Nine contractors bid on Cherry Lane Phase 3B, the new interchange at I-840, and the City of Murfreesboro's staff is recommending the lowest bidder, Jones Brothers Contractors, at $47,266,233. The contract award is Item 2 on the City Council's workshop agenda for Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. The packet lists it under "Action Items" and asks for a motion.
The council has not acted on the contract. This article reports what the agenda packet says.
What is Cherry Lane Phase 3B?
According to the city's council communication, Phase 3B "includes construction of a new interchange at I-840 as part of the overall Cherry Lane corridor improvements." The packet says the project will provide a new connection to I-840, improve regional connectivity and enhance access to the growing areas of northern Murfreesboro.
A bid review letter in the packet describes the contract as the Cherry Lane Extension from east of I-840 to west of I-840, with a new interchange. It lists the contract length as 0.436 mile and the contract number as 260089. The packet ties the work to the city's 2040 Major Transportation Plan, under the council priority of expanding infrastructure.
What did the bids show?
City bids were opened Nov. 3, 2026, and nine were received. Jones Brothers Contractors submitted the apparent low bid of $47,266,233 (the bid review letter gives the exact figure as $47,266,232.58).
The bid review letter, dated Nov. 4 from HMB Professional Engineers, LLC, adds these details:
- The low bid is $2,201,045 (4.45 percent) below the engineer's estimate of $49,467,278.
- The second-lowest bid, from Capital City Construction, is $48,497,715, which is $1,231,482 above the low bid.
- The highest of the nine bids is $62,198,019, and the median is $52,221,292.
- Jones Brothers is prequalified with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
The letter concludes that overall pricing supports consideration of the low bid.
How will the contract be paid for?
The proposed contract totals $47,266,233. The packet splits it into two parts:
- Participating costs: $41,125,557. These are funded approximately 70 percent by federal and state funds and 30 percent by local funds. The local share is $12,337,667, which the packet says will come from anticipated FY27 and FY29 bond proceeds.
- Non-participating costs: $6,140,676. These are 100 percent funded by "CUD" and Murfreesboro Water Resources, according to the packet, which does not spell out the abbreviation.
What is the staff recommendation, and what happens next?
The staff recommendation reads: "Approve the construction agreement with Jones Brothers Contractors, subject to legal approval." Jim Kerr, executive director of public infrastructure, is listed as the presenter.
The engineering consultant's letter adds a second condition. It recommends that the city seek TDOT concurrence in awarding the contract to Jones Brothers, and says final certification of responsiveness and award should remain on hold pending that concurrence. It gives a completion date on or before Aug. 31, 2029. The packet includes an unsigned contract form. It does not give a notice-to-proceed date or a construction start date.
When and where is the meeting?
The City Council workshop meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at the Airport Business Center. The city's Agenda Center says people who wish to speak at a public meeting must sign up at least six hours before it starts, using the public comment form or by calling City Hall at (615) 849-2629.
Other Murfreesboro road projects
Cherry Lane is one of several road projects in the city. Others include the North Thompson Lane widening, the I-24 interchange at Epps Mill Road and the city's $8.28 million Safe Streets grant. More about city departments is in the Murfreesboro City Hall guide, and the Murfreesboro map shows where these corridors sit. Newcomers can find more in the moving to Murfreesboro guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Cherry Lane Phase 3B contract?
The proposed contract with Jones Brothers Contractors totals $47,266,233, made up of $41,125,557 in participating costs and $6,140,676 in non-participating costs.
Has the council approved the contract?
No. The contract is on the Nov. 12 workshop agenda. The staff recommendation is to approve it subject to legal approval, and the packet asks for a motion. The packet also says the consultant recommends the award wait on TDOT concurrence.
Who pays for Cherry Lane Phase 3B?
Participating costs are about 70 percent federal and state funds and 30 percent local funds, with the local share of $12,337,667 coming from anticipated FY27 and FY29 bond proceeds. The non-participating costs are funded entirely by CUD and Murfreesboro Water Resources.
How many companies bid on the project?
Nine bids were received when they were opened on Nov. 3, 2026. Jones Brothers Contractors submitted the lowest.
When would the interchange be finished?
The consultant's bid review letter lists completion on or before Aug. 31, 2029. The packet does not give a construction start date.
Sources: Murfreesboro City Council Workshop Meeting agenda packet, Nov. 12, 2026, including the council communication for Item 2 and the HMB Professional Engineers bid review letter; City of Murfreesboro Agenda Center.
*AI-generated illustration.*