A fatal pedestrian collision on Interstate 40 East near the Nashville International Airport led to significant traffic disruptions Tuesday morning. The Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed that a pedestrian was hit and pronounced dead on the scene near exit 216C. According to WSMV4, the incident prompted the closure of the eastbound lanes between the Donelson Pike and Stewarts Ferry Pike exits.
Road closures were necessary to allow emergency responses and subsequent investigations into the tragic event. Metro Nashville PD announced via a social media post that the situation would likely last 60 to 90 minutes as officers conducted their investigation. The Tennessee Department of Transportation's (TDOT) Smartway Map indicated police activity began around 11:15 a.m., reflecting the situation's urgency.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: I-40 east btwn the Donelson Pk & Stewarts Ferry Pk exits will be closed for the next 60 to 90 min as officers investigate a fatal pedestrian collision. pic.twitter.com/xHcAsuR4AJ
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 3, 2024
Due to the incident, News 2 reported significant traffic backlogs, with eastbound motorists experiencing delays stretching back past mile marker 214.8. Authorities later detailed the incident as a "fatal pedestrian collision" at the Metro Nashville Police Department in a post on social media platform X, which was corroborated by live images from traffic cameras showing MNPD and TDOT vehicles blocking the way at mile marker 218.1.
The MNPD has yet to release the identity of the deceased or details on how the collision occurred. The ongoing investigation means Interstate 40's reopening will depend on the progress law enforcement makes in tracing the moments leading up to the accident. Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes to avoid further congestion on the strained highways.
