Interstate 24 Southeast Choice Lanes

Davidson and Rutherford counties

The proposed Interstate 24 (I-24) Southeast Choice Lanes project would construct new, optional Choice Lanes on I-24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro. Choice Lanes are priced-managed lanes that use pricing to proactively manage demand and provide travel-time reliability. The proposed Choice Lanes would allow motorists to maintain consistent travel speeds even when the adjacent existing lanes are congested.

By adding capacity to this heavily traveled roadway, operations are expected to improve in this major growth area. Choice Lanes would provide another option for motorists to bypass congestion, allowing motorists to maintain consistent travel times. The Choice Lanes would be new, optional lanes designed, built, financed, operated and maintained by a private-sector partner through a Public-Private Partnership (P3), with initial funding provided by the Transportation Modernization Act (TMA).

Current Status: The Transportation Modernization Board voted to approve the department's continued development of the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project. The Environmental Assessment for the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project remains under review by FHWA. Before final approval, additional analysis will be conducted and integrated into the document to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. TDOT is revisiting portions of the environmental review to further assess potential benefits of allowing heavy trucks in the Choice Lanes. This study aims to improve traffic flow, enhance safety in general purpose lanes, and optimize road efficiency for all motorists. Given the importance of these evaluations, addressing them now helps mitigate the risk of future schedule or timeline impacts.

Funding Type: Transportation Modernization Act funds have been allocated for a partial public contribution for the proposed project, which would be delivered through a P3, where the private sector partner would design, build, finance, operate and maintain the proposed project.

History and Background

Tennessee’s historic growth has significantly increased traffic in urban areas, leading to chronic congestion along key corridors. This highlights the urgent need to modernize infrastructure to accommodate both current and future demand. According to TDOT’s Congestion Studies, an estimated $30 billion (as of 2022) is required to address congestion in both urban and rural areas. With the authorization of P3s, Choice Lanes have emerged as a viable solution to help alleviate urban congestion

Public Involvement and Engagement

In accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations and under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), an environmental document is required that identifies the significance of a project’s environmental impact. Environmental studies are underway, and the project team will communicate and coordinate with the public and stakeholders often.

Previous public meetings were held in August 2024, since these meetings TDOT has decided to re portions of the environmental review based on stakeholder feedback. The feedback and comments received during the previous public meetings is valuable and will continue to inform the proposed Project moving forward. The public can review the project materials linked below or in our virtual public meeting room.

A public comment period for the proposed I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project took place between August 14 and September 19, 2024. A summary of the feedback received from the public can be found here.

Throughout this project, we have been and will continue to be committed to a comprehensive review process that includes public input. A public hearing will be hosted in 2025 to review the Environmental Assessment and collect feedback from the public. Following TDOT on Facebook, Instagram and X, and subscribing to the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes newsletter are all ways you can stay up to date on this project.

Previous Public Meetings

Wednesday, August 14, 5 p.m.
Virtual Public Information Meeting
View a recording of the virtual public meeting held on August 14, 2024, here.

Wednesday, August 21, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Smyrna Event Center

Wednesday, August 28, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Fairgrounds Nashville

Thursday, August 29, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Southeast Community Center

TDOT has also held three live stream presentations for stakeholders, the first being in August 2024, the second in March 2024 and the third in December 2024. You can watch the recordings of those streams below.

March Stakeholder Live Stream

August Stakeholder Live Stream

December Stakeholder Live Stream

Public Meeting Materials

Request translated project materials by contacting us at TDOT.24.ChoiceLanes@tn.gov or by calling (615) 451-8039.

Solicite materiales del proyecto traducidos al español comunicándose con nosotros al TDOT.24.ChoiceLanes@tn.gov o llamando al (615) 451-8039.

Daxwaza materyalên projeyê yên wergerandî TDOT.24.ChoiceLanes@tn.gov or calling (615) 451-8039.

Public Involvement Resources

Is your organization or group interested in learning more about the proposed project? Click here to request a speaker to discuss the proposed I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project.

Newsletter

Stay up to date on Tennessee's first-ever Choice Lanes project! Sign up for our project newsletter today by clicking here.

May 2025 Newsletter

April 2025 Newsletter

March 2025 Newsletter

February 2025 Newsletter

December 2024 Newsletter

"Happy Holidays from the TDOT Choice Lanes Team! 🎄We've had a busy year and want to make sure that you all know where we are with the development of the proposed project."