Memphis Commute: Pothole Repairs and Resurfacing Projects Cause Slowdowns on I-240
Monday Morning Traffic Overview
Good morning, Memphis. As we begin the work week on this Monday, February 23, 2026, commuters should prepare for a mix of seasonal road maintenance and major infrastructure projects. While the extreme winter weather from earlier this month has cleared, the aftermath has left local crews in a 'pothole blitz' across the city. Combined with the ongoing $160 million TDOT paving initiative, several major arteries are seeing significant lane restrictions this morning.
Major Interstate Disruptions
The most significant impact to the morning drive is on I-240 Eastbound. Construction crews are currently addressing pavement deterioration near mile marker 18.6. This work has resulted in the closure of the right lane and shoulder. Motorists traveling through the southern loop should expect stop-and-go conditions between the I-55 interchange and Getwell Road.
Additionally, the following interstate projects remain active:
- I-269 Northbound (Fayette County): Bridge repair work continues between mile markers 3 and 4, reducing traffic to a single lane. This project is slated to continue through May 2026.
- I-40 Concrete Repairs: As part of the 2025–2027 paving plan, intermittent lane shifts are in place for concrete rehabilitation. Watch for workers near the Sam Cooper Boulevard split.
- I-55 Southbound: Maintenance near mile marker 3.6 has the far left lane blocked for scheduled road work.
State Route and Surface Street Alerts
Beyond the interstates, several key state routes are experiencing long-term construction that may impede your local commute:
- State Route 3 (Shelby County): Ongoing construction between log mile 3 and 4 has reduced the roadway to one lane in both directions. This restriction is expected to remain in place through early 2027.
- State Route 277 Northbound: Commuters using this route should expect single-lane traffic between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
- Pothole Repair Blitz: The City of Memphis Public Works Department is prioritizing major arterials and emergency routes for pothole filling following the freeze-thaw cycles of the past few weeks. Use caution when approaching slow-moving repair trucks on Poplar Avenue and Lamar Avenue.
MATA and Public Transit
The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) has confirmed that all fixed-route bus services and MATAplus services are operating on a regular weekday schedule. Following the full service restoration on February 9, the transit system is running at 100% capacity. However, the Main Street Trolley service remains suspended as crews complete safety inspections of the line following the recent ice events. Riders are encouraged to use the MATA Tracker for real-time bus locations.
Commuter Advice
With multiple paving projects active under the current General Fund Transfer, TDOT and local officials remind drivers to 'Know Before You Go.' If your route involves I-240 or I-269, consider leaving 15 minutes early or using side streets like Walnut Grove to bypass the heaviest congestion. Always move over for emergency vehicles and maintenance crews working on the shoulders.