Tennessee Awards $9 Billion Contract for New Toll Lanes

Nashville, TN, August 20, 2026 —

NASHVILLE, TN – The state of Tennessee has finalized a significant infrastructure agreement, awarding a $9 billion contract to the road-building consortium DriveTN. This comprehensive contract encompasses the funding, design, construction, operation, and long-term maintenance of new toll lanes aimed at improving traffic flow in the greater Nashville area.

The project is set to introduce new toll lanes connecting the areas of southeast Nashville to Murfreesboro. Additionally, the scope includes improvements to sections of Interstate 40 east of downtown Nashville and Interstate 440 south of downtown. These additions are intended to address increasing traffic demands in these key corridors.

Construction on the extensive project is anticipated to commence in 2027. The timeline for completion is estimated to span up to eight years, suggesting a phased approach to the development and opening of the new lanes. The total duration of DriveTN’s involvement, including operation and maintenance, will extend over a 50-year period.

Under the terms of the agreement, DriveTN is committed to making a substantial upfront payment of $1.5 billion to the state. Further financial contributions are stipulated to occur over the 50-year contract term. The revenue stream for DriveTN’s investment and operations will be derived from tolls collected from motorists utilizing the new express lanes.

The details regarding the specific toll rates, the exact phases of construction, and the precise start date within 2027 were not provided in the summary. However, the contract represents a major public-private partnership focused on expanding the state’s transportation infrastructure.

Story summarized from the original created by Sam Stockard on tennesseelookout.com, see more information here.

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