MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has updated its 10-Year Project Plan, highlighting significant infrastructure enhancements for Murfreesboro. Notably, the plan includes the widening of Old Fort Parkway (SR-96) and the development of the Cherry Lane Interchange at I-840, both aimed at improving traffic flow and supporting the city's growth.
Old Fort Parkway Widening - Old Fort Parkway, an important and busy roadway in the center of Murfreesboro, will be expanded to reduce traffic and handle more cars. The project will make the road wider to improve traffic flow. Construction is expected to start in 2031 and will cost about $61.5 million. This project is part of the city's plan to improve transportation by 2040.
In August 2024, the Murfreesboro City Council approved reallocating $18.6 million in local funds for this project, increasing the city's contribution to $25.2 million. This financial commitment will work to enhance the local transportation infrastructure in a big way. Mayor Shane McFarland emphasized that such local funding efforts have been instrumental in advancing the project's priority within TDOT's planning framework.
Cherry Lane Interchange at I-840 - The Cherry Lane Interchange project aims to improve access and reduce congestion at the I-840 interchange. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2026, with an estimated budget of $39.5 million. This development has been a long-standing goal for local officials, with discussions dating back over two decades.
Strategic Partnerships and Funding - The successful inclusion of these projects in TDOT's 10-Year Plan is attributed to strong collaborations between local and state officials. Public Infrastructure Executive Director Chris Griffith noted that the longstanding relationships fostered by Transportation Director Jim Kerr with TDOT have been pivotal. He also highlighted that the city's commitment to funding has enhanced its competitiveness for state resources, increasing the likelihood of securing necessary funding for these vital projects.
Broader Transportation Initiatives - Murfreesboro is working on several other transportation projects to improve travel around the city. One project that citizens have been well aware of for several years is the widening of New Salem Highway between the I-24 interchange and Old Fort Parkway. The addition of two more lanes will help traffic move more smoothly. Other projects include building a new road between Beasley Road and River Rock Boulevard, and creating a new access road to McKnight Park. These improvements are expected to make it easier for people to get around the city.
Murfreesboro is aiming to take a more proactive approach to addressing transportation challenges amid a growing population and evolving urban landscape.
