The Tennessee Department of Transportation has received approval from the Federal Highway Administration to designate State Route 840 as Interstate 840. The change was requested to encourage more economic growth along the corridor and more traffic diversion around Middle Tennessee’s urban core.
The primary purpose of SR 840 when it was initiated in 1986 was to promote economic development by improving access to the many communities located along the route. Since then, more than 20 major industrial sites have opened directly adjacent to SR 840. Having an interstate designation could encourage more industries to consider locating in Middle Tennessee, which increases employment opportunities for the state.
Interstates also provide a level of expectation and confidence for drivers. Motorists can maintain a higher speed and avoid congestion that may be found on state routes. TDOT anticipates the interstate designation will encourage passenger and freight traffic moving through the state to take the route, which will help to reduce congestion in Nashville and surrounding areas.
TDOT will begin installing I-840 signage next week, and expects the work to be complete late this year. The cost to replace signs on state routes and interstates is $230,000.
The 840 corridor was completed in 2012, providing access to Interstate 40 west and east of Nashville, along with connections to Interstates 24 and 65. It travels through Dickson, Hickman, Williamson, and Wilson Counties.
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840 is NOT finished unless there is an invisible Northern Route I have not seen. Just Like Briley Parkway which took another 10 years for Northern routes completion after the southern section had been used and was ready for repairing.
Please finishing the Northern Loop of 840 equal and fair travel options for all !
This article left out Rutherford County. So many people already say interstate 840 when referring to this awesome stretch of road. For commuters that previously had to use state highways to get to interstates 24,40 or 65, this route has improved travel conditions immensely.
Our antebellum family home is on 840 & it has ruined our almost 200 year old homeplace. We can no longer sit on the 184 year old front porch & enjoy conversation because of the 24/7 road noise from the interstate. I can no longer lay in the hammock & read to the kids anymore because of the noise. 🙁
$230,000 for signs……… Shame on the Department of Transportation and the federal highway administration. I can think of a few things that money would be better suited for. The first and most important thing that comes to mind is Hwy 109. You encourage growth but are doing it at the expense of peoples lives. We need to show love to The daily commuters and to our citizens that live off 109.