Central Pike (State Route 265)

History and Background

Interchange at I-40 and Central Pike

TDOT initiated study of a request for new interchange access on I-40 at Central Pike at the request of the Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the City of Mt. Juliet, and Wilson County. TDOT gained conceptual approval of the Interchange Access Request from the Federal Highway Administration in November 2017. TDOT developed a Technical Planning Report in September 2022 for the entire corridor.

In 2023, Mt. Juliet submitted this project to TDOT as a potential Statewide Partnership Program project, whereby the city would contribute local funding and support to accelerate a project on TDOT’s system. TDOT review indicated that this project was a strong candidate, and the project is identified for funding in TDOT’s current 10-Year Project Plan.

The proposed design for the interchange is a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). The unique crisscross design of a DDI allows two directions of traffic to temporarily cross to opposite sides of the roadway in order to travel across the overpass, and then cross back and resume the original travel pattern. The DDI uses concrete dividers, stop bars, traffic signals, and extensive signage to guide motorists through the interchange. The DDI was selected to accommodate the large anticipated left-turn volumes from SR 265.

SR 265 will be improved within the interchange area from two travel lanes to four, with additional turn lanes and associated signalization. Side road improvements will also be constructed that accommodate proposed developments. Sidewalks will be provided.

Central Pike Widening

The footprint of this project stretches from the proposed interchange at I-40 to Mt. Juliet Road (SR 171). The current roadway includes one travel lane in each direction; the proposed project will widen Central Pike to five lanes (two travel lanes and a center turn lane). The project will address current and anticipated future congestion along the I-40, SR 265 and SR 171 corridors by improving a needed corridor between these heavily congested routes.

Mt. Juliet is managing the preliminary engineering (design and environmental review) portion of this project, as well as contributing some funding for right-of-way acquisition. TDOT will manage the right-of-way and construction phases.

Public Involvement and Engagement

Interchange at I-40 and Central Pike

A Design Public Meeting was held February 29, at Providence Church, 2293 S. Rutland Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122. Click here for meeting materials and presentation.

Environment

Interchange at I-40 and Central Pike

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a D-List Categorical Exclusion document was completed on December 15, 2023.