Image Credit: Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
As a result of Gov. Bill Lee’s (R-TN) Transportation Modernization Act, Tennessee’s Department of Transportation (TDOT) has been approved to move forward with plans for toll roads in the state.
During a February 26th meeting of the Transportation Modernization Board, members unanimously voted to begin the state’s toll road project with I-24 from Nashville to Murfreesboro.
Supporters of bringing toll lanes to Tennessee have cited the major increase in population over the last several years which has led to greater traffic on the roads.
According to TDOT, over 600,000 people moved to Tennessee from out of state between 2010 and 2020. This is without taking into consideration the number of people who have fled to Tennessee from other states in the years since 2020.
TDOT has also stated that the state’s roadways are not prepared to withstand the use of this continually increasing population.
“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know this is one of the most traveled corridors in the state,” said TDOT Community Relations Officer Rebekah Hammonds, “and with the anticipated growth in that area, we know that this particular corridor is one that really needs to be addressed.”
However, Tennesseans will not be driving on toll roads anytime soon. The first phases of toll lane construction are not slated to begin until the summer of 2026.
For now several studies will be conducted on the area of concern. This includes feasibility studies and congestion studies.
Once these studies conclude, TDOT will begin to review bids from private companies that the state could partner with to complete the project.
“A private entity will take on the cost design, construction, maintenance of these projects,” said Hammonds. “With this, the private entity will take on that cost, but will recoup it through those user fees that those choice lanes will have.”
Exact numbers for how much it will cost drivers to use these toll roads are not yet available.
Some Democrat state lawmakers have been pushing for local governments to have a say in whether these “choice lanes” are implemented in their area of the state.
In response, Gov. Lee has argued that his administration is not creating “dedicated toll roads” that drivers are forced to use, but “choice roads” that drivers may choose to use at their discretion.
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee.
You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
