DONELSON, Tenn. (WTVF) — Some of the busiest travel days of the year are behind us, but the traffic around BNA is here to stay.
Over the holiday weekend, people were getting out of cars and walking on the interstate to make their flights. And this isn't the first time that's happened.
In the video above, see passengers bailing the backups and rolling their luggage along the interstate.
"To have that many people walking, and just the fact that people don't expect the traffic to come to a halt that far out. We've kind of gotten lucky there haven't been any serious accidents or injuries related to this," said Russ Bradford, council member for the neighborhood that surrounds the airport.
For the most part, the traffic stems from the ongoing projects at the airport that started back in 2017. The construction isn't expected to wrap up until 2028. It includes major work on Donelson Pike. There, crews are working around the clock to shift Donelson Pike east to allow the airport to double its current loop: from one mile long to two, and from three lanes to six.
The construction on Donelson Pike required the airport to move waiting areas next to the terminal to a lot three miles away. While it's used by some people, most people just circle the airport.
"We've got to get TDOT involved, whether it's having them getting on to the airport about this or maybe TDOT and Highway Patrol needs to get out there when it gets this busy, and do special signage or have officers out there to help with the flow of traffic. Something has to be done to make this better for the next 4 years," Bradford said.
Most law enforcement agencies have limited resources. But Metro Police said if the airport requested their presence during a busy travel time, they'd do their best to help with traffic enforcement.
People wjth a concern about the situation can send an email to TDOT.Comments@TN.gov.
We reached out to BNA and received the following statement.
Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and security of our passengers. For passenger safety, we encourage passengers to remain in their vehicles on major roadways or thoroughfares. Nashville International Airport has three entrances: exit 216A, exit 216B, and access via Murfreesboro Pike to Donelson Pike. Passengers should choose an exit based on traffic conditions at that time. Additionally, for flight departures, passengers should arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their scheduled flight departure time. Always remember to check your flight status prior to heading to the airport.
For arrivals, drivers should plan to arrive at the airport 15-20 minutes after the scheduled landing time to allow the passenger time to deplane, retrieve their belongings, and reach their designated pickup location. Drivers arriving earlier than necessary or idling on the curbs for an extended period of time, add to the congestion at the airport and should consider using the Cell Phone Lot conveniently located just 3 miles from the airport at 1415 Murfreesboro Pike.
As part of our commitment to serving the growth of Middle Tennessee, both the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Airport Authority are working to increase roadway capacity.
