officially sold out, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. Earlier in the afternoon, Vanderbilt Women's Basketball will host Kentucky at Memorial Gymnasium at 2:00 p.m., and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) will host dual performances of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the play Fat Ham. Drivers should expect increased pedestrian activity and limited parking availability in these districts.