Mayor Shane McFarland recently appeared on CityTV’s “The Insider” podcast to discuss significant developments in Murfreesboro, including improvements to public infrastructure and parks, the Special Census, and initiatives in employee recruitment and retention. Reflecting on the year 2024, Mayor McFarland expressed pride in the progress made across various sectors such as public safety and parks, particularly noting the effective response to the 2024 snowstorm by the Public Works team.
The podcast highlights several key achievements, including the opening of the Tommy Bragg Drive Connector, which is a new road linking River Rock Blvd. to Beasie Road over the West Fork of Stones River. This $8.65 million project paves the way for a future bridge over I-24. Other infrastructure advancements include the widening of Medical Center Parkway, the realignment of Butler Drive for future development, and a significant increase in street repaving efforts.
Latest TN News
In the realm of parks and recreation, renovations were completed at Old Fort Golf Course and the tennis/pickleball courts were upgraded to meet increasing demands. A new skate park and pump track have also been introduced at Old Fort Park, attracting enthusiasts from across Middle Tennessee. Additionally, a 153-acre Veterans Park is planned for construction, with a focus on developing baseball and softball fields on city-owned land.
Mayor McFarland also addressed administrative initiatives, such as the establishment of a Real-Time Crime Center and the purchase of land for a Police Firearms Training Facility. The city initiated a Special Census campaign to certify its growing population, estimated to be at least 170,000. Furthermore, new facilities have been opened or renovated, including a Fire and Parks & Recreation Administration Building and a Water Resources Administration Building, both repurposed from existing structures to save costs.
Efforts to improve recruitment and retention of city employees have been made through a new pay plan, with Murfreesboro Fire Rescue now fully staffed. The city has also enhanced its emergency response capabilities by certifying 27 firefighters as paramedics and acquiring a new fire engine.
Looking forward, Mayor McFarland emphasized the importance of maintaining these new projects and facilities to ensure their sustainability. He continues to engage with residents through “Mondays with the Mayor,” an initiative to keep the community informed about city activities.
Mayor McFarland, who was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 and 2022, has a background in construction and serves as the owner of Shane McFarland Construction. The latest edition of “The Insider” can be accessed on various platforms including Podbean, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, as well as on the City of Murfreesboro’s website. For more information, City News is available online at www.Murfreesborotn.gov.
Source: Read Original Release
TDOT to Widen S.R. 99/New Salem Hwy
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) plans to open five lanes on S.R. 99/New Salem Hwy by January 17, 2025, as part of an ongoing project to improve traffic flow. Phase II of the project widens a section between Old Fort Parkway and I-24, with Phase III set to start in early 2025. The project spans seven miles, excluding the I-24 interchange, and aims to enhance connectivity and traffic management in Murfreesboro. Further details on road improvements are available on the City of Murfreesboro’s website, which provides an interactive map showcasing public infrastructure projects.