Morning Commute: Route 3 Detours and I-65 Maintenance Alerts for February 17

Tuesday Morning Traffic Overview

Commuters in the Nashville metro area should prepare for a mix of transit detours and highway maintenance projects this Tuesday, February 17, 2026. While the major interstates are currently flowing well in the early hours, several scheduled projects and service changes are set to impact travel times throughout the day. Drivers are encouraged to leave early and plan for minor delays on southern arterial routes.

Interstate and Major Highway Alerts

On the highway front, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has several active work zones to be aware of. Most notable is a bridge inspection project on I-65 south of the city. Starting at 9:00 AM and running through 3:00 PM today, motorists should expect mobile work zones in one lane in both directions in the Maury County area between log miles 35 and 53. Additionally, those traveling through Sumner County should stay alert for ongoing widening and improvement projects on I-65 near Rivergate Parkway, which may result in shifting lanes even outside of the nightly closure hours.

• Briley Parkway: Nightly streetlight conversion work continues between log miles 15 and 16.9. While the primary closures are scheduled for overnight hours, drivers may encounter residual equipment and crews near the shoulders during the early morning rush.
• Nolensville Pike (SR 11): The widening project between the Mill Creek bridge and Old Hickory Boulevard remains active. Expect temporary lane closures and flaggers between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM today.
• SR 80 (Smith County): Multiple lane closures are scheduled for equipment crossing throughout the day between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

WeGo Public Transit Detours

Public transport users will face significant route changes today, particularly for those using the popular Route 3 West End. Due to scheduled maintenance and roadwork, a major detour is in effect from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Buses heading from downtown will be rerouted via John Lewis Way and James Robertson Parkway. Consequently, several stops between the Central 5th Avenue hub and Broadway will not be served during this twelve-hour window.

Additional transit notes for today include:

• Routes 87, 89, and 94: These regional routes serving Gallatin, Springfield, and Clarksville are currently operating under detours near the Elizabeth Duff Transit Center. Stops between Central 4th/5th Avenue and Union Street are being bypassed to avoid local construction.
• Route 95 (Spring Hill/Franklin): Long-term detours remain in place for this route, with buses utilizing Wedgewood Avenue between 21st Avenue South and I-65.

Evening Commute and Infrastructure Planning

Looking ahead to the afternoon, the Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds residents of two significant committee meetings taking place today. The Transportation Licensing Commission meets at 1:00 PM, followed by the Metropolitan Council Transportation and Infrastructure Committee at 3:00 PM. While these do not directly impact road flow, long-term discussions regarding the "Choose How You Move" program and the installation of smart traffic signals are on the agenda. Commuters heading home toward Rutherford County should check real-time maps for the I-24 corridor, as preliminary work for future choice lanes continues to create intermittent slowing near the I-40 split.