Commute Update: I-40 Lanes Reopen as New Construction Begins on Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Morning Interstate Traffic and I-40 Clearance

Commuters heading into downtown Nashville this morning can breathe a sigh of relief as major weekend bridge repair operations on Interstate 40 have concluded. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) confirmed that the multiple westbound lane closures and the full ramp closure at Exit 221A were scheduled to wrap up at 5:00 a.m. today, Monday, February 23. While the lanes are now open, residual congestion may linger through the early rush hour as traffic patterns return to normal. Drivers are encouraged to maintain caution near the Hermitage area as crews remove remaining signage and equipment.

New Construction: John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Starting today, Monday, February 23, the iconic John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge begins a significant 90-day repair project. Travelers should expect intermittent partial closures across the span through late May. While the north sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians throughout the duration of the work, those traveling by bicycle will be required to dismount and walk their bikes through the construction zones. This work is part of a broader effort to maintain Nashville’s multimodal infrastructure and may cause slight delays for those using the bridge to commute between East Nashville and the downtown core.

Midday Lane Closures and Surface Street Alerts

Several major surface arteries will see active work zones between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. today to avoid peak travel times. Notable alerts include:

• SR 11 (Nolensville Pike): Expect temporary lane closures for utility relocation and grading between log miles 1.7 and 4.2.
• Franklin Road: A single westbound lane closure is scheduled at mile marker 3.4 for ongoing roadway widening and pole installation.
• Lebanon Pike: Improvement work on bus shelters will result in single lane closures in both directions near mile marker 15.
• Bradford Hills Drive: This remains under a continuous full closure through April 2026, with detours clearly marked for local traffic.
• Woodland Street Bridge: Phase 2 of the bridge repair project continues, with active traffic control measures in place.

WeGo Public Transit Detours

Public transit riders should be aware of ongoing detours affecting several key routes departing from the downtown area. Due to infrastructure work near the city center, WeGo routes 3 (West End), 7 (Hillsboro), 8 (8th Avenue South), and 18 (Airport) are currently operating on detours. Specific stops between Central 5th Ave and 8th Ave S at Broadway are not being served. Commuters are advised to check the WeGo transit app for real-time bus locations and updated boarding points as these detours remain in effect until further notice.