Valentine’s Day Events and Major Arterial Roadworks to Impact Nashville Traffic

Downtown Congestion and Event Alerts

Commuters and visitors should prepare for significant traffic in Downtown Nashville this Saturday, February 14, 2026. Valentine's Day festivities and major sporting events are expected to draw large crowds, particularly to the Broadway area. The Nashville Hoops Showdown featuring Ohio State vs. Virginia is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. tipoff at Bridgestone Arena. Additionally, Clint Black will be performing at the Ryman Auditorium at 8:00 p.m. Motorists are advised to expect heavy pedestrian activity and delays on 4th and 5th Avenues throughout the evening.

Major Roadworks and Lane Closures

Ongoing infrastructure projects will continue to affect travel times on major arteries this weekend:

• I-65 Widening: Nightly lane closures are scheduled on I-65 between mile markers 95 and 99, near Rivergate Parkway and US 31W. Starting at 8:00 p.m., traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction. Intermittent ramp closures may also occur at SR 174 (Long Hollow Pike).
• SR 174 (Long Hollow Pike): Expect single lane closures in both directions for bridge work between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Bell Road: A community cleanup event is scheduled near Plato's Closet from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., which may cause minor localized slowing.

Public Transport Detours

WeGo Public Transit has issued several service alerts and detours effective today. Passengers should allow for extra travel time on the following routes:

• Routes 87, 89, 94, and 95: Multiple detours are in effect for regional and express services into Nashville due to utility work on Union Street and near MLK Blvd. Several stops between Broadway and Central may not be served.
• Route 23 (Dickerson Pike): A detour remains in effect for buses traveling from downtown, particularly around Doverside Drive and Wilmoth Road.
• Route 34 (Opry Mills): Benefit from enhanced weekend frequency and longer service hours implemented earlier this year.

Commuter Recommendations

To avoid the heaviest congestion, commuters are encouraged to utilize transit apps for real-time tracking or consider parking on the outskirts of the downtown core. If you are traveling through the I-65 work zone after 8:00 p.m., please remain alert for construction crews and shifting lane patterns. No severe weather alerts are currently in effect, though residual debris cleanup from earlier winter storms continues in some residential areas.