Tennessee DOT Plans River Port with Multimodal Access

The Tennessee DOT has formed a partnership to develop a $33 million multimodal river port in Ashland City that enhances freight access and logistics. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Located on 40 acres along the Cumberland River, the planned Ashland City River Port aims to improve regional supply chain efficiency. The site offers potential rail access to CSX through the Nashville & Western Line and sits less than 10 miles from interstates 40 and 65.

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Tennessee DOT Invests in Freight Infrastructure

Under the agreement, Ingram Marine Group will fund construction of the main port facilities, investing $30 million. Meanwhile, Tennessee DOT will contribute $3 million to build a supporting pier using state funds.

Construction will begin this summer. Phase I will include a fixed dock, a multicommodity warehouse, and major site improvements. The port will handle dry goods like cement, aluminum, rebar, and rubber, providing new shipping routes along the river.

Tennessee DOT Commissioner Butch Eley emphasized that the agency remains focused on transportation solutions that reduce congestion and improve freight mobility. He said the port reflects a long-term commitment to innovation and regional competitiveness.

Tennessee DOT Project Boosts Rail and Barge Connectivity

By connecting barge routes to rail and highway infrastructure, the port will create a more sustainable alternative to long-haul trucking. This project also supports Tennessee’s broader economic development goals by expanding access to national markets.

The port is expected to serve as a vital logistics hub across the Southeast. It demonstrates how coordinated public-private investment can strengthen infrastructure, streamline freight flow, and stimulate local industry growth.

Tennessee DOT anticipates that this development will drive long-term value for businesses and communities, reinforcing the state’s role as a central freight corridor in the U.S.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

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