Tennessee State Highways

Tennessee’s state highway system is extensive and diverse, spanning from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River in the west. Managed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), these highways include both primary and secondary routes, designated by simple numerical signage often accompanied by directional banners. Primary routes tend to connect major cities, while secondary highways serve more rural or local functions, though both are state-maintained.

State highways in Tennessee are uniquely identified by their distinctive circular route markers, which are black on white for primary routes and inverted (white on black) for secondary routes. Many of these roads parallel or connect with U.S. and Interstate highways, helping to form a robust transportation grid across the state. Notable examples include State Route 1, which closely follows the historic path of U.S. Route 70 across the state, and SR 840, a former bypass route around Nashville that has since been redesignated as Interstate 840.

Tennessee’s highway network plays a critical role in supporting the state’s economy, tourism, and mobility. From scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains to efficient corridors through Memphis and Nashville, state routes offer vital links between urban centers, rural communities, and regional attractions. Whether you’re navigating through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or heading to the Blues Trail in West Tennessee, the state’s numbered routes are integral to getting there.