TDOT and Wilson County Prepare for Fair Traffic

LEBANON, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is gearing up for heavy traffic expected on Tennessee roadways as a result of the Wilson County Fair, which begins Friday, August 19, and runs through Saturday, August 27, at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center.

Very high traffic volumes are expected to pass through Wilson County over the next week, affecting interstate highways, state routes, and local roads near the fair venue. As in years past, TDOT is working closely with local officials to make sure traffic flows smoothly to and from the fairgrounds.

TDOT will close the right lane of I-40 West near Exit 239 (Watertown) Friday, August 19, and Saturday, August 20, as well as the following weekend of Friday, August 26, and Saturday, August 27. This will provide traffic leaving the fair and traveling toward Nashville easy access onto I-40.

Additional message boards will be in place to notify motorists of the proper lane of travel and fair exits, while local law enforcement will direct traffic at the fairgrounds entrances.

Any motorists not attending the fair are asked to plan ahead and avoid the area if possible. TDOT also asks drivers to use caution, reduce speed and be alert to changing traffic conditions in work zones across the state.

For directions to the Wilson County Fair, visit www.wilsoncountyfair.net.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.