A video update on the construction of the new Murfreesboro Transit Center is now available for viewing. Officials gathered on a field at New Salem Hwy. and Bridge Ave. to officially break ground for the $17.1 million facility. The Transit Center, which will feature a passenger pavilion, maintenance, and administration building, aims to enhance transportation in the growing city.
Watch the update video here.
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“Ultimately, the local level is about services,” said Mayor Shane McFarland. “I can’t think of a better service that we’re going to provide than getting people to their jobs, to medical appointments, and to places some citizens couldn’t otherwise get to without public transit. Without the $9 million from the State, and $5 million federal funding this would not be possible. I want to thank TDOT and our federal partners for their critical participation.”
The City of Murfreesboro received $9 million in IMPROVE ACT funds from TDOT through three separate grants for the design and construction of the new facility. The 5.5-acre site for the center is located at 324 New Salem Hwy, across from the Doug Young Public Safety Training Facility.
“In the case of Murfreesboro, three separate grants of $3 million, the maximum amount totaling $9 million in TDOT grant funding, is helping make the new transit center a reality,” said Dan Pallme, TDOT Interim Director of Multimodal Transportation Resources.
The local matching funds required for the project from the 2019 and 2022 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) total $2.8 million. The city plans to open the 2,375 square foot passenger pavilion, 3,200 square foot bus maintenance facility, and the new administration building by 2025.
Jason Spain, executive director of the Tennessee Public Transportation Association (TPTA), recognized Murfreesboro’s efforts at the ceremony. “It’s going to be a shining example of how the transit agency, Murfreesboro Transit, can meet the needs of Murfreesboro residents and visitors alike,” said Spain.
Steve Bland, CEO of WeGo Public Transit and RTA, emphasized the importance of partnerships between local transit agencies and WeGo Public Transit to address the challenges of the congested and growing Middle Tennessee region.
“We value our partnerships that local transit provides like Murfreesboro to make local connections with our regional service,” said Bland.
City Transportation Director Jim Kerr expressed gratitude for the significant grant funding from TDOT. “This full-service bus transit facility for the Murfreesboro Transit system will include a passenger waiting and passenger loading and unloading areas, bus maintenance, parking, and support amenities,” said Kerr.
HDR was the Design Team for the project, and Franklin-based Rock City Construction was awarded the bid for the construction phase. A CityTV video highlighting Murfreesboro Transit, including an animation of the new transit center, is available here.
Murfreesboro Transit currently operates a fleet of nine 23-passenger buses and employs 15 drivers. The new Transit Center will provide a central location for boarding and transferring passengers, as well as housing for dispatch, operations, administration, and maintenance facilities.
Murfreesboro Transit also offers a mobile app to track public transit service. The “Murfreesboro Transit” app is available for download via Apple and Android devices.
For more information, contact Transportation Director Jim Kerr at jkerr@murfreesborotn.gov, Assistant Transportation Director Russ Brashear at rbrashear@murfreesborotn.gov, or call 615-893-6441. For City News online, visit www.Murfreesborotn.gov.
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Lane Closures in East and Middle Tennessee
The report details upcoming lane closures and traffic disruptions due to construction and maintenance activities in various districts of East and Middle Tennessee from June 27 to July 3, 2024.