TDOT Releases New Details on James Robertson Parkway Project

Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is announcing the construction timeline for the James Robertson Parkway bridge (State Route 6/Victory Memorial Bridge).

Awarded to Tennessee-based construction contractor Wright Brothers, the project consists of lowering the viaduct leading to the bridge and reconstructing James Robertson Parkway between Interstate Drive and South First Street (the future East Bank Boulevard). The project will also include the addition of signalized intersections, utility upgrades, and expanded roadway capacity.

By lowering the approach to the bridge and connecting the parkway with East Bank Boulevard, the project will turn an existing barrier into a gateway between downtown and the East Bank. The bridge will seamlessly connect to the East Bank’s planned street grid, improving access to jobs, housing, and entertainment as Tennessee welcomes a global audience for Super Bowl LXIV in 2030.

The infrastructure is being designed to serve current transportation needs while preserving the capacity and flexibility to support emerging mobility options as Nashville continues to grow.

“Strong infrastructure is essential to a strong economy,” said Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Will Reid, P.E. “This project represents an investment in the future of Tennessee’s capital city by improving safety, mobility, and the transportation network that supports businesses, workers, and visitors every day. These improvements will help support continued economic growth and reinforce Nashville’s role as an engine of opportunity for the state.”

This project, along with the upcoming I-24/Marine Drive Extension project, is a partnership between TDOT and Metro Nashville to strengthen critical connections between downtown and the East Bank.

“Redesigning James Robertson Parkway is part of our citywide vision for infrastructure that makes it easier for all of us to move around,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “It means a safer road, an efficient connection from East Nashville to downtown, and a street grid for the East Bank where a giant concrete wall once stood. I appreciate TDOT's partnership and the public's patience as construction begins."

The construction of the bridge will require a significant closure to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. By consolidating impacts into a single, sustained closure period, TDOT can deliver a more transformative project for Nashvillians, businesses, and visitors.

Construction activities are anticipated to begin in Spring 2027, with the closure of the James Robertson Parkway/Victory Memorial Bridge beginning in Summer 2027. This closure is expected to last until Summer 2029. Proposed alternative routes are in development and posted on the official project website, along with a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet. More details about the specific date of the bridge closure, project phasing, and official detour will be available as the team finalizes the project design and scope. Engagement with stakeholders to refine plans continues.

TDOT is delivering this project using a Progressive Design Build (PDB) approach. Unlike traditional “design-bid-build” project delivery, PDB enables decisions to be refined through a collaborative process over the project’s lifecycle. This is especially useful for complex projects, providing flexibility to refine the design and to plan phasing and scheduling more accurately. In addition, design and construction activities can overlap, allowing work to move forward sooner and often shortening the overall project duration.

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.