Tired of roadway congestion? TDOT has a suggestion. The transportation agency is putting a plan for choice lanes , or toll lanes, in drive with the goal of alleviating traffic woes.
TDOT is recommending I-24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro as the state’s first choice lane. Leaders are also considering I-65 from Nashville to I-840, as well as additional routes in Chattanooga and Knoxville.
Pump the brakes. What are choice lanes? These newly constructed lanes would allow motorists to drive at ~50 mph during rush hour periods, according to TDOT . The cost to use the choice lanes will change during the day based on how many vehicles are using them.
The project is part of TDOT’s $15 billion 10-year plan , which is in its early stages and includes funds from the TDOT work program budget (~$1.2 billion) and the State General Fund ($3 billion). Over half of the investment will be utilized for construction projects, leaving the remainder of the funding to be analyzed annually based on need — think: resurfacing, bridge repair, and beyond.