NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Monday marked the first day of rush hour traffic with long-term lane closures on Interstate 440 in Nashville. No major issues were reported.
While this will have an impact on your commute, the Tennessee Department of Transportation said the road will be safer and smoother once this project is completed. TDOT strongly recommends for drivers to leave earlier or take an alternate route if they need to use I-440.
On Monday, I-65 northbound saw the biggest impact with traffic backed up into Williamson County as drivers slowed down approaching the I-440 loop.
During the day, traffic will be restricted to just two lanes in each direction. Overnight, there will only be one lane open to traffic.
Crews are working 24 hours a day, six days a week from the Granny White Pike area to West End Avenue, extending throughout the 7.5-mile corridor.
A big part of this project is the excavation of the grassy median. TDOT plans to build a concrete median in its place so cars can't cross over to traffic going the other direction.
Likely, the most noticeable improvement will be the new pavement and a safer median. TDOT said the road was 30 years old and constant use had worn the pavement.
Expect noise if you live nearby, even in the overnight hours. The project is slated to be done by August of 2020.
Click here to view traffic map.
