TDOT unveils plans for future of travel across the state

JACKSON, Tenn. — Big changes are coming to West Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has unveiled plans for the future of travel across the state. With the goal of building safe, reliable transportation systems, a new interstate is now in the works.

“I-69 is such an important, new interstate for Northwest Tennessee. I mean, it’s going to markedly boost the region’s economy by enhancing connectivity,” said TDOT Communications Specialist Nichole Lawrence.

Lawrence tells us I-69 will help reduce congestion and attract local industry and logistics companies. But improvements could be years away.

“Construction and projects such as this capacity, they don’t happen overnight, so patience and just having the excitement of seeing the progress that northwest Tennessee is making,” said Lawrence.

The department has split the interstate creation into several projects.

“There will be portions of US-51 that will be upgraded and turned into interstate portions,” said Lawrence.

Some areas span from Dyersburg to Troy and Union City to South Fulton. You can expect pavement reconstruction, updated signage and guardrails, bridge improvements, and more.

“Back in the early part of 2024, we opened up state route 690, which is a future portion of I-69. So, once those connections on either side of that are complete, we will then be able to shield that a true interstate,” said Lawrence.

According to TDOT’s 10-year plan, construction will begin as early as the next two years.

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