Bridge Demolition to Prompt Full Closure on Hamilton Avenue and Interstate 65

Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will begin repair work on the Hamilton Avenue bridge over Interstate 65 (I-65) in Davidson County.

This week, crews with Jones Bros. will begin preliminary work in preparation for the demolition of the Hamilton Avenue Bridge over I-65. The bridge will remain closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout construction until the deck repair is complete. Motorists can cross I-65 using Chestnut Street or Wedgewood Avenue.

To complete this bridge deck construction by the end of this year, demolition must begin as soon as possible, and a full closure of I-65 is required for this demolition. Traffic and event data were evaluated to determine the best possible weekend for the full closure of I-65.

Scheduled I-65 closures are as follows:

Thursday, October 8, from 8 p.m. – 5 a.m.:·        
- Intermittent southbound lane closures on I-65 from the I-40 interchange (Exit 210) to near the I-440 interchange (Exit 80).
- Full closure of all southbound lanes on I-65 at approximately 12 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. for the removal of signage.

Friday, October 16, at 8 p.m., through Monday, October 18, at 5 a.m.:·        
- Full closure of I-65 in both directions from the I-40 interchange (Exit 210) to near the I-440 interchange (Exit 80) to facilitate bridge deck demolition.

Following full closure:·        
- Expect nightly (8 p.m. – 5 a.m.) intermittent lane closures on I-65 in the area to facilitate construction of the new bridge deck.

Message boards and overhead signage will be in place to alert motorists of the closures. See below for the official detour route during full I-65 closures.

Motorists should plan for additional travel time and consider alternate routes. Local traffic may use Wedgewood Avenue (Exit 81) to access nearby local routes; however, motorists should anticipate heavy traffic and delays in the area.

This work is expected to be complete by early December.

All work is weather-dependent. As always, drivers are reminded to allow additional time, slow down, and move over when traveling through a work zone. The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee includes the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500.

Motorists can report potholes to TDOT by calling the TDOTFIX Hotline at 833-TDOTFIX or using this online form: TDOT Maintenance Request. The TDOT SmartWay Map (https://smartway.tn.gov) provides the latest traffic updates on construction activity. Travelers can also call 511 for travel information.