RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - The Tennessee Department of Transportation continues to work on a proposal for Choice Lanes... That was TDOT Community Relations Officer Rebecca Hammonds who reported that this is the first time that a Choice Lanes Project has been proposed for Tennessee.

While the project is still being examined, moving forward with the construction of new traffic lanes on the interstate would be funded under the Transportation Modernization Act. The earmarked finances for this Public-Private Partnership (P3) allow for the government to partner with the private sector to design, build, finance, operate and maintain Choice Lanes in Tennessee.

Currently, there are no toll roads or "Choice Lanes" in the Volunteer State, but don't confuse the two because they are different... Similar roads exist in over a dozen urban areas across the United States, according to TDOT.

In addition to maximum speed limits, these lanes of travel would also have a minimum speed limit set for motorist. And while the lanes will cost drivers a fee, the lanes will be open to public buses and first responders for free.

After studying growth patterns for years, TDOT started focusing more on I-24 as a starting point for Choice Lanes... Environmental studies are underway and expected to be completed in 2025. The state has a 10-year project plan for transportation and Choice Lanes that will begin with the section of interstate between Nashville and Murfreesboro. The open comment period on Choice Lanes will end on September 19, 2024 and construction on the new lanes, if all goes as planned, will begin in 2027. Learn more about Choice Lanes HERE.