Tennessee DOT: Future river port could offer access to CSX

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has lined up a public-private partnership to develop a multimodal, multicommodity inland river port on a 40-acre site on the Cumberland River.

The future Ashland City River Port's location is expected to enhance supply chain movement, as it offers the potential for rail access to CSX via Nashville & Western Line and is located within 10 miles of interstates 40 and 65, TDOT officials said in a press release.

Under the partnership, Ingram Marine Group will pay to construct the $30 million inland port on the land identified by Cheatham County. TDOT will pay for the construction of the $3 million pier with state funds supporting multimodal infrastructure, according to TDOT.

“TDOT remains committed to exploring every opportunity to strengthen our regional and national economic competitiveness by advancing infrastructure enhancements and operational innovations that alleviate congestion and remove critical freight bottlenecks," said Deputy Gov. and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley.

Construction is expected to start this summer. Phase I construction will include a fixed dock, multicommodity warehouse and site improvements. The barges will move a variety of dry goods from the port, including materials like cement, rebar, aluminum and rubber.