Memphis Front Street closure scheduled through Dec. 1 for streetscape work

Front Street between Union Avenue and Monroe Avenue has been closed since Wednesday, July 8, as Memphis begins the first phase of a downtown streetscape improvement project. The main closure is scheduled to continue through Dec. 1, 2026.

The work affects a key route for downtown commuters, visitors, delivery vehicles and businesses near the riverfront and civic core. Drivers should allow extra travel time and check current city and downtown traffic notices before traveling through the area.

What the project will change

The Front Street Improvement Project is designed to reduce Front Street from four lanes to three and improve conditions for people walking through the corridor. Planned work includes curb bump-outs, ADA-accessible curb ramps, sidewalk improvements and new landscaping.

Because the work is being completed in phases, restrictions will change at nearby intersections during the construction period. The City of Memphis describes the dates as scheduled phases, so the timing could change as work progresses.

Next scheduled intersection restrictions

• Riverside Drive and Monroe Avenue: July 13 through Sept. 18.
• Front Street and Monroe Avenue: July 23 through Sept. 25.
• Front Street and Union Avenue: Sept. 26 through Nov. 4.

The separate intersection windows mean drivers may encounter different turning patterns and access points as crews move from one phase to the next. Pedestrians, cyclists and delivery drivers should follow posted signs and be prepared for changing routes near the work zones.

Official detours for drivers

The Memphis Police Department advises northbound traffic to use Union Avenue, S.B. B. King Boulevard and Monroe Avenue as an alternate route.

Southbound traffic should use Monroe Avenue, South Second Street and Union Avenue as an alternate route.

The police department also advises motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and use alternate routes to avoid delays. Nearby businesses and delivery operators should review the current closure information before scheduling downtown trips, particularly when a route depends on access from Union Avenue, Monroe Avenue or Riverside Drive.

What to watch next

The Dec. 1 date is a scheduled end date for the main closure, not a guarantee that every part of the work will be complete by then. Travelers should monitor updates from the City of Memphis, Memphis Police and Downtown Memphis for changes to closure dates, intersection access or detour instructions.

Sources

• City of Memphis Front Street closure notice
• Memphis Police Department traffic advisory
• Downtown Memphis road-closure and traffic-alert page