TDOT and Wilson County Prepare for Fair Traffic

Hundreds of Thousands Expected to Attend

LEBANON, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is gearing up for heavy traffic expected on Tennessee roadways as a result of the Wilson County Fair, which begins Friday, August 15, and runs through Saturday, August 23, at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center.

Very high traffic volumes are expected to pass through Wilson County over the next week, affecting interstate highways, state routes, and local roads near the fair venue. As in years past, TDOT is working closely with local officials to make sure traffic flows smoothly to and from the fairgrounds.

TDOT will close the right lane of I-40 West near Exit 239 (Watertown) Friday, August 15, and Saturday, August 16, as well as the following weekend of Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23. This will provide traffic leaving the fair and traveling toward Nashville easy access onto I-40.

Additional message boards will be in place to notify motorists of the proper lane of travel and fair exits, while local law enforcement will direct traffic at the fairgrounds entrances.

Any motorists not attending the fair are asked to plan ahead and avoid the area if possible. TDOT also asks drivers to use caution, reduce their speed and be alert to changing traffic conditions in work zones across the state.

For directions to the Wilson County Fair, visit http://www.wilsoncountyfair.net.

For more information on TDOT construction project activity, visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/.  Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel information or www.twitter.com/Nashville511 for traffic information in the Nashville area. 

Android and iPhone users can download TDOT’s SmartWay Mobile App to assist them in navigating Tennessee highways.  The app provides up-to-the-minute customized traffic information and enables the user to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs, and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.  The TDOT SmartWay App is free and available for download in the Apple App Store and Play Store for Android. 

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

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