Franklin approves TDOT contract to advance widening of State Route 397 amid $25M shortfall
January 14, 2026 | Franklin City, Williamson County, Tennessee
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The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously Jan. 13 to enter City Contract 2025-0524 with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to advance design and environmental work on widening State Route 397 (Mack Hatcher Memorial Parkway).
City staff told the board the project is currently in TDOT’s 10‑year plan with construction listed in 2032. Eric (city staff) said the city is advancing some expenditures to get the design shovel‑ready and could move construction sooner if additional funding becomes available. He said the project currently has an estimated $25 million shortfall, which the city is pursuing through state and regional funding mechanisms including the MPO and legislative channels.
Paul (city staff) added that, if the gap is not closed, the city could reduce the scope of the project but the preferred approach is to complete NEPA and the full design so the project is ready if funds materialize. Vice Mayor Baggett asked for explicit contract language making clear the city’s intended fiscal limits so the agreement cannot be construed as an unconditional city pledge to cover the shortfall.
The board voted to approve the agreement so the city “can keep moving forward” on design, with members stressing continued efforts to seek state and MPO funding for the remaining cost.
Outcome and next steps: The contract was approved unanimously. Staff said they will continue to pursue state and MPO funding and refine contract language to clarify the city’s financial commitment.
City staff told the board the project is currently in TDOT’s 10‑year plan with construction listed in 2032. Eric (city staff) said the city is advancing some expenditures to get the design shovel‑ready and could move construction sooner if additional funding becomes available. He said the project currently has an estimated $25 million shortfall, which the city is pursuing through state and regional funding mechanisms including the MPO and legislative channels.
Paul (city staff) added that, if the gap is not closed, the city could reduce the scope of the project but the preferred approach is to complete NEPA and the full design so the project is ready if funds materialize. Vice Mayor Baggett asked for explicit contract language making clear the city’s intended fiscal limits so the agreement cannot be construed as an unconditional city pledge to cover the shortfall.
The board voted to approve the agreement so the city “can keep moving forward” on design, with members stressing continued efforts to seek state and MPO funding for the remaining cost.
Outcome and next steps: The contract was approved unanimously. Staff said they will continue to pursue state and MPO funding and refine contract language to clarify the city’s financial commitment.
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