Wet Afternoon Commute and Major Transit Detours Hit Nashville Today

Morning Clarity Gives Way to Rain

Nashville commuters can expect a relatively clear start to their Wednesday morning, but dry conditions will not persist. The National Weather Service has issued a high-probability rain forecast for today, January 21, 2026, with an 80% chance of precipitation starting this afternoon. While temperatures are expected to reach a high of 48°F, the incoming moisture is likely to create slick surfaces and reduced visibility during the evening rush hour. Drivers are advised to increase following distances and allow extra time for the journey home.

Transit Alerts: Detours and Service Upgrades

WeGo Public Transit riders should be aware of several specific service alerts active today. The new winter service changes from the 'Choose How You Move' program are now in full effect, offering improved frequency on several routes, but maintenance and ongoing construction have necessitated the following specific detours:

• Route 3 (West End): A detour is currently in effect today from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Route 18 (Airport): Transit users traveling to or from BNA should expect detours between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Route 76 (Madison): The long-term loop detour on East Old Hickory Blvd at Forest Park Rd is scheduled to conclude today.
• Frequency Improvements: Commuters on Routes 3, 7, 52, and 55 should note that these lines now operate with increased frequency (every 10–15 minutes during peak hours) to help ease congestion.

Key Roadwork and Arterial Delays

Major construction continues to impact primary corridors across the Nashville metropolitan area. TDOT has highlighted several active zones for Wednesday:

• I-65 (Davidson/Sumner Co): The widening project between Rivergate Parkway and US-31W (Mile Markers 95–100) continues. While major lane closures are nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., heavy equipment and shifting traffic patterns remain a factor during daylight hours.
• SR 106 (Williamson Co): Milling operations are significantly impacting southbound traffic today, reducing the roadway to a single lane until 3:00 p.m.
• SR 26 (Wilson Co): Construction activities between Log Mile 1 and 2 are scheduled for completion today, but expect intermittent delays through the late afternoon.
• Nashville International Airport (BNA): Travelers should prepare for overnight partial lane closures on Terminal Drive and BNA Park Drive starting tonight at 8:00 p.m. for the construction of the new rental car facility.

Upcoming: Winter Storm Watch

While today’s concern is primarily rain, a Moderate Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Davidson County beginning Friday evening, January 23. Forecasters are predicting heavy snow accumulations of over 6 inches north of I-40 and potential ice accumulations to the south. Commuters should use today’s relatively mild weather to ensure vehicles are winter-ready and to plan for potentially impossible travel conditions this coming weekend.