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- calendar_today October 29, 2026
Major Commitment for Interstate 24 Toll Lanes
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has reached a groundbreaking agreement with DriveTN, the contractor selected to build and manage toll lanes—branded as "choice lanes"—along 26 miles of Interstate 24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro. The deal promises over $140 billion in concession fees to the state over the course of 50 years, marking a significant increase from earlier proposals.
Background: Choice Lanes Project Overview
The new toll lanes, or choice lanes as described by TDOT, will not replace or diminish current free travel lanes. Instead, they will be added to the existing infrastructure, providing drivers an option to pay for faster travel. Existing lanes will remain available at no cost to the public. The construction aims to address growing Nashville traffic and provide an alternative route between two major Tennessee cities.
Revised Financial Terms—A Substantial Increase
When originally chosen for the project, DriveTN proposed to pay nearly $25 billion in state concession fees, on top of absorbing the estimated $9.2 billion construction cost. The new agreement dramatically increases those figures. During the expected eight-year construction phase, DriveTN will distribute approximately $7.7 billion to the state. Following completion, over a 50-year operating period, the concession fees paid to Tennessee are projected to exceed $140 billion.
Projected Timeline and Community Involvement
The construction phase is set to last around eight years, with TDOT estimating the interstate 24 choice lanes will open in 2035. To inform and engage the public, TDOT has announced a pair of community meetings in November:
- November 17: Trevecca Nazarene University, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- November 18: Smyrna Event Center, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
According to TDOT, the same information will be covered at each event, and all details will also be available through the project's official website.
Details and Further Resources
TDOT will make key documentation, project plans, and community updates accessible online at the project website. Residents and road users are encouraged to consult these resources or attend a community meeting to learn more about the toll lane construction and the broader infrastructure project.
Looking Ahead
The Interstate 24 toll lanes initiative represents a major long-term infrastructure project and a significant public-private partnership for Tennessee. With substantial state concession fees and a design that leaves existing traffic lanes intact, the project is intended to offer additional travel options along a busy corridor and address ongoing challenges with Nashville traffic.
Source: wpln.org.
