Murfreesboro, TN - During its inaugural session in January, the Transportation Modernization Board unanimously endorsed the inclusion of "choice lanes" for Interstate 24, connecting Nashville and Murfreesboro, in the upcoming Department of Transportation improvement plan.

 

Established through the Transportation Modernization Act passed in the previous state legislative session, the board's primary mandate is to sanction the recommended TDOT-designated choice lanes, also termed as "user-fee facilities." A recent move by Democrats involves proposing a bill to amend the language of the TMA, stipulating that TDOT must secure approval from local governments where proposed toll lanes are slated for construction.

 

Notably, the choice lane initiatives entail the addition of fresh lanes in designated areas without altering existing lanes, with drivers required to pay a toll for accessing the newly constructed lanes. TDOT's unveiled 10-year plan in December underscored the priority status of the Nashville-Murfreesboro project and indicated the state's intention to solicit bids from private entities for the project by late this year.

 

TDOT has identified potential future locations for similar initiatives, including I-65 between Nashville and Spring Hill, along with sites in Chattanooga and Knoxville.

 

In a decisive meeting held on Monday, February 26, the transportation modernization board unanimously endorsed commencing the choice lanes project on I-24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro. The initial phase will concentrate on environmental assessments, planning studies, and engaging in community dialogues. Construction activities for the first phases are scheduled to commence no earlier than the summer of 2026.