The Murfreesboro City Council on July 31 approved contracts and an estimated deposit to cover the city’s portion of water and sewer relocations for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Thompson Lane widening project.

City staff said the total estimated construction cost for the department’s water and sewer relocations associated with the four‑mile TDOT project is about $16.2 million. TDOT’s chapter 86 reimbursement for utility relocations for the project is approximately $3.5 million (split across water and sewer), leaving an estimated city deposit of about $12,740,000 to be placed in an interest‑bearing account while TDOT manages the construction.

Public works staff asked the council to authorize signing the TDOT contract and depositing the city’s estimated share. Council members also discussed pursuing additional reimbursement from TDOT because this project covers a longer length than is typical for a single TDOT contract. Staff said the city will seek any additional TDOT funds back into the deposited account if they become available.

The council voted to approve entering the contracts and making the deposit. Council members indicated they expect additional easement negotiations and potential change orders related to right‑of‑way and temporary construction easements; staff said those costs are separate from the construction deposit and will be presented as they arise.