The Tennessee Department of Transportation has awarded a $43,063,000 design-build contract to Archer Western Construction, LLC to rebuild the I-24 interchange at Epps Mill Road/Buchanan Road (Exit 89) and widen Epps Mill Road from west of Capital Way to U.S. 41 (Manchester Pike) in Rutherford County. The project, TDOT contract DB2505, will replace the Epps Mill Road bridge over I-24.
What is the I-24 Epps Mill Road project?
TDOT's request for proposals describes the project this way:
- Widening Epps Mill Road between State Route 2 (U.S. 41) and just past Capital Way, a stretch of about 0.86 mile, to three 12-foot lanes: one lane in each direction plus a 12-foot center turn lane
- Replacing the Epps Mill Road bridge over I-24, with a 5.5-foot sidewalk on both sides of the new bridge
- Realigning the onand off-ramps at the I-24 interchange and extending the eastbound and westbound acceleration and deceleration lanes on I-24
- Realigning Epps Mill Road at its intersection with SR-2 (Manchester Pike)
TDOT says the project will not change the through lanes on I-24 in either direction. Epps Mill Road will also be realigned to stage the bridge construction.
Why is the Epps Mill Road bridge being replaced?
According to TDOT, the existing bridge over I-24 is 32 feet, 4 inches wide and is a two-span, 300-foot-long steel girder bridge with a sufficiency rating of 75.0. TDOT says the bridge is approaching the end of its service life and will be replaced as part of the project. The new bridge is designed to fit the wider Epps Mill Road.
Who is building the Epps Mill Road interchange and how much will it cost?
TDOT opened bids on March 6, 2026. Four teams bid, and the department's contract award notice lists Archer Western Construction, LLC as the winner with a total bid of $43,063,000, below TDOT's estimate of $48,104,258.
TDOT used A+B bidding, which weighs both cost and time. Archer Western's bid was $34,663,000 for the work plus a time value of $8,400,000 based on 1,050 calendar days. The other bids were:
- Bell & Associates Construction, LLC: $48,525,138 (796 calendar days)
- Jones Bros. Contractors, LLC: $49,434,000 (960 calendar days)
- Dement Construction Group, LLC: $49,681,946.91 (1,154 calendar days)
TDOT says the project is paid for with state and local funding. Under the design-build method, the same team designs and builds the project. Archer Western's line items include $3,628,000 for bridges, $8,840,000 for pavement, $2,061,000 for maintenance of traffic and $1,030,000 for traffic signals.
When will construction on Epps Mill Road be finished?
TDOT's documents do not list a start date or a finish date. Archer Western's bid set 1,050 calendar days to complete the work, counted from TDOT's initial notice to proceed, and TDOT has not posted when that notice was or will be given.
How does the project affect Murfreesboro sewer lines?
The project reaches below ground, too. The Murfreesboro Water Resources Board's Sept. 22, 2026, agenda asked the board to consider a proposal from Barge Design Solutions, not to exceed $61,500, to prepare plans for sewer relocation tied to the Epps Mill Road/I-24 project.
According to the board communication, the road work requires grade adjustments to existing sewer infrastructure and possibly relocating part of a public sewer main. The project has been deemed a Chapter 86 project, which means TDOT will reimburse engineering design, sewer relocation and sewer easements up to $1.75 million. The department's expense would be paid from working capital reserves.
TDOT's request for proposals lists other utilities in the area as well, including Middle Tennessee Electric, Consolidated Utility District of Rutherford County, Colonial Pipeline, AT&T, CenturyLink/Lumen and Comcast.
More Murfreesboro road news
Drivers can keep up with other I-24 work in I-24 ramp closures in Murfreesboro and the I-24 Southeast CHOICE Lanes story. City road projects are covered in North Thompson Lane widening work and the council's Broad Street signal designs. Drivers heading southeast on U.S. 41 can also check the Murfreesboro to Manchester guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exit is Epps Mill Road on I-24?
TDOT identifies the I-24 interchange at Epps Mill Road/Buchanan Road as Exit 89.
Who won the I-24 Epps Mill Road contract?
TDOT awarded the design-build contract to Archer Western Construction, LLC for $43,063,000.
Will I-24 lanes be added at Epps Mill Road?
TDOT says the project will not alter the I-24 through lanes. It will realign the ramps and extend the eastbound and westbound acceleration and deceleration lanes.
Will the new Epps Mill Road bridge have sidewalks?
Yes. TDOT's request for proposals calls for a 5.5-foot sidewalk on both sides of the new bridge.
How wide will Epps Mill Road be?
TDOT says Epps Mill Road will be widened to three 12-foot lanes, with one lane in each direction and a center turn lane, between U.S. 41 and Capital Way.
Sources: TDOT: DB2505 I-24 at Epps Mill/Buchanan Road, TDOT: DB2505 RFP Book 1 (PDF), TDOT: DB2505 Summary of Bids (PDF), TDOT: DB2505 Contract Awards (PDF), City of Murfreesboro: Water Resources Board Agenda, Sept. 22, 2026 (PDF).
*Illustration: AI-generated image; not an actual I-24 interchange or bridge.*