TDOT Will Close I-65 for Hamilton Avenue Bridge Work

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will initiate bridge demolition and interstate closures starting October 8.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Construction

Industrial demolition of an urban concrete overpass bridge above an interstate highway corridor during an overcast day. — The Tennessee Department of Transportation will close I-65 in Nashville starting October 8 for the demolition of the Hamilton Avenue Bridge. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Tennessee Department of Transportation will begin demolition of the Hamilton Avenue Bridge over Interstate 65 in Nashville on October 8, 2026. This project necessitates intermittent lane closures and full traffic halts on the interstate to ensure the bridge deck is reconstructed by late 2026.

Why it matters

The demolition is a critical phase of the bridge reconstruction project, which is scheduled for final completion by December 2026. These closures are essential for crews to safely remove the structure over the busy interstate corridor.

Nightly intermittent lane closures will occur from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting October 8, while a total southbound shutdown is slated for 30 minutes at midnight on October 9.

The players

Tennessee Department of Transportation

This state agency is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the highway system in Tennessee.

Jones Bros.

This construction firm is contracted to perform the demolition work on the Hamilton Avenue Bridge.

The details

Jones Bros. crews are tasked with the bridge demolition, which requires keeping the bridge closed to all vehicles and pedestrians. Nashville drivers should utilize Chestnut Street or Wedgewood Avenue as alternative routes to bypass the construction site while work progresses.

October 8, 2026: I-65 southbound intermittent lane closures begin at 8 p.m.
October 9, 2026: Full closure of southbound I-65 occurs at midnight for 30 minutes.
October 16-18, 2026: Full closure of I-65 in both directions will take place.
December 2026: Project completion is expected.

Market Landscape

This demolition follows a pattern established by the Tennessee Department of Transportation 2026 Infrastructure Improvement Plan. Such projects highlight the ongoing effort to modernize aging transit corridors within growing urban centers like Nashville.

Commuters should plan for significant traffic delays on Interstate 65 during the scheduled night and weekend closures. Drivers are advised to use the alternate routes of Chestnut Street or Wedgewood Avenue to minimize travel disruption during the construction period.

The takeaway

Travelers should prioritize alternate routes during the upcoming closures to avoid congestion near the Hamilton Avenue Bridge. Early planning and flexibility are required for Nashville residents to navigate the final months of this construction cycle.