Nashville, TN – A key stretch of downtown Nashville reopened today for the first time since the Christmas Day 2020 RV bombing that devastated the area and injured several people.
According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, 2nd Avenue between Commerce Street and Church Street officially reopened Thursday, marking a major milestone in the city’s long recovery from the December 25, 2020, explosion.
The blast, caused by an RV detonated early Christmas morning, heavily damaged historic buildings, knocked out regional communications infrastructure, and forced the long-term closure of the popular entertainment corridor. Federal investigators later confirmed the explosion was an intentional act.
City officials joined first responders at the reopening ceremony, including Sergeant James Wells, one of the six Nashville police officers credited with saving lives that morning by evacuating residents and visitors after hearing a recorded warning message coming from the RV.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell attended the reopening alongside police officials and community leaders, calling the moment a symbol of resilience for downtown Nashville and the officers who responded under extraordinary circumstances.
The reopened section of 2nd Avenue has undergone extensive reconstruction and safety upgrades over the past several years. City leaders say additional work continues on surrounding buildings, but the restored roadway allows for improved traffic flow and pedestrian access near Broadway and the Cumberland River.
For businesses and residents, the reopening signals continued progress toward fully restoring one of Nashville’s most recognizable historic districts.
Drivers and pedestrians are advised to remain alert as traffic patterns normalize in the area.
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