Winter Weather Recovery: MATA Expands Snow Routes and TDOT Begins Major Pothole Repairs

Memphis Traffic and Commute Update: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Memphis is entering a recovery phase this Wednesday following a significant winter storm that impacted the Mid-South earlier this week. While conditions are improving on major arteries, commuters should expect a modified transit schedule and hazardous road conditions due to ice and emergency maintenance. Here is what you need to know for your Wednesday morning and evening commute.

MATA Transit and Service Adjustments

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) has expanded its operations today, Wednesday, February 4, as part of its Winter Weather Safety Plan. Fixed-route services are currently operating on limited "snow routes" from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Commuters can expect service on the following major lines:

• Route 1 – Union and Route 2 – Madison
• Route 50 – Poplar and Route 53 – Summer
• Route 36 – Lamar and Route 39 – South Third
• Route 7 – Shelby & Holmes, Route 8 – Chelsea, and Route 11 – Frayser
• Route 42 – Crosstown and Route 57 – Park

Please note that Trolley services and the Ready! on-demand transit remain suspended until further notice. MATAPlus is operating for essential medical and dialysis appointments only. MATA transit centers (William Hudson, Airways, and American Way) are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. to assist passengers.

Major Highway Alerts and Emergency Repairs

TDOT crews have transitioned from snow removal to emergency roadway maintenance. A statewide pothole repair effort is underway to stabilize interstates after the recent freeze. Motorists should be aware of the following specific impacts:

• I-240 Eastbound: Expect delays near Mile Marker 18.6 (Shelby County). The right lane and shoulder are blocked for pothole repairs. This closure is expected to remain in place through Friday, February 6.
• State Route 277 (NB): Traffic is reduced to a single lane between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for ongoing construction.
• I-269 Northbound: For those commuting from Fayette County, bridge repairs between Mile Markers 3 and 4 have reduced the roadway to one lane through late May.
• I-55 Crump Interchange: While the major roundabout reconstruction is nearing its final phases, keep an eye out for lane shifts near Riverside Drive as crews monitor pavement stability following the ice storm.

City Services and Driving Conditions

The City of Memphis Solid Waste Division is resuming regular garbage and recycling collection today. Residents should place their carts at the curb as scheduled. Driving conditions remain hazardous on shaded secondary roads and in residential alleys where black ice has not yet melted. TDOT will be performing most mobile repair work between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to avoid the heaviest commute times, but lane closures may extend into the evening if repairs are extensive.

Commuters are advised to slow down and allow extra following distance, especially on bridges and overpasses which may still harbor frozen patches. Always move over for maintenance vehicles and emergency responders working along the shoulder.