23-05-2025
Here's what to know as you travel Middle Tennessee for Memorial Day weekend
Burgers and hot dogs on the grill, plenty of cold drinks on ice and a family gathering with cornhole may be on the Memorial Day weekend menu for many Tennesseans.
But more gatherings and travel mean more traffic on major roadways throughout the country.
Nashville is no different.
For those who might be saying, 'traffic in Nashville? No way.' Would anyone actually say that? Just in case, here's the warning: Over the holiday weekend, expect more.
At least AAA says the Volunteer State ranks among the best in the country for gas prices.
The organization predicts 45.1 million Americans will travel throughout the country during the holiday weekend, up 1.4 million from last year.
With some travel already beginning as many kick off an extended weekend, Nashville will see an increase in highway congestion as May wraps up. A HERE Technologies study of several cities in the United States estimates Tennessee will see 55 highways increase in congestion in May as compared to April, all thanks in part to better weather and the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
So, as folks pack up the cooler, the sunscreen and the family for that road trip, here are a few things they should know before they hit the road:
The average price for a gallon of gas in Tennessee is $2.72, the second least expensive market in the country, AAA reports.
The $2.72 is 44 cents less than one year ago.
Nashville's average price for a gallon of gas is $2.77
The most expensive gas prices in metro markets in Tennessee is Jackson at $2.78.
Clarksville has the least expensive average in Middle Tennessee at $2.65.
Average gas prices are compiled by AAA through surveys of credit card usage and other statistical data at 130,000 stations across the country.
AAA said gas prices are rising again ahead of the summer travel surge. Prices were up 4 cents May 23 from last week due to the increase in the price and demand of crude oil.
With higher volumes of traffic expected over Memorial Day weekend along with local high school graduations, many law enforcement agencies are expecting to head out in force.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol posted on social media May 23 that they plan to be out in "full force" during the holiday weekend, with a focus on DUIs, seatbelts and speeding.
Franklin Police Department will target impaired driving by increasing patrol across the city.
"Memorial Day weekend and graduation celebrations are times of joy and reflection," Police chief Deb Faulkner said in a May 21 statement. "However, they also bring a heightened risk of impaired driving. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can celebrate safely without the tragedy of preventable accidents."
The National Traffic safety Administration reports around 40% of Memorial Day weekend traffic fatalities involve alcohol. And in Tennessee, more than 7,700 driving under the influence-related crashes were reported in 2024.
AAA said it will assist more than 356,000 stranded drivers nationwide during the holiday weekend.
The agency will offer free rides to impaired drivers through their Tow to Go service.
The program started in 1998 and has helped remove around 30,000 impaired drivers from the road, according to statistics provided by AAA.
The service is offered in 11 states, including Tennessee, to AAA members and non-members with a tow truck transporting a person and their vehicle within a 10-mile radius.
Tow to Go will be active from 6 p.m. May 23 to 6 a.m. May 27. The service can't be scheduled in advance.
To use it, call 855-286-9246.
Here Technologies studied the total time it would take to drive the entire road network in several major cities.
While Nashville scored better than areas like Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New York and Los Angeles, the city saw a large jump from the average time of 4.2 hours to 14.2 hours when calculating the time it would take to drive the entire road network in Music City during peak times, like a holiday weekend.
On the positive side, the city scored favorably against Phoenix, who's 38.1 peak traffic drive time is more than double that of Nashville.
Whether someone is looking for a Memorial Day-inspired party along Lower Broadway or a brunch with friends, Nashville has it covered.
A free Musicians Corner concert will be held at Centennial Park May 23-25.
The family friendly event will feature live music, drinks, food, a kids play area and local vendors.
For those looking to burn off some weekend calories, or getting a workout in before a Memorial Day pig-out, a Memorial Day Dash 5K will be held May 26 at Adventure Science Center, 800 Fort Negley Boulevard.
And of course, there's always dinner and movie.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What to know as you travel during Memorial Day weekend
