Winter Storm Watch Looms as Transit Detours Impact Downtown Commute

Pre-Storm Calm: Finalize Travel Plans Today

Good morning, Nashville. As we look at the roads for Thursday, January 22, 2026, the primary headline for commuters is the calm before a potential major weather event. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and the National Weather Service have issued a Winter Storm Watch for all Middle Tennessee counties, including Davidson, beginning Friday evening. While travel today remains unaffected by the weather, commuters are strongly advised to use this window to finalize severe weather preparations, as travel may become impossible by the weekend due to forecasted heavy snow and ice accumulations.

Downtown Transit Detours

Commuters utilizing WeGo Public Transit will face significant disruptions in the downtown core today. Due to ongoing construction activities near the Elizabeth Duff Transit Center, multiple routes are under detour from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. If your commute involves the following lines, please plan for extra travel time and adjusted boarding locations:

• Route 3 (West End): Outbound buses will detour from John Lewis Way to Deaderick Street and 6th Avenue. Stops between Central 5th Ave and Church Street will not be served.
• Route 7 (Hillsboro) & Route 8 (8th Avenue South): Both routes are following similar detours through the downtown loop, bypassing standard stops on 5th Avenue.
• Route 84 (Murfreesboro): Service from Nashville will be rerouted via John Lewis Way and Deaderick Street throughout the day.

Interstate Construction and Major Arteries

Traffic flow on major highways is impacted by several scheduled projects today. Drivers should stay alert for the following work zones:

• I-24 (Davidson County): Crews are performing streetlight conversions between Mile Markers 40.3 and 40.7. Expect a right shoulder closure in both directions between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• I-65 (Davidson/Sumner Line): The widening project between Mile Marker 95 and 100 continues. While major lane closures are slated for the evening hours (8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.), daytime ramp work at Rivergate Parkway and SR 174 (Long Hollow Pike) may cause intermittent slowing.
• Woodland Street Bridge: Maintenance repairs on the bridge are impacting traffic patterns between downtown and East Nashville. Be prepared for lane shifts near James Robertson Parkway.

A statewide media briefing regarding the incoming winter storm is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. today. We recommend that all commuters ensure their vehicles have adequate fuel and emergency kits before the first flakes arrive Friday night.