Tennessee Department of Transportation
Coverage of Tennessee Department of Transportation in the Nexus archive.
- Interstate reopens overnight following fiery crash involving multiple semis in Spring Hill
Interstate 65 in both directions was closed overnight through Spring Hill after a fiery crash involving multiple semi-trucks near mile marker 50. The severe accident caused significant delays for commuters until full clearance was estimated for midnight following cleanup and investigation. All lanes of I-65 were reported reopened.
- Family of Broadway crash victim hopes to find people who performed CPR and ‘saved her life’ in Nashville
The family of Dianne Cooper, a woman critically injured in a Nashville Broadway crash, is seeking to identify two bystanders who performed CPR and saved her life. An 87-year-old driver, Thomas Cahill, ran a red light, striking four pedestrians, including Cooper, prompting discussions about pedestrian safety measures like bollards.
- Two semis crash, causing fire that shuts down interstate in Robertson County
Two semis crashed on Interstate 65 North in Robertson County, causing a fire that led to a temporary shutdown of northbound lanes. One person was injured, and traffic was diverted to Bethel Road, with partial reopening expected by 9 a.m.
- Vehicle fire shuts down interstate in Robertson County
A vehicle fire caused the closure of Interstate 65 North at mile marker 105 near Bethel Road in Robertson County, Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) reported the incident, and fire crews extinguished the flames, leading to traffic being diverted off at Bethel Road with delays expected.
- TDOT considers closing Broadway to cars following pedestrian death, injuries
The Tennessee Department of Transportation is considering closing Broadway to cars using bollards after a pedestrian death and injuries occurred over the weekend. The move aims to address safety concerns following the incident.
- State evaluating possible bollards on Broadway after deadly pedestrian crash in Nashville. Here’s what you need to know
State and local agencies in Nashville are evaluating the installation of bollards on Broadway following a crash that killed one pedestrian and injured three others. The incident involved an 87-year-old driver who ran a red light, prompting discussions about pedestrian safety measures and potential vehicle access restrictions on high-traffic weekends.
- Crash closes I-24 near I-40 split in Nashville
A crash has closed westbound lanes of Interstate 24 at mile marker 51 near the I-40 split in Nashville. The Tennessee Department of Transportation reported the incident around 9 p.m., but no injuries have been confirmed. WSMV is seeking additional details from TDOT as the situation develops.
- I-24 West completely blocked near Whites Creek after fatal crash involving 3 semis
A fatal crash involving three semi-trucks shut down Interstate 24 West near Whites Creek, Tennessee, resulting in one death and unknown injuries for the other two drivers. Authorities, including Metro Nashville Police and the Tennessee Department of Transportation, are responding, with traffic diverted and a separate death investigation ongoing on I-65.
- Death investigation underway after person found dead off I-65 in Nashville
A death investigation is underway in Nashville after a person was found dead off Interstate 65 near the Trinity Lane exit. The southbound entry ramp and right shoulder are closed, and police are near a semi-truck on the shoulder, though details about the body or exact location remain unconfirmed.
- Motorcycle crash closes I-65 in Nashville
A motorcycle crash near Briley Parkway on I-65 in Nashville caused a road closure just after 7 p.m. Wednesday. Traffic was diverted at Exit 90A, with an estimated reopening time of 11:30 p.m. No injury details were released.
- North Thompson Lane widening project set to begin this fall in Murfreesboro
The Tennessee Department of Transportation will begin widening North Thompson Lane in Murfreesboro this fall, expanding the 4.3-mile road to five lanes to address increasing traffic. The project, set for completion in 2030, includes safety improvements like sidewalks and new traffic signals, though some residents have expressed concerns about construction impacts.
- State asking for public input ahead of study to improve I-65 travel from Nashville to Columbia
The Tennessee Department of Transportation is conducting a long-range study of the I-65 corridor from Nashville to Columbia to address congestion and improve travel times. Public meetings will be held August 13, 17, and 18, with comment submissions accepted until September 8.
- Rollover crash shuts down interstate near Hickman/Dickson county line
A rollover crash on I-40 East at mile marker 161 near the Hickman/Dickson county line caused lane closures and traffic backups early Wednesday morning. A red pickup truck overturned around 6:15 a.m., with both eastbound lanes shut down until 8 a.m. after the vehicle was removed.
- Montgomery County leaders push for additional I-24 exits as Clarksville continues to grow
Montgomery County leaders are advocating for additional I-24 exits to address traffic congestion caused by Clarksville's rapid growth. Discussions with the Tennessee Department of Transportation focus on new exits near existing interchanges, connecting to Ted Crozier Boulevard, Costco, and Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital. The project is in early stages and may tie into a 2034 I-24 widening plan.
- Wilson County leaders weigh how to maintain infrastructure, manage traffic as newcomers flock to Midstate
Wilson County leaders are addressing infrastructure and traffic challenges due to population growth, with projects like the Watertown Exit on I-40 and Tennessee Department of Transportation safety initiatives underway. Funding remains a key hurdle, and collaboration with organizations like WeGo is emphasized to optimize existing transportation systems.
- Nashville inner loop traffic prompts TDOT study seeking public input on solutions
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is conducting a study on Nashville's downtown interstate loop to address traffic congestion and safety concerns, seeking public input through meetings and an online survey. Commuters and residents report dangerous, chaotic conditions on the 32-mile corridor of Interstates 24, 40, 65, and 440 due to rapid regional growth.
- Injury crash shuts down portion of I-840 near Nashville Superspeedway
A vehicle crash has caused an indefinite closure of I-840 Westbound in Wilson County near the Nashville Superspeedway, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
- Nashville ranked No. 2 most stressful city to drive in as TDOT begins inner loop study
Nashville is ranked No. 2 most stressful city to drive in by a survey from Lemon Law Experts. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has begun an inner loop study to address traffic concerns.
- Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway signs to be relocated after Vietnam veterans object to sharing space
Signs for the Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway in Tennessee are being relocated after Vietnam veterans objected to sharing space on a roadway dedicated to fallen service members. The original signs on State Route 386, known as Vietnam Veterans Boulevard, were moved to Long Hollow Pike after veterans were not consulted and expressed frustration. The Tennessee Department of Transportation stated it will follow legislative direction for signage.
- Here’s why Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway signs are being moved from Vietnam Veterans Boulevard in Tennessee
Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway signs on Tennessee's State Route 386 are being relocated after Vietnam veterans objected to the designation sharing space with Vietnam Veterans Boulevard, which honors 25 local service members who died in the Vietnam War. The signs will be moved to Long Hollow Pike in Goodlettsville, following a decision by State Rep. Johnny Garrett. Tennessee lawmakers have also enacted legislation named after Charlie Kirk, including the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act.
- July 20: TDOT Public Meetings; a March in Memory of John Lewis
The Tennessee Department of Transportation will hold public meetings to discuss interstate highway improvements. Hundreds participated in the 5th Annual Rep. John Lewis March. Nashville SC remains unbeaten at home in the MLS, and the Tennessee Titans will induct Chris Johnson into their Ring of Honor.
- Tractor-trailer fire closes I-65 in Sumner County
A tractor-trailer fire has closed the southbound lanes of I-65 near Millersville in Sumner County, Tennessee, causing significant traffic delays. First responders are working to extinguish the fire and reopen the interstate, but no injuries have been reported.
- Nashville man spent months fighting to get storm debris cleared. A call to 'Hannah Can Help' finished the job
A Nashville man spent six months seeking removal of a storm-damaged tree from his fence, which was delayed due to the Tennessee Department of Transportation's backlog of similar requests. After contacting a local reporter, crews finally cleared the debris, resolving the issue that had persisted since an ice storm in January.
- New legal filings in the lawsuit over the Kenwood bus crash show how CMCSS is responding to accusations
Families of two students killed in a Kenwood Middle School bus crash are suing the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System and bus driver Sabrina Ducksworth, alleging preventable negligence. The school district defends by claiming the crash resulted from Ducksworth's sudden medical emergency and cites Tennessee laws to limit liability.
- July 16: Managing Metro’s Debt; World Language Requirement
Mayor Freddie O’Connell filed legislation to refinance Music City Center bonds to free up Metro's debt capacity, including a $300 million transfer between authorities. The State Board of Education is considering allowing high school students to earn world language credits in different languages, facing opposition from teachers and students. Traffic disruptions on I-65 are planned for construction, and the Nashville Predators announced their 2026-27 season opener.
- Can you widen your way out of traffic? TDOT I-65 project at halfway point
The Tennessee Department of Transportation reports crews are halfway through a widening project on I-65 between Rivergate Parkway and Millersville. The project aims to improve traffic flow in the area.
- Traffic reminder: TDOT to conduct rolling roadblock on interstate in South Nashville
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will conduct a rolling roadblock on Interstate 65 North in South Nashville from July 16, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., to reinstall an overhead sign damaged during the January 2026 winter storm. A semi-trailer jackknifed and struck the sign during the storm, causing it to collapse. The work will close specific on-ramps and require drivers to slow down and allow extra travel time.
- Evacuations urged after chemical spill near Trousdale, Macon County line
Residents near the Macon and Trousdale county line are urged to evacuate after a tractor-trailer rollover caused a chemical spill near Green Grove Road and Highway 141. Authorities from both counties are managing the spill, with road closures in effect until 4 p.m. Wednesday.
- Road remains closed for overturned semi in Macon County
A tractor-trailer rollover on Tuesday afternoon in Macon County caused road closures on Green Grove Road and Pleasant Valley Road. Cleanup crews are working to clear the wreckage, with both roads expected to reopen around 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
- TDOT wants your input on downtown Nashville’s ‘inner loop’ plan
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is conducting a Planning and Environmental Linkages study to improve downtown Nashville's interstate network, including I-65, I-24, I-40, and I-440. Public meetings are scheduled for July 20-21, with alternative comment submission methods provided.
- Power outages, downed trees blocking Maury County roadways after storms
Strong storms caused power outages and downed trees, blocking roadways in Maury County, Tenn. The Maury County Fire Department and other agencies are working on cleanup efforts, advising drivers to exercise caution.
- TDOT mourns 19-year employee killed in Haywood County train crash
Cathy Sims, a 19-year employee of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), was killed in a train collision in Haywood County while attempting to clear tracks. The incident occurred at a railroad crossing on State Route 179 in Stanton, and TDOT reported she is the 114th employee to die on duty since 1948. Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn expressed condolences, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
- Final phase in Wilson County spot safety project to begin next week
The Tennessee Department of Transportation will begin the final phase of the Wilson County spot safety project on State Route 109 from July 13 to 17, involving intermittent southbound lane and shoulder closures. Future work includes completing the project and constructing a median south of Eastgate Boulevard to improve safety and traffic flow near the Interstate 40 interchange.
- Gov. Lee orders Capitol flags to be lowered after TDOT worker killed in train collision
A Tennessee Department of Transportation worker was killed when a CSX train collided with her commercial vehicle at a Stanton railroad crossing, causing it to catch fire. Governor Lee ordered the Capitol flags to be lowered in response.
- Gov. Lee: Flags to be lowered for TDOT worker killed after train crash
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that flags at the State Capitol will be lowered in honor of TDOT worker Cathy Sims, who was killed when a CSX train struck her vehicle at a railroad crossing in Stanton. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and CSX Railroad are investigating the incident.
- ‘Structural concerns’ close down Middle Tennessee bridge
The Mt. Olivet Bridge in Columbia, Tennessee, will close on July 13 due to structural concerns. The City of Columbia is coordinating with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to assess if the bridge's scheduled 2029 replacement project can be accelerated. Motorists are advised to use detours and allow extra travel time during the closure.
- Two men arrested for allegedly cutting copper wiring off TDOT interstate sign in Nashville
Two men were arrested for allegedly stealing copper wiring from a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) interstate sign in Nashville. The suspects, Michael See and Thomas Allard, admitted to the theft attempt and were charged with attempted theft, vandalism, and drug possession (methamphetamine found on See). Repairs to the damaged wiring will cost $10,000, while the stolen copper's recycling value is estimated at $1,500.
- Lane closures are underway on Clarksville's Wilma Rudolph Blvd. But the work could eventually improve traffic
Lane closures on Clarksville's Wilma Rudolph Boulevard are part of a road and utility project near Walmart, which is linked to the development of Spring Creek Parkway. The parkway aims to reduce traffic on Wilma Rudolph and I-24 by connecting it to Trenton Road, though residents have mixed reactions to potential congestion changes.
- ‘Industrial adhesive’ spills out of semi-truck on I-40 east, forcing traffic diversion
A semi-truck spilled approximately 50 gallons of industrial adhesive on I-40 East in Davidson County, Tennessee, causing traffic to be diverted to I-24 westbound at exit 211B. The Tennessee Department of Transportation confirmed the spill occurred at mile marker 211 and crews are managing the traffic redirection.
- More than a dozen injured in 8-vehicle crash involving tractor-trailer that closed 1-24 near TN-KY state line
An 8-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer near the Tennessee-Kentucky state line on I-24 caused the closure of westbound lanes and injured more than a dozen people. Nine individuals were hospitalized, and EMS and ambulance services from multiple counties are assisting.