Tennessee's Ten-Year Plan: Toll Lanes and Choice Lanes to Ease Congestion

The state of Tennessee is planning to implement "toll lanes" on several major highways, including I-24 from Nashville to Murfreesboro, as part of a 10-year, $15 billion transportation plan. The state is considering public-private partnerships, where vendors would construct and operate the lanes and collect tolls over 50 years. Other highways being targeted for toll lanes include I-65 from Nashville through Franklin to Spring Hill, I-24 along Moccasin Bend in Chattanooga, and I-40 from the I-40/I-75 junction to state Route 158 west of downtown Knoxville. The state aims to reduce congestion on general lanes while providing motorists with an alternative by paying a fee. Some lawmakers and critics have expressed concerns about foreign companies winning bids and charging tolls beyond the contract period, but transportation officials assure that safeguards will be in place to protect Tennesseans.