James Robertson Parkway (State Route 6)

History and Background

James Robertson Parkway (State Route 6) is an essential downtown connector route to East Nashville and other connecting interstates. 

The project will lower the approach to the James Robertson Parkway/Victory Memorial Bridge and reconstruct James Robertson Parkway between Interstate Drive and east of the Cumberland River to transition down to the new East Bank Boulevard (S. 1st Street), matching the proposed East Bank Boulevard profile per the East Bank Development Authority (EBDA).

By lowering the approach to the bridge and connecting the parkway with the future 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.

The project will enhance safety and connectivity through the addition of signalized intersections, upgraded utilities, and expanded roadway capacity. Widening the roadway from five to seven lanes will help accommodate future growth while laying the foundation for development opportunities and long-term economic investment along the corridor. 

To expedite this project, TDOT is implementing the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) model. PDB is a project delivery method that allows the design and construction phases to overlap, facilitating continuous collaboration among the stakeholders, owner, and design-build team. It also promotes improved risk management, improvements to the construction schedule, a more streamlined design process, and can lead to an overall faster project completion due to the overlapping phases. Additionally, PDB often results in improved cost control and higher quality outcomes due to the early and continuous involvement of the design and construction team.

Key Project Milestones

Traffic Impacts

The James Robertson Parkway/Victory Memorial Bridge will be closed to motorists and pedestrians from Summer 2027 until Summer 2029. Initial alternative routes for motorists and pedestrians are being developed and posted below, but may evolve as more feedback is gathered and design plans progress. An official detour will be published when design plans are complete. For more, see our current Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Current proposed alternative motorist and pedestrian routes.

Current proposed alternative pedestrian routes.

Project Materials

Progressive Design Build (PDB) Overview

Media Advisory: November 12, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page 

Additional Project Imagery & Visuals

Environment

Environmental studies are ongoing in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).