INFRA Grant provides $11.2 million to fund Tennessee DOT ‘Smart Fiber Project’ on I-40

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has been awarded $11.2 million to fund the expansion of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies along I-40.

The federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant will provide partial funding for the state’s Smart Fiber Project between Memphis and Nashville. The Smart Fiber Project is expected to install 143 miles of fiber optic communication in Tennessee along I-40.

This includes cameras, dynamic messaging signs, road weather sensors, and connected vehicle roadside units. All of these devices support the strategic buildout of broadband and smart transportation infrastructure, especially in the state’s rural areas.

This project will aid in the state’s efforts to increase safety, communicate to drivers, monitor roadway conditions and improve response times to incidents and weather-related emergencies.

The Smart Fiber Project will also prepare the state’s roads for connected and automated vehicles.

The project is expected to begin in late 2021.