🛑 Why Traffic In Jackson Seems To Only Get Worse! 🛑

Happy Easter To All In The HubCity & Beyond!

Traffic will likely be heavier than usual, so we hope that everyone travels safely while on the roads today! Because we all know that driving is not one of our strong suits here in Jackson! 😅 

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

• Outdated Road Layouts 🏙️

• More People Equals More Traffic 🚗 

• The City Is Struggling To Keep Up 🏗️

• Weekly Events For The Kids 🛝

• Weekly Events For The Whole Family 🎡 

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

If you've ever sat at the light on Vann Drive or South Highland for what feels like an eternity, you're not alone. We asked our followers on a previous post on Facebook, which area in Jackson has the worst traffic — and the responses poured in. From North Parkway to the 45 Bypass, the message was clear: Jackson's traffic is stressing people out.

But what’s really behind the congestion? Let’s break it down ⬇️

🏙️ Outdated Road Layouts 🏙️

One of the biggest problems is simple: our city wasn’t built for this many cars.

Many of Jackson’s main roads — like Old Hickory, Hollywood, and even parts of Highland were designed back when Jackson had fewer people, fewer businesses, and fewer visitors.

Now, areas that used to flow just fine are overwhelmed. There’s little to no room to add more lanes or widen roads without disrupting businesses, neighborhoods, or green space.

Think about Vann Drive, what started as a retail hotspot now feels more like a bumper-to-bumper bottleneck. As more businesses have popped up, the roads just haven’t kept pace. It’s like trying to fit a size 12 foot in a size 9 shoe. 😬

🚗 More People Equals More Traffic 🚗

It’s not just Jackson growing, it’s Tennessee as a whole.

The state is one of the fastest-growing in the country, with projections showing over 1 million new residents expected by 2040. Many people are fleeing bigger cities like Denver, Nashville, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami and Chicago looking for affordable living and less traffic, which brings some of them to Jackson.

More subdivisions are going up, more out-of-town plates are showing up, and traffic is increasing, especially during peak hours.

What used to be a 10 to 15 minute trip across town can now take 30–40 minutes on the wrong day or time.

Even areas that used to feel “quiet,” like the north and west sides, are now starting to feel the impact of new residents and constant construction. 🏡🚧

🏗️ The City Is Struggling To Keep Up 🏗️

Jackson leaders know traffic is getting worse but solving this problem isn’t that simple.

The reality is, infrastructure is expensive. Whether it's widening roads, building overpasses, upgrading traffic lights, or repaving streets, it all costs money that the city doesn't always have on hand.

In fact, funding issues have come up several times during city budget discussions. Jackson is trying to catch up, but every project takes time and careful planning and with limited funds, not everything can be done at once.

The State of Tennessee is stepping in, with an additional $1 Billion Dollars. They’ve acknowledged that roads across the state need serious updates, which is why they're setting aside money specifically for road repairs and infrastructure upgrades. That’s good news for Jackson… but again, progress takes time.

💭 Final Takeaway 💭

So why does traffic in Jackson feel like it’s only getting worse?

• The roads were built for a smaller population 🛣️

• More people (and cars) are moving here every month 🚘

• And the city is working to catch up, but it’s a slow and expensive process 💸

One thing’s for sure: you’re not imagining it.

Whether you’re dodging school pickup traffic, stuck on the bypass during rush hour, or just trying to get through Vann Drive without losing your mind, Jackson’s traffic problem is very real.

Comment your thoughts after you vote! What part of Jackson drives you the craziest in traffic — and what would you fix first?

Lastly, be sure to support a local business, organization or project by checking out our curated list of events happening this week in and around Jackson! 👀👍️ 

Monday, April 21st

Story Time 📖
Date: Monday, April 21st
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Parents & Children Are Invited To Come Enjoy A Story, Sing, Dance, Craft & Make Friends All Under One Roof!

Tuesday, April 22nd

From Earth To The Universe 🌌
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd 
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Wednesday, April 23rd

Earth Storytime With Miss Ashley 🌎
Date: Wednesday, April 23rd
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Humboldt Public Library
Price: Free
Age: 3 - 7 Years

Thursday, April 24th

Coding Club (Meet Fellow Programmers) 🖥️
Date: Thursday, April 24th
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 9 Years Old & Up

Friday, April 25th

Interactive Movie Night
Date: Friday, April 25th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Movie: Labyrinth (1986 Rated PG)
Age: All Ages Invited  (Light Snacks & Drinks Provided)

Saturday, April 26th

Super Smash Bros Monthly Tournament 🎮️
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: (Click For Pricing) 
Additional Details: Registration Starts At 5:00 PM & The Tournament Begins At 6:00 PM. (Please Bring Your Own Nintendo Switch Controller) 

Tween & Teen Sewing 🪡
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Age: 11 - 18 (Parent Must Be Present For 13 & Under)
Additional Details: All Skill Levels Are Welcomed!

Monday, April 21st

Story Time 📖
Date: Monday, April 21st
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Parents & Children Are Invited To Come Enjoy A Story, Sing, Dance, Craft & Make Friends All Under One Roof!

Farkle 🎲
Date: Monday, April 21st
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: $3 (Includes Game, Finger Foods & Refreshments)

American Sign Language Practice 👌
Date: Monday, April 21st
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: All Ages Welcome

Tuesday, April 22nd

Crafternoon Special 🧶
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd
Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Bring Your Kids In For A Great Crafternoon & Let Them Craft Whatever Their Hearts Desire!

Jackson Roadshow Free Event 🪙
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Fairfield Inn & Suites Jackson
Price: Free Appraisals
Additional Details: Jackson Area Residents & Surrounding Counties Come On Down!  Do You Have An Old Coin, Collectibles, Jewelry Or Precious Metal That You Would Like An Expert To Look At For Free?  This Is The Event For You! We Even Make Offers To Purchase On Site!

From Earth To The Universe 🌌
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd 
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Teen Hangout: Creativity Day 🎲
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: The Humboldt Library
Ages: 12 - 17 Years Old
Price: Free

Wednesday, April 23rd

Keto Meal Planning Class🍖
Date: Wednesday, April 23rd
Time: 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM
Location: Westwood Community Center
Price: Free
Additional Details: Get Ready To Learn Recipes From A Certified Instructor/Author In Our Free Keto Planning Class!

Jackson Roadshow Free Event 🪙
Date: Wednesday, April 23rd
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Fairfield Inn & Suites Jackson
Price: Free Appraisals
Additional Details: Jackson Area Residents & Surrounding Counties Come On Down!  Do You Have An Old Coin, Collectibles, Jewelry Or Precious Metal That You Would Like An Expert To Look At For Free?  This Is The Event For You! We Even Make Offers To Purchase On Site!

Earth Storytime With Miss Ashley 🌎
Date: Wednesday, April 23rd
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Humboldt Public Library
Price: Free
Age: 3 - 7 Years

Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt - Jackson Tennessee 🧩
Date: Wednesday, April 23rd
Time: 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Time Based On How Long It Takes To Solve.)
Location: 119 East College Street
Price: (Click For Pricing)

Thursday, April 24th

FHU Legacy Jazz Ensemble 🎷
Date:Thursday, April 24th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Freed-Hardeman University (Draughon Recital Hall)
Price: Free
Additional Details: Come Out & Celebrate The Hardworking Students Musicians As They Bring You A Wonderful Classic Jazz Performance.

Coding Club (Meet Fellow Programmers) 🖥️
Date: Thursday, April 24th
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 9 Years Old & Up

Thursday Adult Game Night 🎮
Date: Thursday, April 24th
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Age: (18+ Gamers Only)
Additional Details: Come Hangout & Find Your Late Night Gaming Community! This Event Is Exclusively For Gamers 18 and Older.

Second Chance Job Fair & Resources 👷
Date: Thursday, April 24th
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Jackson State Community College (Gym)
Additional Details: Sometimes We All Need A Second Chance! Come See Us This Thursday! Meet Plenty Of Local Employers, Education & Training Opportunities & Community Resources To Help Get You To The Next Step In Your Life!

Friday, April 25th

From Earth To The Universe 🌌
Date: Friday, April 25th 
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Interactive Movie Night
Date: Friday, April 25th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Movie: Labyrinth (1986 Rated PG)
Age: All Ages Invited  (Light Snacks & Drinks Provided)

Jackson Circus Classic 🎪
Date: Friday, April 25th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Additional Details: The Circus Is In Town & Everyone Is Invited! Don’t Miss Out On This Event For The Whole Family As The Circus Returns To Jackson. Be Sure To Check Out The Kids Fun Zone With A Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Pony Rides, Circus Treats & More! 

Free Donut Friday 🍩
Date: Friday, April 25th
Time: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: Farmers Insurance - Vanessa Correa
Price: Free
Additional Details: Come Grab A Free Donut & Coffee! Are You Looking For A Job & Need Someone To Review Your Resume? We Got You Covered! While You're Here, Take A Chance & Spin Our Prize Wheel To See What You Can Win. Don’t Forget To Ask Us About Our Office & Printer Services. 

Spring Into Opportunity Hiring Event 👷
Date: Friday, April 25th
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Manpower 
Additional Details: There Will Be On The Spot Interviews For Qualified Candidates So Be Sure To Bring Your Resume & Two Forms Of ID! Whether You Are Entry Level Or Experienced, There Is Something Here For You!

Saturday, April 26th

Jackson Circus Classic 🎪
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Additional Details: The Circus Is In Town & Everyone Is Invited! Don’t Miss Out On This Event For The Whole Family As The Circus Returns To Jackson. Be Sure To Check Out The Kids Fun Zone With A Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Pony Rides, Circus Treats & More!

Kids’ Pokemon Trading Club 🐊
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Additional Details: Meetup With Other Pokemon Enthusiasts To Talk, Make New Friends, Trade Pokemon Cards & Have Fun.

Jackson Roadshow Free Event 🪙
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Fairfield Inn & Suites Jackson
Price: Free Appraisals
Additional Details: Jackson Area Residents & Surrounding Counties Come On Down!  Do You Have An Old Coin, Collectibles, Jewelry Or Precious Metal That You Would Like An Expert To Look At For Free?  This Is The Event For You! We Even Make Offers To Purchase On Site! 

Kids' Saturday Morning Planetarium Show: Max Goes To The Moon 🔭
Date: Saturday, April 26th 
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Jackson Circus Classic 🎪
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Additional Details: The Circus Is In Town & Everyone Is Invited! Don’t Miss Out On This Event For The Whole Family As The Circus Returns To Jackson. Be Sure To Check Out The Kids Fun Zone With A Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Pony Rides, Circus Treats & More! 

Super Smash Bros Monthly Tournament 🎮️
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: (Click For Pricing) 
Additional Details: Registration Starts At 5:00 PM & The Tournament Begins At 6:00 PM. (Please Bring Your Own Nintendo Switch Controller) 

Tween & Teen Sewing 🪡
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Age: 11 - 18 (Parent Must Be Present For 13 & Under)
Additional Details: All Skill Levels Are Welcomed!

Vintage Makers Music & Art Festival 🎶
Dates: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: West TN Farmers Market
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: Come Shop With Over 60 Vendors While Listening To Amazing Artists From Around West Tennessee Perform Live! Come Out & Enj

Sunday, April 27th

Fortnite Solo Monthlies 🎮️
Date: Sunday, February 27th
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: (Check For Pricing)
Additional Details: This Is A PC Only Event, So Don’t Forget To Bring Your Equipment! This Event Is Also Open To All Ages! Registration Starts At 5 & The Tournament Starts At 6. 

Vintage Makers Music & Art Festival 🎶
Dates: Sunday, April 27th
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: West TN Farmers Market
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: Come Shop With Over 60 Vendors While Listening To Amazing Artists From Around West Tennessee Perform Live! Come Out & Enjoy Others In The Community, Shop With Local Artists, Taste Great Food & Have Fun!

Jackson Circus Classic 🎪
Date: Sunday, April 27th
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Additional Details: The Circus Is In Town & Everyone Is Invited! Don’t Miss Out On This Event For The Whole Family As The Circus Returns To Jackson. Be Sure To Check Out The Kids Fun Zone With A Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Pony Rides, Circus Treats & More!