TDOT includes Old Fort Parkway widening in “Build with Us” 10-year Plan
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced Monday, April 7, 2025, that its updated 10-year Plan includes widening of Old Fort Parkway (SR-96) with estimated construction in 2031 at $61.5 million. TDOT also prioritized funding for Cherry Lane Phase, with an interchange at I-840. Construction of the Cherry Lane Interchange is estimated to begin in 2026 at a cost of $39.5 million.
“To get two high priority projects is unheard of and a testament to the relationship City of Murfreesboro Transportatin Director Jim Kerr has been building with TDOT over the last several years,” said Public Infrastructure Executive Director Chris Griffth. “Mayor McFarland and the City Council’s commitment to local funding of both projects helped move plans higher up the list.”
The Murfreesboro City Council voted Aug. 22, 2024, to approve the reallocation of proceeds for TDOT’s Statewide Partnership Program for the potential widening of Old Fort Parkway. The roadway expansion project is outlined in the City’s 2040 Major Transportation Plan.
“We appreciate TDOT’s commitment to upgrading and widening roadways in Murfreesboro as increased population and traffic volumes necessitate reallocating State and City funds to a higher priority,” said Mayor Shane McFarland. “Increasing participation of local funding on Old Fort Parkway helped motivate TDOT to move forward with a very important roadway expansion.”
TDOT’s 2024 Statewide Partnership Program assists local communities in optimizing funding for vital transportation investments. Communities are required to commit funds for future roadway projects in collaboration with the State of Tennessee.
Murfreesboro competes with dozens of other communities for funding of roadway projects. Allocating funding to projects TDOT recognizes as high priority increases the City’s competitive advantage and greater chance of receiving state funding compared to other statewide projects.
City engineers recognize that improvements to Old Fort Parkway will increase capacity and help traffic flow to alleviate congestion.
Under the reallocation approved by Council Aug. 22, 2024, the Old Fort Parkway project would receive an increased $18.6 million in local funding for a total amended request of $25.2 million.
