I spent some hard time driving I-40 this week so it was with interest that I read Tennessee DOT officials are looking into the growing congestion on the 550-mile section of I-40 that crosses their state. Already perennially clogged for miles around Nashville, I-40 road rage level congestion could spread from Dickson to Mt. Juliet within four years. (Based on my own experience, I think they should rope it off, declare it a parking lot and call it a day!)
TDOT has launched an 18-month study to examine major problems and possible solutions for moving traffic from I-81 in Bristol to I-40 in Memphis. The study will concentrate on improving capacity on I-40 and alternate highways, accommodating heavy truck traffic, and exploring public transportation, including a light rail system, according to TDOT planning director Jeanne Stevens. "What we're trying to do at this point is manage the congestion," said Stevens. "We don't talk about solving it anymore."
With 55% of Tennessee's population living along I-40, the problem is growing daily. Already clogged with commuters, local traffic and interstate truck traffic, tractor trailer traffic on I-81/I-40 is projected to double by 2030. One scenario TDOT is exploring is the diversion of freight traffic from truck to rail by developing an east-west rail system. Stevens admits such a plan will not guarantee less truck traffic on I-40. Referring to Nashville's role as a major shipping hub, she said "With the amount of growth in freight traffic, we will never reduce the number of trucks on the road. We will only see growth."
Some of the options TDOT is considering include: designated truck-only lanes, adding climbing lanes on rural stretches, widening connecting roads, improving local roads that run parallel to the interstate for use as commuter alternatives, and creating truck by-passes around particularly congested areas. As always, funding will play a big role in TDOT's final decisions. "A lot of folks may expect recommendations that will say we need to six-lane I-40 from end to end," said Stevens. "But funding requires we try to be more efficient than that." Too bad. We need a real fix, not another bandaid.
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