Nashville, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Early Thursday morning, traffic on I-40 Westbound near Elm Hill Pike faced major disruptions when an oversized load struck a railroad bridge. The incident, occurring at 6:30 a.m., left only one lane open and caused significant delays for drivers heading into Nashville. TDOT confirmed the collision resulted from route non-compliance by the truck. Technicians are inspecting the bridge for damage. Diversion routes have been issued, but congestion is compounded by additional road issues in Polk County due to storm damage.
Nashville Traffic Disruption Due to Oversized Load Incident
Traffic on I-40 Westbound near Elm Hill Pike was significantly disrupted early Thursday morning after an oversized load struck a railroad bridge near mile marker 212. The incident, which occurred around 6:30 a.m., left only one lane open for vehicles, leading to major delays for commuters and travelers heading into Nashville.
The truck carrying the oversized load reportedly did not adhere to the designated route for such vehicles, contributing to the collision. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) confirmed the incident and is actively monitoring its effects on surrounding traffic. Delays were also experienced on I-24 due to the ongoing situation.
Following the collision, TDOT technicians were dispatched to inspect the railroad bridge for any structural damage. As of now, no timeline has been provided for the cleanup and restoration effort. The safety of the bridge and the surrounding area remains a priority as authorities assess the situation.
This incident is not isolated; it follows closely after another traffic disruption on Saturday when a tractor-trailer became lodged under a bridge on I-40 Westbound at the I-40/I-24 split, causing additional challenges for drivers in the region.
To alleviate the congestion, TDOT issued several diversion routes for drivers affected by the oversized load incident. These routes include:
- Interstate 24 Westbound at EXIT 52A for 24W/40W/Nashville
- Interstate 40 Westbound at EXIT 213B for 24W/40W/Nashville
As a consequence of the accident, all lanes on the Westbound ramp were reported blocked, including the right shoulder, further compounding traffic difficulties in the area.
The situation is made more complex by ongoing road closures in Polk County, Tennessee, due to storm damage from Hurricane Helene. These closures have already been affecting commercial truck traffic, exacerbating the challenges faced by drivers navigating through the region.
Authorities encourage travelers to remain patient and exercise caution while navigating detours and altered traffic patterns. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves and cleanup efforts progress.
Summary of Incident
- Location: I-40 Westbound near Elm Hill Pike, Nashville
- Time of Incident: 6:30 a.m. on Thursday
- Culprit: An oversized load struck a railroad bridge
- Impact: One lane open, traffic delays on I-40 and I-24
- Response: TDOT technicians dispatched, inspection of bridge
- Alternatives: Diversion routes issued by TDOT
- Ongoing Issues: Road closures in Polk County due to hurricane damage
FAQ
What caused the traffic disruption on I-40 Westbound?
The disruption was caused by an oversized load that collided with a railroad bridge, resulting in multiple lane closures.
When did the incident occur?
The incident took place around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday.
What are the alternative routes provided?
Drivers are advised to take Interstate 24 Westbound at EXIT 52A or Interstate 40 Westbound at EXIT 213B to avoid congestion.
Is the railroad bridge safe?
TDOT technicians are currently inspecting the integrity of the railroad bridge to ensure safety.
Are there any other ongoing road issues in the area?
Yes, there are ongoing road closures in Polk County due to damage from Hurricane Helene, which is affecting truck traffic.
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Additional Resources
- WSMV: Oversized Load Hits Bridge, Stalling Traffic
- Times Free Press: Big Rigs on State Route 30
- Local 3 News: I-26 Now Open to Traffic
- Fox 17: I-40 Westbound Closed Due to Trailer Incident
- Hoodline: Oversized House Move Slows Traffic in Murfreesboro
- Wikipedia: Traffic Congestion
- Google Search: Traffic Disruption Nashville
- Google Scholar: Traffic Management Strategies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic (Transportation)
- Google News: Nashville Traffic News
Author: HERE Nashville
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