MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - The Murfreesboro City Council voted to advance the Cherry Lane Extension Phase 3 project, signing off on a $54.7 million agreement with the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
The major infrastructure investment passed Thursday (July 23rd) clears the way for a brand-new interchange at Interstate 840 and a five-lane roadway in northwest Murfreesboro. City leaders designed the project to reduce heavy traffic congestion on Northwest Broad Street and Thompson Lane, creating a brand-new corridor to connect areas east and west of the interstate.
AT A GLANCE
•Major Funding Secured: The $54.72 million project uses $31.4 million in federal funds, $1.45 million in state money, and $21.27 million from Murfreesboro.
•New Five-Lane Corridor: The 2.4-mile project builds a five-lane road with sidewalks, multi-use paths, and an I-840 interchange.
•Relieving Traffic Pressure: The new route will give drivers an alternative to Thompson Lane and Northwest Broad Street.
•Engineering Scope Expanded: Council approved $195,772 for HMB Professional Engineers to finalize designs and federal permit reviews.
"This project represents a significant investment in Murfreesboro's transportation network," said Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland. "The Cherry Lane Extension will improve mobility in one of the city's fastest-growing areas while leveraging substantial federal and state funding to help deliver the project."
Under the finalized reimbursement agreement, the City of Murfreesboro will manage the construction phase of the interchange and get reimbursed through state and federal transportation funds. Out of the estimated $54.72 million total cost, federal sources provide roughly $31.4 million, state funding covers $1.45 million, and the City provides $21.27 million. The local share includes a $14.5 million construction contribution. Specific federal and state funding sources include the Surface Transportation Block Grant, the National Highway Performance Program, and a $14.5 million award from TDOT’s State Partnership Program through the Transportation Modernization Act.
The entire Cherry Lane Phase 3 corridor spans roughly 2.4 miles from Sulphur Springs Road to Northwest Broad Street. It is split into three specific construction phases: Phase 3A connects the new I-840 interchange to Sulphur Springs Road, Phase 3B covers the interchange itself, and Phase 3C links the interchange to Broad Street.
When finished, the roadway will feature a 100-foot right-of-way with five 12-foot travel lanes including a center turn lane, two-foot curb and gutters, five-foot grass strips, a five-foot sidewalk, and a ten-foot multi-use path. The interchange build requires a two-span bridge over the West Fork Stones River and floodplain for Cherry Lane over I-840.
Council members also approved Amendment No. 4 to the design contract with HMB Professional Engineers, LLC, formerly Wiser Consultants, LLC. The firm has handled engineering design services for the Cherry Lane Phase 3 corridor between Northwest Broad Street and Sulphur Springs Road.
The amendment adds $195,772 to cover additional engineering, updates to right-of-way documentation, stormwater permitting, utility coordination, geotechnical work, traffic control plan updates, and environmental support for the National Environmental Policy Act. It also covers the resolution of review comments from TDOT and the Federal Highway Administration. The amendment brings the total design contract from $2,774,986 to $2,970,757. Federal funds will cover 80 percent of the amendment, with the remaining 20 percent local match coming out of the City's Capital Improvements Program.
The overall Cherry Lane project has been a long-term goal included in the City's 2040 Major Transportation Plan. Phase 1 near Siegel Park opened in late 2005. Once Phase 2 from Sulphur Springs Road to existing Cherry Lane and Phase 3 are completely built out, Cherry Lane will fully connect Memorial Boulevard directly to Northwest Broad Street while providing a brand-new access point to Interstate 840.
