North Thompson Lane (State Route 268)
Rutherford County
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), will construct widening improvements to approximately 4.3 miles of North Thompson Lane (State Route 268) from State Route 1 (Northwest Broad Street) to State Route 10 (Memorial Boulevard). The existing right-of-way (ROW) ranges from 80 feet to 200 feet. Improvements include widening to four travel lanes with a center turn lane, and curb and gutter. Sidewalks will also be provided on both sides of North Thompson Lane, as well as a shared use path from near the Bridge over the West Fork Stones River to near State Route 10 (Memorial Boulevard). Traffic signals will be interconnected into the existing fiber optic network to provide for a future coordinated arterial signal system.
The primary needs along North Thompson Lane are to increase vehicular capacity and to improve safety. The existing two-lane arterial is deficient in its capacity to provide an acceptable level of service. The improved facility will better meet current and future projected traffic volumes. The project will also replace the existing bridge structure over the West Fork Stones River to meet current bridge standards.
This project is identified for funding in TDOT's 10-Year Project Plan, with construction slated for Fiscal Year 2026.
Current Status: This project is scheduled for the June 26, 2026 bid letting.
Estimated construction start: Fall 2026
Estimated completion*: Q2 2030
Funding Type: The project is funded with a combination of Federal and State funds. TDOT anticipates that this project will be funded in part through the Transportation Modernization Fund.
Traffic Impacts
When construction begins, weekly lane closure reports can be viewed here: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/
Sign up to recieve advisories related to N. Thompson Lane Widening Project here.
Lane closures will be permitted from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. when school is in session. When school is not in session, lane closures will be permitted from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Bike lanes will be closed during construction.
The Thompson Lane Trailhead Canoe Ramp will be closed throughout construction. Signage will be posted at nearby boat ramps within the City of Murfreesboro along West Stones River, informing boaters of the construction and closure. Signage for alternate boater access points will also be utilized.
Public Involvement and Engagement
A Design Public Meeting was held in June 2015.
A public informational meeting will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Erma Siegel Elementary School. This will be an open-house style meeting, allowing the public to come and go as they please.
Environment
A “D-List” Categorical Exclusion was originally approved in January 2019. It was most recently reevaluated and approved in July 2023.
Project Materials
See below for details on signal upgrades and additions, as well as the placement of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB).
Project Contacts
Erin Zeigler
TDOT Region 3 Regional Communications Officer (Media)
Phone: 629.277.2458
Email: Erin.Zeigler@tn.gov
Halen Tyler
TDOT Region 3 Communications Specialist (Media/Website)
Phone: 629.239.8524
Email: Halen.Tyler@tn.gov
Daniel Jordan
TDOT Region 3 Project Management
Email: Daniel.2.Jordan@tn.gov