TDOT to Implement Traffic Operations Plan for Tennessee State Fair

Nashville, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will implement several traffic operation measures to help manage increased traffic associated with the Tennessee State Fair in Wilson County.

Beginning Tuesday, August 11, TDOT will reduce the speed limit on Interstate 40 within the City of Lebanon from 70 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour. The temporary speed limit reduction is intended to enhance safety and operations during the fair, which will be held August 13 through August 22, 2026.

Throughout the fair, TDOT will increase its roadside assistance presence each afternoon by deploying one additional HELP Truck and one Rural Service Patrol vehicle. These resources will assist with traffic control, incident management, and the quick clearance of disabled vehicles and crashes to help minimize traffic delays on the interstate.

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, TDOT maintenance crews will temporarily extend the Interstate 40 MM 239 westbound on ramp, giving motorists entering the interstate additional distance to accelerate and merge safely.

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 carries the possibility of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500.

Motorists can alert TDOT to potholes 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 construction activity traffic updates. Travelers can also call 511 for travel information.