Fall Creek, Tennessee (Wilson and Rutherford Counties)

Update – September 2024

TVA has identified the preferred location for transmission improvements that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in Wilson and Rutherford Counties in Tennessee.

TVA evaluated each route using social, engineering, and environmental factors.  Information sources included available data, aerial photography, limited onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owner input.  Based on public input and evaluation, the preferred route is expected to have the least overall project impacts of the alternatives.

The proposed 2.99-mile line would begin at a tap point on TVA’s existing Lebanon-Murfreesboro Transmission Line and extend west to Middle Tennessee Electric’s new Fall Creek Substation to be located near the intersection of Powells Chapel Road and Highway 452 in Rutherford County.

Due to feedback and additional information received regarding potential environmental impacts, the route has been adjusted slightly from what was presented at the open house April 25 and virtual open house from April 25 through May 27, 2024; however, no additional property owners will be affected.

The new line will be built using primarily single-pole, steel structures centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way.

Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to begin in spring 2025.

Easement purchases are scheduled to begin in summer 2026.

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

The line is scheduled to be in service in summer 2027.

The National Environmental Policy Act review is pending.

Background

TVA is considering improvements to its transmission system that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in the Wilson and Rutherford County areas in Tennessee.

Middle Tennessee Electric currently serves the area around Fall Creek Road and Interstate 840 from the Vesta Road, Lascassas, and Smyrna Airport 161-kilovolt Metering Stations.  Middle Tennessee Electric estimates future commercial and residential load to grow beyond the capacity of the existing system over the next 20 years.  Additionally, electrical load on the Smyrna Airport Metering Station will increase because of Smyrna’s planned sewer expansion.

To accommodate the area’s growing demand for electricity, Middle Tennessee Electric is proposing to build the Fall Creek, Tennessee 161-kilovolt Substation near the intersection of Powells Chapel Road and Highway 452 in Rutherford County.  TVA would connect to the existing Lebanon-Murfreesboro 161-kilovolt Transmission Line and build 3 to 4 miles of 161-kilovolt line to the proposed Fall Creek Substation.

TVA’s proposed new transmission line would be built using primarily single-pole, steel structures centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way.  The scheduled completion date for this project is summer 2027.

TVA will hold an open house on Thursday, April 25, 2024, to provide information, answer questions and receive comments about the proposed transmission project.  For those unable to attend the open house April 25, 2024, TVA is providing a virtual open house from Thursday, April 25 through Monday, May 27, 2024, online at tvavirtual.com/fallcreek.

The project is expected to be in service in summer 2027.  Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.  (Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

TVA held an open house in Lebanon April 25, 2024, and a virtual open house online from April 25 through May 27, 2024, to present the project.  Within this 30-day comment period, property owners and members of the public were able to submit questions and comments online, in writing, or by telephone.

(Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)