Optional toll lanes could be coming to a busy Tennessee interstate between Nashville and Murfreesboro

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has proposed adding optional toll lanes to a portion of I-24 to help fight traffic congestion.

TDOT is holding multiple listening sessions in August on the agency’s I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes proposal.

The project would construct new Choice Lanes on I-24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro. Drivers would have the option to use the “price-managed” lanes in order to avoid congestion in other lanes and maintain consistent travel speed.

According to TDOT, “Choice Lanes are new lanes and typically operate at around 45 m.p.h. during rush hours when traditional lanes are barely moving or even at a standstill during peak periods. They are not the same as a toll road where all motorists are required to pay a fee to use any travel lane.”

The Choice Lanes would be built, maintained, and operated by a private sector company.

TDOT is also considering Choice Lanes projects in other congested spots throughout the state.

To see dates for the listening sessions or to learn more about the project, click here.