The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced last month it selected Cavnue, LLC as its private-sector partner for a major smart freight initiative along Interstate 40, which the department said marks a significant step toward modernizing one of the state’s busiest transportation corridors.
TDOT said the Memphis/West Tennessee Smart Freight Corridor Pilot will focus on improving safety, easing congestion, and advancing freight technology between Memphis and Blue Oval City by testing Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) technologies in real-world conditions.
“This pilot represents a forward-looking investment in Tennessee’s freight network and an important step toward preparing our infrastructure for the next generation of freight mobility,” TDOT Commissioner Will Reid said (pictured above) in a statement.
The project is scheduled to run through 2028 and represents the department’s first dedicated smart freight effort.
Under TDOT oversight, Cavnue will begin with planning and design work before later moving into temporary on-road testing before a final evaluation phase that will help guide future infrastructure investments.
Key components of the pilot include corridor analysis, system design, installation of roadside and vehicle-based technologies, and the collection of real-time traffic and freight data. The initiative will also evaluate safety impacts, operational performance, and potential efficiency gains.
The I-40 corridor is a critical freight route for Tennessee’s economy, and officials expect traffic volumes to grow as industrial development expands in West Tennessee.
TDOT said the pilot will provide valuable insight into how advanced technologies can support multiple freight fleets, improve incident response, and enhance overall system reliability.
Governor Bill Lee called the project a forward-looking investment in the state’s infrastructure, emphasizing its role in supporting economic development and preparing for future transportation needs.
“By embracing new technology, we’re ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of Tennesseans and the industries that drive our economy,” Lee added.
Cavnue, which specializes in smart road development, brings experience from similar projects across the country to Tennessee’s pilot. The company has deployed connected vehicle corridors in states such as Michigan, Texas, and Georgia, using technologies including sensors, wireless communications, and AI-driven data systems to improve roadway performance.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Background Photo “I-40 Highway” by Thank You (21 Millions+) views. CC BY 2.0.
