Interstate 840 (Tennessee)#Planning and construction

File:I-840 (Tennessee) at State Route 100-exit 7.jpg

I-840 begins at an interchange with I-40 in Dickson County southeast of Dickson and Burns. It initially runs southeast through a rural area, passing through a mix of farmland and woodlands characterized by a terrain made up of rolling hills, the eastbound lanes briefly gaining a truck climbing lane. The highway crosses into Hickman County about {{convert|5|mi|km|spell=in}} later. The route remains in Hickman County for less than {{convert|1.5|mi|km}} before crossing into Williamson County and reaching an interchange with SR 100 about {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} later. I-840 continues through a predominantly rural area over the next {{convert|5|mi|km|spell=in}}, alternating between farmland and woodlands before transitioning into a region characterized by dense woodlands, rolling hills with moderate grades, and several streams and creeks. About {{convert|2|mi|km|spell=in}} beyond this point, I-840 reaches SR 46 at an interchange near the community of Leiper's Fork. About {{convert|3|mi|km|spell=in}} later, I-840 crosses the Natchez Trace Parkway and gradually turns east, continuing through similar terrain. After about {{convert|7|mi|km|spell=in}}, I-840 passes through flat terrain consisting primarily of farmland and woodlands over the next approximately {{convert|8|mi|km|spell=in}} before briefly entering a suburban area south of Franklin and coming to an interchange with U.S. Route 31 (US 31, Columbia Pike). About {{convert|2|mi|km|spell=in}} beyond this point is an interchange with US 431 (Lewisburg Pike). Less than {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} later, I-840 comes to an interchange with I-65 that resembles a combination interchange, containing two loop ramps and two underpass ramps that cross I-840 combined.{{google maps |url = https://www.google.com/maps/dir/36.0223245,-87.2659071/36.1835711,-86.352081/@35.9441476,-87.0582574,10.17z/data=!4m3!4m2!3e0!5i1?hl=en |title = Overview of Interstate 840 |access-date = July 18, 2020 }}{{cite map |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |year = 2020 |title = 2020 Official Transportation Map |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/state-maps/2020_Transportation_Map.pdf |scale = c. 1:1,267,200 |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |section = C6–D8 |access-date = May 18, 2020 |archive-date = August 9, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200809015245/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/maps/state-maps/2020_Transportation_Map.pdf |url-status = live }}

File:I-840 SR 96 looking east.jpg

After this interchange, I-840 crosses a steep hill and continues through terrain consisting of several rolling hills, some with relatively steep grades, and crosses the Harpeth River about {{convert|8|mi|km|spell=in}} later. {{convert|3|mi|km|spell=In}} later, I-840 comes to an interchange with U.S. Route 31 Alternate (US 31A) and US 41A near the community of Triune. About {{convert|3|mi|km|spell=in}} later, I-840 crosses SR 96 at the top of a large hill and begins a steep downgrade; the westbound lanes utilize a truck climbing lane over a short distance to ascend the hill from the east. It then crosses into Rutherford County, entering a more flat terrain and another suburban area, and, about {{convert|8|mi|km|spell=in}} later, I-840 comes to an interchange with I-24 northwest of Murfreesboro. This interchange is almost a complete cloverleaf, containing three loop ramps and one flyover. The route then turns northeast, traveling through a relatively flat region with little elevation change and interchanges with US 41 and US 70S in a combination interchange about {{convert|2|mi|km|spell=in}} later. About {{convert|0.75|mi|km}} later, I-840 crosses the west fork of the Stones River, gradually turning northwest. About {{convert|4|mi|km|spell=in}} later, the highway turns sharply northeast and crosses the east fork of the Stones River about {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} beyond this point. About {{convert|1.5|mi|km}} later, I-840 shifts north and, another {{convert|1.5|mi|km}} later, crosses the Fall Creek impoundment of J. Percy Priest Lake. A short distance later is an interchange with the western terminus of SR 452 (Bill France Boulevard). I-840 then crosses into Wilson County less than {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} later and has an interchange with SR 109 about {{convert|6|mi|km|spell=in}} beyond this point. The route then turns northeast and, about {{convert|3.8|mi|km}} later, reaches its eastern terminus with I-40 west of Lebanon.

{{Infobox road small

|state=TN

|type=SR

|route=840

|location=Dickson–Lebanon

|formed=1991

|deleted=2016

|length_mi=77.28

|length_ref=

}}

The route that is now I-840 had its origins in the 1975 Tennessee Highway System Plan issued by TDOT for the next four years, which first identified the need for an outer beltway around Nashville by 1995.{{cite book |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |year = 1995 |volume = 2 |title = Proposed Route 840 North from Interstate 65 to Interstate 40 West of Nashville in Robertson, Cheatham, Dickson, and Montgomery Counties, Tennessee |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=qrM1AQAAMAAJ |location = Nashville |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |id = FHWA-TN-ESI-9501-D |access-date = December 18, 2017 |via = Google Books |archive-date = October 31, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201031173735/https://books.google.com/books?id=qrM1AQAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0 |url-status = live }} The I-840 project was initiated in 1986 with the passage of the Better Roads Program by the Tennessee General Assembly.{{cite book |type = Report |last1 = Henry |first1 = Douglas |author1-link = Douglas Henry |last2 = Darnell |first2 = Riley |author2-link = Riley Darnell |last3 = Bragg |first3 = John |last4 = Robinson |first4 = C. Robb |author4-link = C. Robb Robinson |date = April 1, 1986 |title = 1986 Road Program |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/1986_road_program.pdf |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = April 26, 2020 |archive-date = January 23, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200123205634/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/1986_road_program.pdf |url-status = live }} This program, which had been proposed and spearheaded by then-governor Lamar Alexander, increased the state's gasoline and diesel taxes to fund six new freeway projects and a backlog of 15 projects that had been labeled as top priorities, as well as other projects.{{cite web |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/TDOT-History.pdf |title = Brief History of TDOT |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = 2014 |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = April 28, 2020 |archive-date = January 23, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200123205455/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/TDOT-History.pdf |url-status = live }} I-840 was the largest of these six freeway projects, dubbed "Bicentennial Parkways", and was initially expected to cost $351 million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|351000000|1986}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}). While initially referred to as I-840 in the state plan, the highway was constructed entirely with state transportation funds and was officially designated as a state route.{{cite news |first = Skip |last = Anderson |date = November 5, 2012 |url = http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/state-route-840-opening-ends-arduous-laborious-and-costly-project |title = State Route 840 Opening Ends Arduous, Laborious and Costly Project |work = The City Paper |location = Nashville |access-date = June 11, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130624131225/http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/state-route-840-opening-ends-arduous-laborious-and-costly-project |archive-date = June 24, 2013 }} The 1986–1987 state budget contained the initial funding for the project. Planning work began in 1988, and the alignment for the first section was announced in December of that year. Survey and design work began in 1989,{{cite web |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = n.d. |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/sr840s/history.htm |title = SR 840 South: Brief History |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070714154129/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/sr840s/history.htm |archive-date = July 14, 2007 }} and the alignment for the remainder of the route was announced in January 1990. Planners considered using SR 396, a short controlled-access connector between US 31 and I-65 in Spring Hill, for part of I-840, but ultimately chose a location about {{convert|6|mi|km|spell=in}} to the north.{{cite news |last = Ease |first = Jim |date = February 13, 1990 |title = I-840 Headed Across Land of McWherter Backer |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/61588786/i-840-headed-across-land-of-mcwherter/ |page = 1B |work = The Tennessean |issn = 1053-6590 |access-date = October 28, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com }} The first contract for construction was awarded on August 2, 1991,{{cite web |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/business-how-do-i-documents/Const_n87-91%20(1).pdf |title = 1987–1991 Contract Awards |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = July 7, 2020 |archive-date = January 24, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200124101423/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/business-how-do-i-documents/Const_n87-91%20(1).pdf |url-status = live }} and work progressed in stages.

The first section of I-840, located between I-40 in Lebanon and Stewart's Ferry Pike, opened on August 2, 1995.{{cite news |last = Margulies |first = Ellen |date = August 2, 1995 |title = Motorists Ease onto New Highway |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54483477/motorists-ease-onto-new-highway/ |page = 1B |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |issn = 1053-6590 |access-date = June 30, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com }} The segment between Stewart's Ferry Pike and I-24 near Murfreesboro was completed on November 21, 1996.{{cite press release |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |title = Future I-840 Opens from Lebanon to Murfreesboro |url = http://www.state.tn.us/transport/oldpress/press04.htm |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = November 18, 1996 |access-date = March 31, 2020 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19970723040442/http://www.state.tn.us/transport/oldpress/press04.htm |archive-date = July 23, 1997 }}{{cite news |last = Cannon |first = Angela |date = November 28, 1996 |title = I-840 South Officially Open |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/62157725/i-840-south-officially-open/ |page = 10A |work = The Rutherford Courier |location = Smyrna, Tennessee |access-date = October 30, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com }} On November 30, 2000, the section between I-24 and US 31A/US 41A near Triune was opened.{{cite press release |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |title = Twelve New Miles of State Route 840 Opens |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/2000PressReleases/Nov2000.htm |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = November 28, 2000 |access-date = March 26, 2020 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20020619021712/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/2000PressReleases/Nov2000.htm#026 |archive-date = June 19, 2002 }}{{cite news |last = Terry |first = Edward |date = November 30, 2000 |title = First Segment of 840 to Open at 3 P.M. |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/62156142/first-segment-of-840-to-open-at-3-pm/ |page = 1W |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |issn = 1053-6590 |access-date = October 30, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com }} The portion between US 31A/US 41A and US 431 (Lewisburg Pike) near Franklin, including the interchange with I-65, opened on October 18, 2001.{{cite press release |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |title = 840 Opens Connecting Lebanon, Murfreesboro and Franklin |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/HotProjects/SR840/840open.htm |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = October 18, 2001 |access-date = March 26, 2020 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20020606025715/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/HotProjects/SR840/840open.htm |archive-date = June 6, 2002 }}{{cite news |last = Cook |first = Mark R. |date = October 19, 2001 |title = State Route 840 Opens Eyes, Access |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/62156277/state-route-840-opens-eyes-access/ |pages = 1W, [https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/62156342/route-840-opens-eyes-and-access/ 3W] |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |issn = 1053-6590 |access-date = October 30, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com }} The section between I-40 near Dickson and SR 100 opened on December 5, 2002.{{cite press release |author = |title = State Route 840 from Dickson to Fairview Open on Thursday |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/2002pr/dec2002.htm |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = December 3, 2002 |access-date = May 18, 2020 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030715234254/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/information-office/2002pr/dec2002.htm |archive-date = July 15, 2003 }}{{cite news |last = Stivender |first = Knight |date = December 4, 2002 |title = Eight Mile Western Leg of 840 Opens Tomorrow |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/62157300/eight-mile-western-leg-of-840-opens/ |pages = 1W, [https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/62157325/840-8-mile-western-leg-opens-tomorrow/ 3W] |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |issn = 1053-6590 |access-date = October 30, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com }} Due to high costs and environmental concerns, the proposed northern half of I-840 was indefinitely placed on hold in 2003. The short segment between US 431 and US 31 (Columbia Pike) opened to traffic on September 9, 2005.{{cite press release |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2005/090905.htm |title = New Section of State Route 840 Opens to Traffic |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = September 9, 2005 |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = March 26, 2020 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051227001155/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2005/090905.htm |archive-date = December 27, 2005 }}{{cite news |last = McClure |first = Sue |date = September 13, 2005 |title = Stretch Linking U.S. Highways 31, 431 Opened in Williamson County |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/62156967/stretch-linking-us-highways-31-431/ |pages = 1B, [https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/62157070/highway-loop-will-be-completed-in-2011/ 4B] |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |issn = 1053-6590 |access-date = October 30, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com }}

Construction of the majority of I-840 was met with very little controversy. As work moved into predominantly rural southwestern Williamson County, however, a group of landowners opposed to the route began a movement to stop its construction in 1997.{{cite news |last = Kreyling |first = Christine |date = August 31, 2000 |title = Will the Circle Be Unbroken? |url = https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/article/13004835/will-the-circle-be-unbroken |work = Nashville Scene |access-date = July 7, 2020 |archive-date = July 8, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200708001904/https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/article/13004835/will-the-circle-be-unbroken |url-status = live }}{{cite news |last = Kreyling |first = Christine |date = August 21, 1997 |title = Road Kill |url = https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/article/13001647/road-kill |work = Nashville Scene |access-date = July 7, 2020 |archive-date = July 8, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200708033818/https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/article/13001647/road-kill |url-status = live }} Between the late 1990s and mid-2000s, these landowners, spearheaded by singer-songwriter Gene Cotton, filed complaints and eventually lawsuits in an effort to have TDOT address both environmental and aesthetic issues, considerably slowing work on the segment between SR 100 and US 31. A number of criticisms were also made about TDOT's handling of the construction of the route, such as an accusation that they chose to construct I-840 as a state route to avoid federally required environmental studies. TDOT awarded the first contract for the segment between SR 100 and SR 46 on June 14, 2002,{{cite web |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |title = 2002 Contract Awards |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/business-how-do-i-documents/Const_n02-05.pdf |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = July 9, 2020 |archive-date = January 24, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200124101542/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/business-how-do-i-documents/Const_n02-05.pdf |url-status = live }} but additional litigation forced TDOT to completely cease work on this segment three months later.{{cite news |last1 = Kreyling |first1 = Christine |title = TDOT Botches 840 Again |url = https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/article/13007784/tdot-botches-840-again |access-date = July 9, 2020 |work = Nashville Scene |date = October 10, 2002 |archive-date = July 9, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200709011549/https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/article/13007784/tdot-botches-840-again |url-status = live }} As a result of these lawsuits, TDOT chose to slightly modify the design and employ new construction methods on the remaining sections the following year. These changes included construction of bridges over streams feeding the South Harpeth River instead of culverts; multiple wildlife underpasses; and designation of the remaining sections as a scenic highway, which prohibits billboards and uses brown powder-coated guardrail. A proposed interchange at Leiper's Creek Road was also canceled.{{cite news|last=Paine|first=Anne|date=November 1, 2003|title=South Route Redesign Welcomed By Activists and Environmentalists|url=https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/65192532/south-route-redesign-welcomed-by/|pages=1A, [https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/65192334/environment-controversial-interchange/ 2A]|work=The Tennessean|access-date=December 16, 2020|via=Newspapers.com}} As part of the redesign, TDOT formed a citizen's resource team, made up of nine local residents who worked with TDOT to select the final designs and alignment of these stretches.{{cite news |last1 = Whitehouse |first1 = Ken |title = TDOT Sets Final Shape for Unfinished Section of I-840 South |url = https://www.nashvillepost.com/home/article/20450639/tdot-sets-final-shape-for-unfinished-section-of-i840-south |access-date = July 9, 2020 |work = Nashville Post |date = February 9, 2006 |archive-date = July 9, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200709021932/https://www.nashvillepost.com/home/article/20450639/tdot-sets-final-shape-for-unfinished-section-of-i840-south |url-status = live }}

On February 9, 2006, TDOT announced that the realignment of the final segment of I-840 had been chosen and that work on the unfinished sections would proceed.{{cite press release |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |title = Final Alignment for Unfinished Section of 840 South is Announced |url = https://www.tn.gov/news/2006/2/8/final-alignment-for-unfinished-section-of-840-south-is-announced.html |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = February 9, 2006 |access-date = July 9, 2020 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181027134824/https://www.tn.gov/news/2006/2/8/final-alignment-for-unfinished-section-of-840-south-is-announced.html |archive-date = October 27, 2018 }} The first contract for construction of the segment between SR 100 and SR 46 was reawarded on June 1, 2007,{{cite web |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/business-how-do-i-documents/Const_2007Award.pdf |title = 2007 Contract Awards |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = July 7, 2020 |archive-date = January 24, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200124101445/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/business-how-do-i-documents/Const_2007Award.pdf |url-status = live }} and construction on I-840 resumed the following month.{{cite news |last = Lovely |first = Lori |date = May 4, 2010 |title = Rounding Off SR 840 Circle Around Nashville |url = https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/rounding-off-sr-840-circle-around-nashville/14362 |work = Construction Equipment Guide |access-date = April 12, 2019 |archive-date = April 12, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190412132147/https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/rounding-off-sr-840-circle-around-nashville/14362 |url-status = live }} This segment opened on October 27, 2010.{{cite press release |first = Julie |last = Oaks |url = http://news.tn.gov/node/6253 |title = Governor Bredesen Opens New Section of State Route 840 |date = October 27, 2010 |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = April 12, 2019 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130416232012/http://news.tn.gov/node/6253 |archive-date = April 16, 2013 }} The contract for the segment between Leiper's Creek Road and US 31 was awarded on December 12, 2008,{{cite web |url = https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/business-how-do-i-documents/Const_2008Award.pdf |title = 2008 Contract Awards |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = July 7, 2020 |archive-date = January 24, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200124101503/https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/documents/business-how-do-i-documents/Const_2008Award.pdf |url-status = live }} and, on February 19, 2010, TDOT awarded the final construction contract for I-840, the segment between SR 46 and Leiper's Creek Road.{{cite press release |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |title = TDOT Awards Contract on Final State Route 840 Project |url = https://www.tn.gov/news/2010/2/24/tdot-awards-contract-on-final-state-route-840-project.html |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = February 24, 2010 |access-date = May 15, 2020 |archive-date = May 15, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200515225013/https://www.tn.gov/news/2010/2/24/tdot-awards-contract-on-final-state-route-840-project.html |url-status = live }} These two segments, the final {{convert|14.2|mi|km}} of I-840, were opened on November 2, 2012. The project took 26 years to complete and cost $753.4 million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|753400000|2012}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}).

File:Tennessee SR 840 Map.png

TDOT was first authorized to begin studies for a northern loop of I-840 north of Nashville and past Dickson, Clarksville, Springfield, and Gallatin by the state legislature in 1993. Environmental studies began in 1994 and a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) was released in 1995. On July 12, 1996, TDOT announced their first proposal for the northern section's alignment.{{cite news |last1 = Peebles |first1 = Jennifer |last2 = Carter |first2 = Rochelle |date = July 12, 1996 |title = Anxious Landowners, Officials Learn I-840 North's Path Today |url = https://tennessean.newspapers.com/clip/62157950/anxious-landowners-officials-learn/ |page = 1B |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |issn = 1053-6590 |access-date = October 30, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com }}{{cite news |last = Thomas |first = Wendi C. |date = July 13, 1996 |title = Many in Road's Way Say It's Futile to Fight |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62158071/many-in-roads-way-say-its-futile-to/ |page = 2A |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |issn = 1053-6590 |access-date = October 30, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com }} Many residents in the predominantly rural and agricultural areas where the route was to pass were initially opposed. An entire circular loop would possibly be about {{convert|187|mi|km}} long, with the northern segment ranging from {{convert|86|to|116|mi|km}}. Other important objections against additional extensions of I-840 include the hilly nature of the terrain north of Nashville (the Highland Rim), which would require huge and costly amounts of excavation, soil relocation, and bridge construction. In addition, the state was experiencing budget problems at the time, which would have further complicated the funding for such a project. On October 31, 2003, TDOT placed the northern loop plan on indefinite hold, citing a lack of documented transportation needs and lack of participation from local politicians.{{cite press release |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |author-link = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = October 31, 2003 |url = http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2003/ut_projects/10-31-2003sr840n.pdf |title = TDOT Announces Decision on State Route 840 North |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = July 17, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071127233215/http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2003/ut_projects/10-31-2003sr840n.pdf |archive-date = November 27, 2007 }} The western terminus of I-840 contains a very short unused extension, constructed in anticipation of the northern segment.

{{clear}}

TDOT first submitted a request to the FHWA to redesignate SR 840 as I-840 in November 1991. This was withdrawn two months later after it was chosen to construct the entire route with state funds.{{cite court |litigants = Southwest Williamson County Community v. Slater |vol = 67 |reporter = F. Supp. 2d |opinion = 875 |pinpoint = |court = United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee |date = September 10, 1999 |url = https://casetext.com/case/southwest-williamson-county-community-v-slater |access-date = July 7, 2020 |via = Casetext }}

In 2015, TDOT submitted a request to AASHTO to redesignate SR 840 as I-840. Though the application had an error that required TDOT to refile it, AASHTO conditionally approved it and submitted it to the FHWA for their approval.{{AASHTO minutes |year = 2015S |page = 6 |link = yes |access-date =June 6, 2015 }}{{cite letter |last = Wright |first = Bud |date = June 4, 2015 |url = http://route.transportation.org/Documents/05%2014%202015%20Cheyenne%2c%20WY%20Report/AASHTO%20to%20FHWA%20on%20Interstate%20Applications%20for%20I-840%20TN.pdf |title = Interstate Applications for I-840 TN |recipient = Greg Nadeau |location = Washington, DC |publisher = American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials |access-date = June 6, 2015 |archive-date = June 14, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150614080500/http://route.transportation.org/Documents/05%2014%202015%20Cheyenne%2c%20WY%20Report/AASHTO%20to%20FHWA%20on%20Interstate%20Applications%20for%20I-840%20TN.pdf |url-status = live }} The FHWA approved the change on July 22, 2015, and AASHTO finalized their approval on September 25, 2015.{{AASHTO minutes |year = 2015A |page = 1 |access-date = December 18, 2015 }} TDOT announced on August 12, 2016, that it would start replacing the signs to change over the designation the week of August 14 and that the project would be completed by the end of the year at a cost of $230,000 (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|230000|2016|r=-3}}}} in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}{{inflation/fn|US-GDP}}).{{cite press release |author = Tennessee Department of Transportation |date = August 12, 2016 |url = https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2016/8/12/tennessee-adds-new-77-miles-of-highway-to-interstate-system.html |title = Tennessee Adds New 77 Miles of Highway to Interstate System: State Route 840 Now Designated as Interstate 840 |publisher = Tennessee Department of Transportation |access-date = August 12, 2016 |archive-date = January 12, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180112222700/https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2016/8/12/tennessee-adds-new-77-miles-of-highway-to-interstate-system.html |url-status = live }}

In 2005, the Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation designating I-840 as the "Tennessee National Guard Parkway".{{cite news |last = Hall |first = Kristin M. |date = January 16, 2009 |title = Tennessee: Volunteer State Records 100th Death from Wars |url = https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2009/jan/16/tennessee-volunteer-state-records-100th-death-wars/203880/ |work = Chattanooga Times Free Press |access-date = July 7, 2020 |archive-date = July 7, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200707232022/https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2009/jan/16/tennessee-volunteer-state-records-100th-death-wars/203880/ |url-status = live }} Since 2007, the state has named bridges on I-840 in honor of members of the Tennessee National Guard killed in the global War on Terror.{{cite news |author = |title = State Salutes Fallen Soldiers |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54480185/state-salutes-fallen-soldiers/ |page = B1 |work = The Tennessean |location = Nashville |date = September 29, 2007 |issn = 1053-6590 |access-date = June 30, 2020 |via = Newspapers.com }}

{{clear}}

{{Jcttop|exit|length_ref={{google maps |url = https://www.google.com/maps/dir/36.0215803,-87.2653359/36.1836542,-86.3521029/@35.993783,-86.78102,11z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-86.7223008!2d35.8338299!3s0x88638866c916df7d:0x63cd9e63c74868ca!1m0!3e0 |title = State Route 840 |access-date = June 20, 2015}}}}

{{TNint|exit

|county=Dickson

|location=none

|mile=0.0

|exit=1

|road={{jct|state=TN|I|40|city1=Memphis|city2=Dickson|city3=Nashville}}

|notes=Western terminus; exit 176 on I-40; signed as exits 1A (west) and 1B (east)}}

{{jctco|state=TN|county=Hickman}}

{{TNint|exit

|county=Williamson

|cspan=9

|location=none

|lspan=2

|mile=7.3

|exit=7

|road={{jct|state=TN|TN|100|Sec|46|city1=Fairview|city2=Centerville}}

|notes=}}

{{TNint|exit

|mile=14.1

|exit=14

|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|46|name1=Pinewood Road|city1=Leiper's Fork}}

|notes=}}

{{TNint|exit

|location=Burwood

|mile=22.9

|exit=23

|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|246|name1=Carters Creek Pike}}

|notes=}}

{{TNint|exit

|location=Thompson's Station

|lspan=3

|mile=28.3

|exit=28

|road={{jct|state=TN|US|31|name1=Columbia Pike, SR 6|city1=Columbia|city2=Spring Hill|city3=Franklin}}

|notes=}}

{{TNint|exit

|mile=30.3

|exit=30

|road={{jct|state=TN|US|431|name1=Lewisburg Pike, SR 106|city1=Franklin|city2=Lewisburg}}

|notes=}}

{{TNint|exit

|exit=31

|mile=31.1

|road={{jct|state=TN|I|65|city1=Nashville|city2=Franklin|location3=Huntsville, AL}}

|notes=Signed as exits 31A (south) and 31B (north); exits 59A-B on I-65}}

{{TNint|exit

|location=Peytonsville

|mile=34.9

|exit=34

|road=Peytonsville–Trinity Road

|notes=}}

{{TNint|exit

|location=none

|mile=37.1

|exit=37

|road=Arno Road

|notes=}}

{{TNint|exit

|location=Triune

|mile=41.9

|exit=42

|road={{jct|state=TN|US|31A|US|41A|name2=Horton Highway, SR 11|city1=Shelbyville|city2=Lewisburg|city3=Nolensville}}

|notes=}}

{{TNint|exit

|county=Rutherford

|cspan=8

|location=Almaville

|mile=46.9

|exit=47

|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|102|name1=Almaville Road|city1=Smyrna}}

|notes=}}

{{TNint|exit

|location=Blackman

|mile=50.8

|exit=50

|road=Veterans Parkway – Blackman

|notes=}}

{{TNint|exit

|location=Murfreesboro

|lspan=2

|mile=53.1

|exit=53

|road={{jct|state=TN|I|24|city1=Nashville|city2=Chattanooga|city3=Murfreesboro}}

|notes=Signed as exits 53A (east) and 53B (west) westbound; exits 74A-B on I-24}}

{{TNint|exit

|mile=55.1

|exit=55

|road={{jct|state=TN|US|41|US|70S|name2=NW Broad Street, New Nashville Highway, SR 1|city1=Murfreesboro|city2=Smyrna}}

|notes=Signed as exits 55A (south/east) and 55B (north/west)}}

{{TNint|exit

|location=none

|lspan=2

|mile=57.8

|exit=57

|road=Sulphur Springs Road

|notes=}}

{{TNint|exit

|mile=61.4

|exit=61

|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|266|name1=West Jefferson Pike|city1=Smyrna}}

|notes=}}

{{jctbridge|exit

|location=none

|mile=

|bridge= Sergeant First Class Mark O Edwards Memorial Bridge over the Stones River

}}

{{TNint|exit

|location=none

|mile=65.2

|exit=65

|road={{jct|state=TN|TN|452|name1=Bill France Boulevard|location1=Nashville Superspeedway}}

|notes=}}

{{TNint|exit

|county=Wilson

|cspan=4

|location=none

|mile=67.2

|exit=67

|road=Couchville Pike

|notes=Exit to Cedars of Lebanon State Park}}

{{TNint|exit

|location=Gladeville

|mile=70.6

|exit=70

|road=Stewarts Ferry Pike – Gladeville

|notes=}}

{{TNint|exit

|location=none

|mile=72.0

|exit=72

|road={{jct|state=TN|Sec|265|TN|109|dir2=north|to2=yes|name1=Central Pike}}

|notes=Signed as exits 72A (east) and 72B (west) eastbound}}

{{TNint|exit

|location=Lebanon

|mile=76.8

|exit=76

|road={{jct|state=TN|I|40|city1=Nashville|city2=Knoxville|city3=Lebanon}}

|notes=Eastern terminus; signed as exits 76A (east) and 76B (west); exit 235 on I-40}}

{{Jctbtm|exit|keys=concur}}

• {{Portal-inline|U.S. Roads}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Interstate 840 (Tennessee)}}

{{Attached KML|display=inline,title}}

• [http://www.kurumi.com/roads/3di/i840.html Interstate 840] at Kurumi.com
• [http://www.interstate-guide.com/i-840_tn.html Interstate 840] at Interstate-Guide.com

{{3di|40}}

40-8

840

Category:Transportation in Dickson County, Tennessee

Category:Transportation in Hickman County, Tennessee

Category:Transportation in Williamson County, Tennessee

Category:Transportation in Rutherford County, Tennessee

Category:Transportation in Wilson County, Tennessee

40-8 Tennessee

Category:Interstate 40