Effects Of "Choice Lane" Project On Cannon Commuters

History and Background

Historic growth in Tennessee has increased traffic levels in urban areas. The resulting chronic congestion, which spans key corridors, stresses the urgency to modernize infrastructure to meet current and future growth. TDOT's Congestion Studies estimate that $30 billion (2022) is needed to address both urban and rural congestion in Tennessee. Choice Lanes are an emerging urban congestion solution now possible in Tennessee with the authorization of P3s.

The additional state funding provided through the Transportation Modernization Act expands TDOT's opportunities for federal grants and accelerates urban congestion projects, including Choice Lanes. TDOT's 10-Year Project Plan identified the I-24 Southeast corridor between I-40 in Nashville and I-840 in Murfreesboro as a priority urban congestion relief project to deliver as Tennessee's first Choice Lanes project, and the Transportation Modernization Board approved the proposed Project to be added to TDOT's 3-Year Plan and advance environmental studies on February 26, 2024. The proposed Choice Lanes on I-24 Southeast are part of a larger program of proposed Choice Lanes projects in some of the most congested areas of Tennessee.

Utilizing a P3 for Choice Lanes is a powerful approach to addressing urban-area congestion and preserving critical funds to address congestion-related challenges in rural areas, like widening interstates to six lanes. Tennessee's Choice Lanes would be new lanes--funded in partnership with the private sector-- added to congested urban highways that allow motorists an option of paying a voluntary user fee in exchange for faster, more reliable travel speeds and trip times.

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.

The open comment period for the proposed I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project is from August 14 to September 19, 2024. TDOT is hosting four public meetings, three in-person and one virtual option. We encourage you to attend the meetings to review the project materials and speak directly with the project team. If you are unable to attend the meetings, please review the project materials linked below and provide your feedback on the proposed project. The materials will be available for review throughout the open comment period.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Wednesday, August 21, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Smyrna Event Center
100 Sam Ridley Parkway E, Smyrna, TN 37167

Wednesday, August 28, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Fairgrounds Nashville
401 Wingrove Street, Nashville, TN 37203

Thursday, August 29, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Southeast Community Center
5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy #202, Antioch, TN 37013

TDOT held an introduction live stream for stakeholders on March 21, 2024.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodations to participate in the public meetings may contact Shanna Chevalier, TDOT ADA Coordinator, at (615) 471-0465 or TTY: 711, or via email at shanna.chevalier@tn.gov at least seven days prior to the meeting.

Request a Speaker for Your Meeting

Is your community organization or group interested in learning more about the proposed project? Click here to request
a speaker from TDOT to discuss the proposed.

Public Meeting Materials

Click here to review all the materials in a virtual meeting room and leave a public comment.

• Project Overview
• Design
• Alternative 1
• Alternative 2
• Traffic
• Environmental
• Benefits for Transit
• Right-of-Way
• Public Comment

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 Comments

Remember to review all project information and submit your comments no later than Thursday, September 19. You can provide comments by using any of the following methods:

1. Click here to complete an online survey for the project.
2. Dial the project hotline at (615) 451-8039 to leave a recorded comment (please provide name and contact information).
3. Print a hard copy of a comment response form and submit it via email (TDOT.24ChoiceLanes@tn.gov) or U.S. Mail:
   Tennessee Department of Transportation
   505 Deaderick Street, Suite 700 James K. Polk Building
   Nashville, TN 37243-0332

Public Involvement Resources

• TDOT's Public Involvement Plan
• TDOT's Policy on Highway Noise Abatement
• Environmental Justice

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.