Committee approves intergovernmental agreement with TDOT to permit Metro-owned fiber in state rights-of-way

The Government Operations & Regulations Committee approved RS2025-1567, a resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement between the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, through the Department of Information Technology Services, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation to install and maintain private-use facilities and fiber optic cabling in state rights-of-way.

Jesse Turner, with the Metropolitan Department of Information Technology Services, told the committee the agreement allows Metro to acquire TDOT permits to install fiber optic cabling or supporting infrastructure in TDOT corridors and to cross state-owned properties when necessary. "It's Metro-owned and operated fiber, and we do utilize that fiber for traffic signal controls, sensors, adapters, as well as connectivity, within the Metro government to other Metro facilities," Turner said.

Turner said the agreement requires Metro to follow TDOT processes and procedures, and that for some work—such as crossing an interstate—TDOT requires road control and temporary lane closures. "They have to shut the interstate down while we're working over the top of the interstate in case somebody drops something. We don't want to hit a vehicle and that type of thing," he said. Turner also said Metro has already acquired the bond TDOT requires for insurance purposes so Metro can submit rolling permits and requests to TDOT.

Committee members moved the resolution off consent for separate consideration; after Turner answered questions about the scope and the permitting process, members approved the resolution by voice vote. The committee did not announce a roll-call tally during the record; the meeting transcript records a voice vote in favor with no opposition noted.

Actions

- Motion: Approve RS2025-1567, intergovernmental agreement with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for installation and maintenance of private license-use facilities and fiber optic cabling in state rights-of-way. Mover: not specified. Second: not specified. Outcome: approved. Vote record: not specified in transcript. Notes: Committee members asked clarifying questions about permits, road-control requirements and bond; staff said Metro has acquired the required bond.

Why it matters

The agreement gives Metro formal permission and a permitting pathway to place and maintain Metro-owned fiber in state-controlled corridors and to cross state properties where needed. Metro staff said the fiber supports traffic signal controls and connectivity among municipal facilities; TDOT permitting and bond requirements continue to govern work on state routes and interstate crossings.

Clarifying details from the meeting

- Purpose: Acquire TDOT permits to install Metro-owned fiber and supporting infrastructure in state rights-of-way. - Uses: Traffic signal controls, sensors, adapters and connectivity among Metro facilities (per Jesse Turner). - TDOT requirements: Metro must follow TDOT processes; interstate crossings may require road control and temporary closure; Metro has obtained the bond TDOT requires. - Example corridor: Broadway and crossings over I-65 were cited as illustrative situations where TDOT permits and road control apply.

What the record shows

Turner explained permitting, safety and bond requirements in response to committee questions. The committee approved the resolution after the discussion; no public comment on this item was recorded.