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Smyrna Drivers: Expect Nightly Detours on Westbound Sam Ridley Starting Wednesday

Mar 22, 2026 at 06:07 pm by WGNS News


SMYRNA, TN (WGNS) - Smyrna motorists may want to plan ahead this week, as a major overnight traffic change is set to begin this coming Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Town officials say construction crews will be closing the westbound lanes of Sam Ridley Parkway each night between Needham Drive and Old Nashville Highway. The closures will run from 8:00 PM until 5:00 AM and will continue nightly until the project is complete.

The work zone sits along one of Smyrna’s busiest stretches, especially for drivers heading toward I‑24 or making their way home from the retail corridor. While the overnight schedule is designed to minimize daytime congestion, the town is urging drivers to be prepared for delays and follow the posted detour.

Westbound traffic will be routed off Sam Ridley at Needham Drive, then directed left onto Genie Lane before reconnecting with Sam Ridley Parkway on the other side of the construction area. Smyrna Police say the detour will be clearly marked, but they’re asking drivers to slow down, stay alert, and use extra caution as crews work through the night.

The department emphasized that these closures are necessary to keep workers safe and to move the project along as efficiently as possible. Officers will be monitoring the area and assisting with traffic flow as needed.

For many residents, Sam Ridley Parkway is a daily lifeline—connecting neighborhoods, shopping centers, schools, and workplaces. Even overnight closures can ripple into early‑morning routines, especially for shift workers and commuters who hit the road before sunrise. Police recommend giving yourself a little extra time in the mornings, just in case traffic is still settling back into place as the lanes reopen.

Town officials have not announced an exact end date for the construction, but they say updates will be shared as work progresses. Until then, Smyrna Police are reminding everyone to follow the detour signs, stay patient, and keep safety top of mind while traveling through the area.