I-24 Choice Lanes to Murfreesboro Reach Commercial Close With DriveTN

TDOT has reached commercial close with DriveTN on the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes, a 50-year deal to add optional paid lanes on about 26 miles of I-24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro. The existing general-purpose lanes stay free, financial close is targeted for 2027, and public open houses are planned for November.

The I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project between Nashville and Murfreesboro has reached commercial close. The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced on Sept. 30, 2026, that it has finalized the contractual framework with DriveTN, the private partner selected to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the new lanes under a 50-year contract.

For Rutherford County commuters, the project is the state's plan for the most congested corridor in Tennessee: about 26 miles of I-24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro in Davidson and Rutherford counties.

What Are the I-24 Choice Lanes?

TDOT describes the project as the state's first Choice Lanes facility. According to the project page, it will add two new Choice Lanes in each direction on I-24, giving drivers another option when a more reliable trip matters.

The key word, TDOT says, is choice:

• No existing general-purpose lanes will be removed.
• Drivers can keep using the general-purpose lanes at no cost.
• Drivers who choose the new lanes will pay a user fee.

TDOT says the revenue generated by the project will support the cost of financing, designing, building, operating and maintaining the Choice Lanes. The agency frames it as a way for urban congestion to help pay for solutions to urban congestion while preserving traditional transportation funding for needs elsewhere in Tennessee.

TDOT has not published a toll rate for the lanes on the pages OnlyInMurfreesboro reviewed.

What Does Commercial Close Mean?

Commercial close sets the contractual framework for DriveTN's role on the project. It follows the Transportation Modernization Board's approval of TDOT's selection of DriveTN at the board's Aug. 19 meeting. TDOT selected DriveTN through what it calls a competitive, best-value procurement.

The next step is financial close, which TDOT describes as the final procurement milestone. TDOT and DriveTN are working toward financial close in 2027.

When Can the Public Learn More?

TDOT says the public will have a chance to learn about DriveTN's technical proposal at open house meetings planned for November. Dates, locations and other meeting details have not been announced yet; TDOT says they will be shared in the coming weeks.

The project page also offers a Choice Lanes FAQ, a procurement selection fact sheet, a project newsletter sign-up and a way to request a speaker on Choice Lanes.

How Did the Project Get Here?

According to TDOT's project page:

• Public meetings were held in August 2024, and TDOT revised portions of its environmental review after stakeholder feedback.
• A second round of public information meetings took place in September and October 2025.
• Public hearings under the National Environmental Policy Act were held in March 2026 on the project's Environmental Assessment.
• The Federal Highway Administration approved a Finding of No Significant Impact on June 16, 2026.

TDOT says the project is meant to increase capacity, improve travel times and address limited funding so the work can be delivered faster. The agency also notes that Choice Lanes do not replace Tennessee's need for long-term, sustainable transportation funding.

What It Means for Murfreesboro Drivers

I-24 is the main commuting route between Rutherford County and Nashville, and the corridor is already busy with shorter-term work. TDOT is finishing I-24 resurfacing between the Davidson County line and Baker Road, with weekend ramp closures at Sam Ridley Parkway, Almaville Road and Waldron Road this month; OnlyInMurfreesboro's I-24 ramp closures guide has the current schedule. Closer to town, TDOT's North Thompson Lane widening is underway on the city's north side.

Drivers comparing commute options can also see the Murfreesboro to Nashville guide, and newcomers can read more about living here in the moving to Murfreesboro guide and the Rutherford County guide. For other communities along the corridor, see the Smyrna and La Vergne pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the I-24 Choice Lanes replace existing lanes?

No. TDOT says no existing general-purpose lanes will be removed, and drivers can continue using them at no cost.

How long are the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes?

The proposed project covers approximately 26 miles of I-24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro in Davidson and Rutherford counties, with two new Choice Lanes in each direction.

Who is building the I-24 Choice Lanes?

TDOT selected DriveTN as its partner. Under a 50-year contract, DriveTN will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Choice Lanes.

How much will the I-24 Choice Lanes cost to use?

Drivers who use the Choice Lanes will pay a user fee. TDOT has not published a rate on its project page or in its Sept. 30 announcement.

When is the next I-24 Choice Lanes milestone?

TDOT and DriveTN are working toward financial close, the final procurement milestone, in 2027.

When are the I-24 Choice Lanes open houses?

TDOT says open houses on DriveTN's technical proposal are planned for November 2026. Dates and locations will be announced in the coming weeks.

Sources: Tennessee Department of Transportation: TDOT Reaches Commercial Close on I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes Project, Tennessee Department of Transportation: Interstate 24 Southeast Choice Lanes project page.

*Illustration: AI-generated image; not the actual I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes.*