Tennessee DOT to test autonomous freight technology along I-40 corridor
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced plans to conduct a pilot program to test autonomous freight technologies along one of the state’s busiest freight corridors.
On March 27, TDOT provided details on the Memphis/West Tennessee Smart Freight Corridor Pilot, which will be conducted on I‑40 between Memphis and Blue Oval City, in partnership with private sector company Cavnue, LLC.
As part of the multi-year pilot, officials will test “Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) freight technologies in real‑world operating conditions, giving TDOT the data and insights needed to shape long‑term freight modernization strategies for Tennessee.”
TDOT says that the goal of the project is to better understand how new freight technologies can:
- Improve safety and reduce congestion
- Support connected freight applications across multiple fleets
- Enhance incident response and system efficiency
- Inform long‑term planning and statewide freight modernization strategies
Project planning work is expected to begin in the coming months. The pilot is expected to run through 2028.
TDOT said that this location was chosen for the pilot because of “rapid industrial growth in West Tennessee, including major investments in and around Blue Oval City.”
“Tennessee continues to lead the nation in building an innovative and efficient transportation network,” said Governor Bill Lee. “This pilot strengthens one of our most important freight corridors and supports continued economic development in West Tennessee. By embracing new technology, we’re ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of Tennesseans and the industries that drive our economy.”
“This pilot represents a forward-looking investment in Tennessee’s freight network and an important step toward preparing our infrastructure for the next generation of freight mobility,” said TDOT Commissioner Will Reid.
As part of the pilot, Cavnue will be responsible for :
- Conducting detailed corridor and infrastructure analysis
- Developing the pilot’s concept of operations and design
- Installing temporary roadside and vehicle-based technologies
- Collecting and analyzing real-time freight and traffic data
- Evaluating system performance, safety impacts, and operational benefits
- Stakeholder engagement