Murfreesboro's officials and city and state transportation administrators have commenced construction of the new Murfreesboro Transit Center in Tennessee, US.

The value of this construction project is $17.1m.

The centre, which is set to include a passenger pavilion, as well as maintenance and administration facilities, is expected to enhance travel in the developing city.

The state-run Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) awarded Murfreesboro $9m in funds via the IMPROVE Act through three separate grants for the facility’s design and construction.

Murfreesboro mayor Shane McFarland said: “Without the $9m from the state, and $5m federal [government] funding this would not be possible. I want to thank TDOT and our federal partners for their critical participation.”

The new centre will be built on a 5.5-acre site at 324 New Salem Highway, across from the Doug Young Public Safety Training Facility.

The city intends to open the 2,375ft² passenger pavilion, 3,200ft² bus maintenance facility, and new administrative building with offices by 2025.

Tennessee Public Transportation Association executive director Jason Spain said: “It’s going to be a shining example of how the transit agency, Murfreesboro Transit, can meet the needs of Murfreesboro residents and visitors alike.”

HDR designed the project and Rock City Construction secured the construction contract.

Murfreesboro Transit presently employs 15 drivers and maintains a fleet of nine 23-passenger buses.

The transportation centre on New Salem Highway will serve as a major hub for boarding and transferring passengers.

Furthermore, it will also include the public transportation system’s dispatch, operations, administrative, and maintenance facilities.