Hazardous Ice and Downed Trees Slow Nashville Commute as Extreme Cold Lingers

Morning Overview: Recovery Amid Record Cold

Nashville commuters are facing a difficult morning this Wednesday, January 28, 2026, as the region struggles to recover from a historic ice storm. While the main interstates have been largely cleared of snow, the primary threat today is black ice and significant debris. Temperatures dropped to a low of 6 degrees Fahrenheit this morning, with wind chills dipping below zero. With over 135,000 homes and businesses still without power, many traffic signals in residential areas may be dark. Motorists are urged to treat all non-functioning signals as four-way stops.

Primary Arteries and Local Road Hazards

Major routes including I-40, I-65, and I-24 are reported to be in fair condition, but the Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT) warns that secondary and post-secondary roads remain hazardous. Specific areas of concern include:

• Hills and Shaded Areas: Impassable ice remains on many hills in the northern and western parts of Davidson County, particularly in Bellevue and Forest Hills.
• Debris Obstructions: NDOT crews are working 24/7 to clear downed trees and limbs from the right-of-way. Areas like Rosebank, Madison, and Elysian Fields are seeing significant lane obstructions due to fallen vegetation and tangled power lines.
• Neighborhood Streets: Residential waste collection has been suspended for the day because many neighborhood routes are still obstructed by ice and debris.

Public Transportation Status

WeGo Public Transit has officially resumed regular weekday operations as of this morning, January 28. Snow route detours have ended for most city buses, but commuters should still expect significant delays as operators proceed with extreme caution. Key updates include:

• WeGo Star: The commuter rail and its associated shuttles (Routes 64 and 93) are operating on a normal weekday schedule.
• Regional Service: All other regional bus services remain suspended for the day.
• Active Detours: Route 3 (West End) is currently detouring near James Robertson Parkway due to ongoing reconstruction and storm-related safety closures. Route 4 (Shelby) also has a detour in effect between South 8th Street and Shelby Avenue.
• WeGo Access: Paratransit services have resumed but are warning of major delays, particularly for pickups in neighborhood cul-de-sacs that have not yet been treated for ice.

Ongoing Construction and Closures

While most non-essential construction is paused for storm recovery, long-term projects continue to impact traffic patterns. The widening project on I-65 near mile marker 96 and the reconstruction of James Robertson Parkway remain active work zones. Additionally, Metro Nashville Public Schools are closed today and Thursday, which may slightly reduce the typical morning school-run congestion, though this is offset by the slower pace of traffic due to road conditions.