Tennessee proposes new Choice Lanes on I-24 to reduce congestion

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) held a public meeting on May 24, 2025, to discuss the proposed I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project, which aims to enhance traffic flow between Nashville and Murfreesboro. The project will introduce approximately 26 miles of priced managed lanes, known as Choice Lanes, allowing motorists to bypass congestion for a user fee.

Choice Lanes are designed to improve travel time reliability and regional connectivity for thousands of daily commuters and transit riders. The initiative promises to save valuable time for various users, including business owners, public transit riders, and rideshare drivers. By shifting some traffic to these new lanes, TDOT anticipates improved conditions in the existing general purpose lanes, leading to a better quality of life, enhanced air quality, and reduced transportation costs.

A key distinction between Choice Lanes and traditional toll roads is that the former offers motorists the option to use them without mandatory fees. While toll roads require all users to pay, Choice Lanes allow drivers to choose whether to pay the user fee or remain in the general lanes at no cost. The user fees collected will not contribute to state tax revenue; instead, they will be used by a private partner to maintain and operate the lanes, freeing up state funds for other transportation projects.

Funding for the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project will be facilitated through a public-private partnership (P3), enabled by the Transportation Modernization Act (TMA) passed in 2023. This legislation allows TDOT to collaborate with private entities for project delivery and includes provisions for fee parity between electric and traditional vehicles. The TMA also allocated a one-time $3 billion general fund transfer to support the project.

Overall, the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project represents a significant step towards improving traffic management in Tennessee, leveraging private investment to enhance transportation infrastructure while minimizing the impact on state funding. Further discussions on the project are expected as TDOT continues to engage with the public and stakeholders.