Fall 2025 Newsletter

Quarterly Newsletter - Fall 2025

FY 2026-2029 TIP Development

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-29 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) was recently adopted at the September 11, 2025 Transportation Policy Board meeting. The plan is currently undergoing the final federal and state review periods.

The TIP is a four-year, fiscally constrained, short-range program that provides a prioritized list of multi-modal transportation projects within the Metropolitan Planning Area and is developed collaboratively with local governments, transit and transportation agencies, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Coordinate Mid-South

Check out this video summarizing the planning effort!

VIEW THE PLAN

Coordinate Mid-South was recently adopted at the September 11, 2025 Transportation Policy Board meeting. THANK YOU to everyone who has helped with the development of the plan through the various engagement efforts!

Coordinate Mid-South is the Coordinated Public Transit and Human Services Transportation Plan for the Mid-South region. This plan focuses on transportation needs and solutions for the transportation-disadvantaged communities: older adults, persons with disabilities, and persons of low income.

Household Travel Survey

The My Travels Count survey is wrapping up soon! Randomly selected households have received a letter in the mail. Please spread the word about the legitimacy of the survey. If your household receives an invitation, we encourage you to complete the survey promptly!

This survey is a Tennessee statewide effort. For the Memphis region, invites were sent to households in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

LEARN MORE

New Video on YouTube

Check out this video about the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Architecture! ITS Architecture creates a framework for all the technology we use on the roadway to coordinate and share information for a safer and more efficient transportation system.

New MPO Staff Member

Anna Parr joined the Memphis MPO in July 2025 as a Transportation Planner. Anna earned her Master of City and Regional Planning degree from the University of Memphis while working part-time with the City of Memphis’s Bike and Pedestrian program. While with the City of Memphis, she audited the delineators in the city, maintained pedestrian crash data, and updated the Bike and Pedestrian program website. With the MPO, Anna will work on pedestrian/ bicycle planning and the congestion management process.

Tejal Shah joined the Memphis MPO in August 2025 as an Accountant. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Gujarat University in India, and later earned a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University. After years of experience in the corporate sector, she brings a strong commitment to building strong financial communities. Tejal's expertise and dedication make her an asset to the organization as it works towards enhancing the quality of life for all residents. For the Memphis MPO, Tejal will be working on financial management and grants administration.

Recent Headlines

TDOT Announces Paving Plan for Shelby County Roads

TDOT is investing $160 million to repave 400 lane miles of interstates and state highways in Shelby County, including I-40, I-240, and I-269. The work is expected to run through 2027.

Tennessee and Arkansas Unveil New Name for I-55 Bridge

The I-55 bridge over the Mississippi River between Memphis and West Memphis to Kings’ Crossing, honoring three "Kings" who made an impact in the Mid-South region: Martin Luther King, Jr., B.B. King, and Elvis Presley.

Mississippi Increases Revenue for Major Road Projects

Mississippi increases gas tax to fund transportation projects throughout the state, including local city and county roads. This increase is paired with decreases in grocery and income tax for the state.

A R DOT Uses Wrong Way Driver Detection Technology

ARDOT installs wrong-way driver detection system on I-40 and I-55. This technology helps to improve the safety of drivers traveling in and out of the Memphis Region.

Ribbon Cutting for Roundabout in Hernando

A new roundabout is open to traffic at the intersection of McIngvale and Holly Springs in Hernando, improving sightlines for drivers at the intersection.

Park(ing) Day event hosted in Memphis

The Downtown Memphis Commission and Street Fair partnered to bring a nationwide effort to Memphis, reimagining parking spaces as parks. People were able to stop by to visit three "parks" with different themes.

Program & Funding Opportunities

TDOT Transportation Planning Grant (TPG)

TDOT’s Transportation Planning Grant program supports cities, counties, and regional agencies in developing plans that improve traffic flow, safety, mobility, and overall system efficiency. Typical projects include corridor studies, bicycle and pedestrian master plans, Complete Streets strategies, and other innovative planning efforts. Funding availability is up to $250,000 per grant with a 10% local match requirement. The application deadline is October 31, 2025.

Visit the MPO's Funding Opportunities webpage for more information on transportation funding opportunities available to eligible agencies and organizations throughout the Region.