Interstate 65
Davidson, Robertson, and Sumner counties
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is constructing improvements to Interstate 65 from Nashville to the Kentucky state line. The improvements include widening for approximately 25.8 miles in Davidson, Robertson and Sumner counties. The planned widening will address congestion, improve safety and traffic operations, and accommodate current and future traffic demands.
Due to the size of the project, construction has been split into five segments. One segment was completed in 2020; a second segment was completed in September 2024. A third segment, from near Rivergate Parkway to near State Route 41 (US 31W) is identified for funding in TDOT's 10-Year Project Plan, with construction scheduled for Fiscal Year 2025. The remaining phases are not identified for funding at this time.
Current Status: Due to the significant size of improvements to I-65 north of Nashville, improvements have been split into five phases. See below for more information on each phase.
Construction Start: Varies
Estimated completion*: Varies
Funding Source: TDOT anticipates that a portion of this project will be funded through the Transportation Modernization Funding.
| Davidson, Sumner, and Robertson Counties |
||
|---|---|---|
| Phase 3: Rivergate Parkway to State Route 41 |
Under development | Scheduled Fiscal Year 2025 |
| State Route 41 to State Route 257 |
Awaiting Funding |
TBD |
| State Route 257 to State Route 25 |
Awaiting Funding |
TBD |
| Phase 2: State Route 25 to State Route 109 |
Complete |
Completed September 2024 |
| Phase 1: State Route 109 to Kentucky State Line | Complete |
Completed 2020 |
History and Background
I-65 is a major cross-country north-south corridor, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes. Locally, it is a connection between Nashville and Louisville, KY, serving the smaller cities of Goodlettsville, Millersville, White House, and Portland, as well as Hendersonville and Gallatin (via State Route 386, Vietnam Veterans Parkway) in Tennessee.
Between Nashville and the Kentucky state line, the existing route is primarily two lanes in each direction. This section of the interstate currently experiences high traffic volumes, which create peak hour congestion and deficient traffic operations, resulting in delays and crashes along the corridor.
The project for the entire I-65 corridor north of Nashville includes widening the roadway from four to six lanes with three 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, 12-foot paved outside shoulders, 12-foot paved inside shoulders, within approximately 300 feet of right-of-way and a concrete median barrier wall where required.
Beyond the corridor-wide six-lane widening, this section is expected to include:
- Replacement of bridges over Long Hollow Pike, East Cedar Street, Manskers Creek, and US 31W
- Conversion of the interchanges at US 31W to a Diverging Diamond Interchange
- Auxiliary lanes connecting the Long Hollow Pike and US 31W interchanges
- Construction of eight retaining walls
- Lighting throughout the project
- Upgrades/additions to SmartWay system
Beyond the corridor-wide six-lane widening, this segment's footprint includes an additional TDOT project:
Weigh Stations near the KY State Line
The northbound weigh station will be converted into a truck parking area, providing additional parking spaces to accommodate the increase in trucks along I-65. Construction and funding will be part of the planned section between SR 25 and SR 109.
The southbound weigh station will be updated with new scales, a truck inspection station, and 36 additional parking spaces.
Construction and funding are separate from the planned section improvements. The southbound weigh station project was let to contract in June 2024 and has been awarded. Construction has not yet begun but is estimated to be complete in May 2026.
Beyond the corridor-wide six-lane widening, this section included construction of a new interchange with a new alignment of State Route 109.
Project Contacts
Erin Zeigler
TDOT Region 3 Regional Communications Officer (Media)
Phone: 629.277.2458
Email: erin.zeigler@tn.gov
Derek Pryor
TDOT Region 3 Project Management
Email: derek.pryor@tn.gov
Daniel Jordan, P.E.
TDOT Region 3 Project Management (Rivergate Pkwy to SR 41)
Email: daniel.2.jordan@tn.gov