Take a scenic ride through the vibrant cityscape of Nashville as we follow a well-traveled loop along Tennessee Route 155, also known as Briley Parkway. This 10-mile southbound journey begins at the bustling interchange with Interstate 65 near mile marker 16, weaving through the heart of Music City’s northern suburbs before gently curving south toward Interstate 40. Along the way, we experience the unique blend of urban vitality and green spaces that makes Nashville such a compelling destination.
Starting from the I-65 interchange, we quickly find ourselves on the elevated segments of Briley Parkway, gliding above residential neighborhoods and industrial corridors alike. Almost immediately, we encounter the interchange with US Highway 31E, locally known as Ellington Parkway and Gallatin Pike, which funnels traffic northward toward Madison and south into downtown Nashville. The road here remains a fast-paced expressway, with minimal cross traffic and a steady rhythm of exit and entrance ramps serving Nashville’s diverse northern communities. The surrounding landscape is a mix of wooded patches and commercial areas, with glimpses of the Cumberland River on the horizon.
As we veer southward after US-31E, Briley Parkway begins its sweeping descent into some of Nashville’s most famous entertainment districts. Soon, we approach the unmistakable landmark of the Grand Ole Opry, a mecca of country music history nestled beside the banks of the Cumberland. Right next door lies Opry Mills, a sprawling shopping complex that draws locals and tourists alike with its wide range of retail, dining, and entertainment options. The parkway here skirts the edge of these attractions, offering brief but unmistakable views of the Grand Ole Opry’s iconic facade before continuing its graceful curve through the eastern side of the city.
Heading into the final stretch, the landscape transitions into a quieter mix of wooded parklands and light industrial development as we approach the interchange with Interstate 40. This section of Briley Parkway offers a calm reprieve from the busier segments to the north, with occasional overpasses crossing local roads and the occasional trailhead leading into nearby greenways. Our journey concludes at mile marker 6, where we merge onto I-40 eastbound toward Knoxville, leaving behind the loop of Briley Parkway but carrying with us a cross-section view of Nashville’s character—where music, commerce, and nature coexist along a uniquely Tennessee expressway.
This short but dynamic drive along TN-155 offers more than just a bypass around downtown Nashville—it serves as a showcase of the city’s evolving story. From the energy of suburban interchanges to the timeless allure of the Grand Ole Opry, Briley Parkway captures the rhythm of a growing metropolis while maintaining pockets of southern charm. Whether you’re heading for a concert, a shopping spree, or simply passing through, this stretch of highway reminds us that in Nashville, every road leads back to music and community.
🗺️ Route Map
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