MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS News) – More than $10.3 million in roadway safety improvements are planned for Murfreesboro following the announcement of a major federal grant aimed at reducing traffic crashes, preventing serious injuries and saving lives. The City of Murfreesboro has been selected to receive $8,282,947 through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Year 2026 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. When combined with the city’s required local matching funds, the total project investment will reach $10,353,685. Photo above article: Joe B. Jackson Pkwy at S. Church St. in Murfreesboro, TN (Photo by Scott Walker – SmallTownBigWorld.com).
The funding will allow Murfreesboro to address several areas of concern, including dangerous intersections, pedestrian crossings, speeding and emergency response capabilities. The improvements are particularly important as the city continues to experience population growth, bringing additional vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists onto local roadways. “This significant federal investment reinforces our commitment to making Murfreesboro’s streets safer for everyone, whether they drive, walk, bike, or use mobility devices,” said Mayor Shane McFarland. “Every one of these improvements is focused on preventing tragedies before they happen.”
Interesting Sidetract: To learn more about what’s happening in Murfreesboro, listen to our in-depth interview with Mayor Shane McFarland HERE. During the interview, WGNS’ Scott Walker asked the mayor, “If you could go undercover for one day and work in any department at any position, where would you go and what would you do?” Hear the mayor’s answer to that question, along with updates on future development projects, plans for a new Lowe’s store in South Murfreesboro along Shelbyville Pike, and a new Chick-fil-A across from Walmart on Joe B. Jackson Parkway. The conversation also explores other projects that could shape Murfreesboro’s future. To hear the latest updates directly from Mayor McFarland, head to our complete 41-minute, click-to-play interview HERE.
The approved federal award includes $8,216,591 designated for implementation projects and another $66,356 for supplemental planning and demonstration activities. The improvements were identified through Murfreesboro’s adopted Safety Action Plan, which examines traffic patterns, crash histories and areas where motorists and pedestrians face increased risks. Scroll down for more details, interviews, pictures and a video.
Among the planned improvements are traffic signal upgrades at key intersections, traffic calming measures along approximately 2.8 miles of Saint Andrews Drive and the installation of a pedestrian hybrid beacon on Veterans Parkway near Barfield Crescent Park. The pedestrian beacon will provide an additional safety measure for individuals crossing the busy roadway, particularly those visiting the park and surrounding recreational areas…