Nashville, Tennessee – Drivers in Wilson County should prepare for temporary traffic changes as the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) begins preliminary work on the final phase of a roadway safety improvement project along State Route 109 (SR 109).
According to TDOT, work is scheduled to take place from Monday, July 13, through Friday, July 17, with intermittent southbound lane and shoulder closures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The affected section extends from just north of Hickory Ridge Road to East Division Street.
Transportation officials said the temporary closures are needed to begin work on a project that will eventually add a new southbound travel lane along this stretch of Highway 109.
Although nearby businesses and property owners are expected to experience only limited disruptions, TDOT noted that some drivers may need to use alternate access points while construction activities are underway.
Safety improvements planned near Interstate 40
The preliminary work marks the beginning of the final stage of a spot safety project intended to improve traffic movement and reduce the risk of crashes near the Interstate 40 interchange.
After the initial work is completed, contractors are expected to return in the coming months to finish construction and open the new southbound lane to motorists.
In addition to the lane expansion, TDOT crews will also build out the median on Highway 109 south of Eastgate Boulevard. During that work, the far left northbound turn lane leading to Eastgate Boulevard will be temporarily closed.
State transportation officials said both projects share the same goals of improving safety, reducing conflict points where vehicles interact, and easing traffic congestion along one of the area’s busiest roadways.
The latest work follows improvements completed earlier this spring through a partnership between TDOT and the City of Lebanon. Those earlier upgrades added an additional northbound lane between the Interstate 40 interchange and Hickory Ridge Road.
TDOT said projects like these have been made possible through additional funding approved by the 113th General Assembly, allowing the department to invest more than $20 million during fiscal year 2026 in spot safety improvements across Tennessee.
These projects focus on smaller, high-priority locations where targeted improvements can help lower crash rates and improve traffic flow without requiring large highway reconstruction projects.
According to TDOT, 15 spot safety projects have already been completed this fiscal year across seven counties in Region 3.
Officials emphasized that all work remains weather dependent and encouraged motorists to plan extra travel time when driving through the construction area.
Drivers are also reminded to slow down, stay alert, and obey Tennessee’s Move Over Law, which was enacted in 2006 to help protect highway workers and emergency personnel. Violating the law can result in penalties that include up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500.
TDOT said following work zone safety rules will help protect both construction crews and the traveling public while the improvements are completed.
