TDOT Acts to Improve Traffic Flow During Wilson County Fair

Nashville, Tenn – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is gearing up for the heavy traffic expected on Tennessee roadways as the result of the Wilson County Fair, which occurs today, August 18 through August 26.

Very high volumes of traffic are expected to pass through the Wilson County area over the next week, affecting interstate highways, state routes and local roads in and near the Lebanon area. A team of local officials has been working to make sure traffic flows smoothly in and around the fairgrounds.

To aid that effort, TDOT will be closing the right lane of Interstate 40 West near Exit #239 (Watertown) Friday August 18th and Saturday August 19th as well as Friday August 25th and Saturday August 26th. This will provide traffic traveling back towards Nashville easy access onto Interstate 40. TDOT will also provide message boards directing eastbound fair traffic to event parking.

“The Wilson County Fair brings thousands of visitors to this region every year,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “We want to make sure their experience isn’t dampened by traffic difficulties.”

TDOT will also be supplying several of its roadside assistance HELP units to patrol the area in an effort to keep any stranded vehicles from blocking traffic and to help travelers experiencing difficulties.

Last year, the Wilson County Fair drew more than 400,000 guests from as many as 20 different states.