A stretch of Interstate 65 through Nashville will shut down in both directions the weekend of Oct. 16, forcing Hendersonville-area commuters to find another way through the city.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced the full closure for demolition of the Hamilton Avenue bridge deck over I-65 in Davidson County. The shutdown runs from 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, through 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, according to a TDOT press release.
The closure covers I-65 from the I-40 interchange at Exit 210 to near the I-440 interchange at Exit 80.
Detour routes for Hendersonville commuters
TDOT's official detour routes interstate traffic around the closure using I-40, I-440 and I-24, Fox 17 reported. Signs and message boards will guide drivers. Local traffic near the closure can use Wedgewood Avenue at Exit 81 to reach nearby streets, but TDOT warned drivers to expect heavy traffic and delays.
TDOT said it evaluated traffic and event data to pick the best weekend for the shutdown. All work is weather-dependent.
Lane closures already underway
Crews with contractor Jones Bros. began preliminary work the week of Oct. 5. Intermittent southbound lane closures on I-65 between the same interchanges started Thursday, Oct. 8, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. A brief full closure of all southbound lanes occurred around midnight for signage removal.
After the Oct. 16-19 demolition weekend, TDOT said drivers should expect nightly lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. in the area as crews build the new bridge deck. The agency said the project should wrap up by early December.
Hamilton Avenue bridge closed to all traffic
The Hamilton Avenue bridge itself will remain closed to vehicles and pedestrians throughout construction. TDOT said drivers who need to cross I-65 in that area can use Chestnut Street or Wedgewood Avenue.
Drivers can check real-time traffic updates on the TDOT SmartWay map at smartway.tn.gov or call 511.
