Superior Construction wins $135m I-40 Donelson Pike Interchange project in Nashville

Superior Construction wins $135m I-40 Donelson Pike Interchange project in Nashville

Superior Construction, an American family-owned infrastructure contractor, will soon begin relocating the Donelson Pike interchange at Interstate 40 southeast of downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

The five-year, $135 million project for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) breaks ground this month and will update the junction to a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) design. Superior will also relocate Donelson Pike (SR 255) to the east of the existing roadway to accommodate the new design.

The existing interchange (Donelson Pike over I-40) will be repurposed, primarily providing access to expanded BNA facilities. Construction of BNA property by Metro Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) will occur simultaneously with the planned TDOT project.

The interchange was first built in the 1980s to provide access to a new terminal at Nashville International Airport (BNA). The expansion of BNA and subsequent growth in the surrounding area has led to an unprecedented volume of cargo — and traveler-related traffic — demands the current configuration cannot accommodate.

“Reconstructing this interchange will increase capacity, correct geometric deficiencies, and improve its overall operation, providing efficient access to the airport, I-40 and other nearby businesses,” said Jeff Anderson, Tennessee Division Manager, Superior Construction.

The construction project is expected to be complete September 2027.

“We will leverage our experience on other similar projects, including the I-75/SR 56 DDI in Tampa to complete this important project,” said Pete Kelley, Chief Operating Officer, Superior Construction. “This traffic design has proven effective and convenient in those communities. Commuters, visitors and residents in this active Nashville area can look forward to the same.”

Superior Construction has completed several projects for TDOT, including the Harts Branch Accelerated Bridge project and the Saturn Parkway extension. The infrastructure contractor is also currently working on the Terminal Access Roadway Improvement project at BNA.