MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS, News) - Sunshine and temperatures in the 50s made for an almost spring‑like Friday (1/16/2026) across Murfreesboro—right up until something went wrong on the Thompson Lane overpass. One moment the day was picture‑perfect, and the next, traffic dropped to a crawl above the train tracks as drivers approached the light at Broad Street. It felt like an ominous preview of the evening forecast, which calls for rain, colder air, and even the possibility of a light dusting of snow.

The slowdown came after a two‑vehicle crash on the North Thompson Lane bridge between West College Street and Northwest Broad Street. it involved a Ford SUV and a Ranger flat bed truck with steel frame body. There was heavy damage to the entire front end of the SUV that stopped suddenly on impact with the steel platform of the truck. Even though it was strong, the steel body was heavily dentented. That stretch is always busy, packed with commuters, shoppers, and weekend traffic, so the impact was immediate. One lane had to be shut down while crews worked, squeezing cars into fewer lanes and adding to the congestion.

Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services arrived quickly and transported one person to the ER at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. Murfreesboro Police guided traffic safely around the scene and assisted everyone involved, while Murfreesboro Fire‑Rescue made certain no injuries were over looked and helped with the debris. 

Even with the disruption, the response was swift. Within a short time, the bridge was fully reopened and traffic returned to normal—just in time for the evening rush and before the weather could turn.

It’s a reminder that even on the most beautiful days, things can shift in an instant on our busiest roads. And it’s also a moment to recognize the first responders who show up without hesitation. A sincere thank‑you goes out to Murfreesboro Police, Murfreesboro Fire‑Rescue, and Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services for their steady presence and quick work.