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TDOT expands mowing, litter pickup and pilots private performance contracts in urban corridors
Summary
TDOT told the committee it added $6.4 million this year to mowing and litter under an $80 million recurring appropriation and is piloting performance‑based maintenance contracts in Region 3, with Shelby County next on the list, to address urban litter and maintenance recruitment challenges.
Lawmakers pressing TDOT about visible litter on Tennessee highways were told the department has increased recurring funding for mowing and litter pickup and is pursuing privately contracted performance‑based maintenance in urban corridors.
Joe Deering, TDOT bureau chief for operations, said the agency added about $6.4 million to mowing and litter cycles under an $80 million recurring appropriation, enabling more frequent litter pickups on interstates. Deering described large items (couches, refrigerators) as a persistent challenge and said TDOT plans to increase runs in urban areas.
Commissioner Reed and staff described a pilot of performance‑based maintenance contracts (PBMCs) in Region 3 — one north of I‑40 and one south of I‑40 — that set performance specifications for private contractors and aim to improve recruitment and steady service levels in urban corridors. Reed said TDOT plans a PBMC in Shelby County next year to address particularly acute litter concerns there.
