MURFREESBORO, TN – WGNS recently sat down with Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland to discuss the city's progress on several fronts. During the conversation, the mayor highlighted two significant areas of focus: the continued expansion of the city's road network and a recent engagement with the local school system. The mayor also highlighted continued business growth that is creating new jobs for area residents.

First diving into the fast-growing area of South Murfreesboro, we recently told you about the potential of a new Chick-fil-A at the corner of South Church Street and Joe B. Jackson Parkway. Now, we have another business to bring you up to date on... Mayor McFarland said the proposal for a new Lowe’s store shows the company intends to build across the street from MMC, which is about two addresses south of the RaceTrac gas station on Highway 231 South.

Transforming Murfreesboro's Roadways – Mayor McFarland emphasized that infrastructure remains a top priority, with over 75% of the city’s borrowed funds currently allocated to road construction. A primary focus is Medical Center Parkway, which recently saw the completion of its expansion to six lanes from Thompson Lane to Interstate 24.

The city is now moving into Phase 2, which involves widening the parkway to three lanes in each direction toward The Fountains, with future plans to extend this expansion all the way to Broad Street. McFarland also discussed the highly anticipated Cherry Lane extension, noting its potential to become one of the most beneficial roads ever built in Rutherford County...

Beyond asphalt and concrete, Mayor McFarland shared details of a unique initiative aimed at supporting the next generation. On a single Friday, the mayor, alongside Director of Schools Dr. Trey Duke, visited and read books to students at all 13 Murfreesboro City Schools... During the Read Across America Day event, local non-profit Read to Succeed noted that the mayor read After the Fall, all with the goal of promoting literacy.

McFarland described the experience as one of the most rewarding moments of his tenure, citing the vibrant energy and dedication of teachers and administrators at schools like Bradley Academy and Reeves-Rogers. He emphasized that strong reading skills are the foundation for future success and that seeing the school system's “vibe” firsthand reaffirmed his advocacy for public education.

• Hear the entire PODCAST HERE.