Murfreesboro, Tenn. — A major transportation initiative in northern Murfreesboro is moving forward and will begin in 2026 with renewed momentum. The City of Murfreesboro is advancing the planned 5-lane Cherry Lane extension, which includes proposed new interchanges at I-840 and I-24. As the various phases of the project are completed, the end result is expected to ease traffic congestion, support local growth, and serve as a catalyst for job creation.

Some of the earlier delays tied to the roadway extension involved endangered species and wetland areas… Darren Gore explained to WGNS that those obstacles have now been resolved…

As for the first section of Cherry Lane to see construction activity this year, Gore stated… Meanwhile, long-term planning remains somewhat fluid for the extension of Cherry Lane between I-840 and I-24.

Due to concerns raised by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Gore said… If TDOT does not approve an I-24 and Cherry Lane interchange, the likely outcome would be increased residential development in the area. However, if TDOT allows for a Cherry Lane–I-24 interchange, residents could see expanded commercial growth and increased job activity… That uncertainty prompted the city to enter into a contract with a consultant firm.

So far, approximately nine months have been spent planning for the either-or scenarios involving Cherry Lane and I-24. In addition to the potential for another interstate interchange, the city must also account for the Stones River, Overall Creek, and existing CSX Railroad lines…

Adding another layer to the Cherry Lane project, the Murfreesboro City Council voted to approve a name change for the section of roadway planned southwest of the Cherry Lane and I-840 interchange… That portion of the project will be known as Stonesbattle Parkway and will span approximately 3.5 miles. Once completed, the new roadway will connect the north side of Murfreesboro to the city’s southwest corridor, running west from I-840 and then south to Northwest Broad Street, Old Nashville Highway, Florence Road, and eventually I-24.

While questions remain regarding the final connectivity between Stonesbattle Parkway and I-24, the city is prepared to move forward with construction of a new roadway extending Cherry Lane beyond I-840 to Northwest Broad Street (Highway 41)…

WGNS will continue to follow the planning process, construction progress, and any future decisions by the City of Murfreesboro or TDOT regarding a Cherry Lane and Stonesbattle Parkway interchange at I-24.