In a recent government meeting, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) presented plans for the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project, a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at alleviating congestion in the Laverne area and beyond. Brian Ledford, executive director of TDOT's public-private partnership division, outlined the project's scope, which involves a $5 billion investment to add four new lanes to the I-24 corridor.

Ledford emphasized the necessity of this project, citing a staggering $30 billion in identified transportation needs across the state. With TDOT's annual budget capped at $1.2 billion, the agency is exploring public-private partnerships (P3) as a viable solution to fund and expedite the project without raising taxes or incurring state debt.

The proposed choice lanes will not be toll roads; instead, they will feature price-managed lanes designed to provide more reliable travel times. Existing general-purpose lanes will remain free, while the new choice lanes will be optional for drivers, allowing them to choose whether to pay a user fee based on traffic conditions. This dynamic pricing model aims to maintain a minimum speed of 50 miles per hour in the choice lanes, thereby reducing congestion for all road users.

Ledford highlighted the positive impacts observed in other states that have implemented similar managed lane systems, including increased transit ridership and reduced travel times. He assured that transit buses would always have free access to these choice lanes, promoting public transportation as a viable option.

The project is currently in the preliminary design phase, with environmental studies underway. Public meetings are scheduled for late August to gather community input, and the request for proposals process is expected to begin in the second quarter of next year. Construction is anticipated to start in early 2027.

As the project progresses, TDOT aims to maintain transparency and engage stakeholders throughout the process, ensuring that community feedback shapes the development of the choice lanes.