Now that the new Robertson Road exit on I-40 nears its November completion target date, a sole beam erected months ago in the median of the interstate gives passersby the appearance of being unneeded.

This support, which has elicited the curiosities of many West Nashville commuters, actually is there for a reason. According to Julie Oaks, who works in community relations with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the beam will be utilized in the second phase of the project. It will support a flyover from I-40 to Briley Parkway and was poured in advance so that the ramp's construction could occur without having to close the interstate.

Phase two of the project has not yet been let to contract.