Nashville, TN, October 1, 2025
News Summary
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has proposed a new express lane system called Choice Lanes to tackle the traffic congestion on I-24. This initiative includes nearly 26 miles of express lanes from Nashville to Interstate 840, with a variable fee system to manage traffic volume. Public feedback has been received during recent meetings, addressing concerns about funding and taxpayer implications. TDOT aims to explore a partnership with private developers for financing. If approved, construction is slated to begin in the late 2020s.
Nashville, Tennessee – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has proposed a new express lane system called Choice Lanes to help alleviate traffic congestion on Interstate 24 (I-24). This initiative aims to reduce traffic backups that have plagued the route, particularly for commuters traveling into Nashville.
The Choice Lanes project proposes an expansion that will cover nearly 26 miles, stretching from Nashville to just before Interstate 840. Under this system, drivers will have the option to access the express lanes by paying a variable fee that will fluctuate based on both the time of day and prevailing traffic conditions. This fee structure aims to manage traffic volume and, in turn, provide a quicker route for drivers willing to pay.
On Tuesday, TDOT held public meetings to present conceptual plans for the Choice Lanes project and to gather feedback from residents. Frustrations regarding traffic congestion were a common sentiment, with many residents noting that travel times to Nashville can exceed an hour, especially during accidents.
TDOT spokesperson Rebekah Hammonds stated that access to the Choice Lanes will be completely optional for drivers. The pricing system is designed to remain dynamic, adapting to the levels of traffic congestion in real time. However, concerns were expressed during the public meetings about the overall cost of the project and potential funding sources. Some attendees voiced questions about whether taxpayers would ultimately need to shoulder the project’s expenses and if extra taxes might be imposed to cover the funding.
TDOT is exploring the potential of partnering with a private developer to finance the project. This partnership could involve not only funding but also designing and building the express lane system while collecting user fees to offset costs. Due to space constraints in certain sections of the interstate, parts may need to be widened or elevated to accommodate the new lanes.
If the proposal is approved, construction is projected to commence between 2027 and the late 2020s. TDOT positions the Choice Lanes project as a model for similar initiatives throughout Tennessee in the future. To facilitate further community input, two additional public meetings are planned.
Project Overview
- Project Name: Choice Lanes
- Location: Interstate 24, from Nashville to before Interstate 840
- Length: Nearly 26 miles
- Fee System: Variable fee based on time of day and traffic conditions
- Funding Approach: Potential partnership with private developers
- Construction Start: Between 2027 and late 2020s
- Public Engagement: Two additional meetings planned for feedback
Summary
The new Choice Lanes express lane system proposed by TDOT aims to tackle the persistent traffic congestion on I-24. By providing optional express lanes with a dynamic pricing system, the project is expected to improve travel times significantly, especially during peak periods. The active engagement of residents through public meetings underscores the importance of community feedback in shaping this initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Choice Lanes project?
The Choice Lanes project is a new express lane system proposed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to alleviate traffic congestion on Interstate 24 (I-24).
How long will the Choice Lanes cover?
The proposed express lane system will cover nearly 26 miles, extending from Nashville to just before Interstate 840.
How will drivers access the express lanes?
Drivers will be able to access the express lanes by paying a variable fee based on the time of day and current traffic conditions.
What are the funding plans for the project?
TDOT hopes to partner with a private developer to fund the project, design and build it, and collect user fees.
When is construction expected to begin?
If approved, construction is projected to begin between 2027 and the late 2020s.
Key Features of the Choice Lanes Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Choice Lanes |
| Location | Interstate 24, Nashville to before Interstate 840 |
| Length | Nearly 26 miles |
| Access Method | Variable fee based on time of day and traffic conditions |
| Funding | Partnership with private developers |
| Construction Start | Between 2027 and late 2020s |
| Public Meetings | Two additional meetings planned for feedback |
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 5: TDOT Shows Middle Tennessee Residents Choice Lanes Plan for I-24
- WSMV: TDOT Wants Feedback on I-24 Choice Lanes Project
- Fox 17: First Public Meeting Tonight on TDOT’s I-24 Choice Lanes Project
- WGNS Radio: TDOT’s I-24 Smart Corridor Update
- Wikipedia: Traffic Congestion
Author: HERE Nashville
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