Laying the Groundwork for Growth:

Where History Meets Innovation

Phase II of the Terminal Access Roadway Improvements (TARI) project is underway at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA), and with it comes the opportunity to build more than infrastructure. While every job site presents its own set of challenges, this project has pushed our team to rise above, adapt, and grow stronger. This phase includes the major expansion of a new NES utility duct bank corridor—critical groundwork supporting the Donelson Pike relocation and future airport development. We’re proud of the resilience, teamwork, and progress our team continue to demonstrate every step of the way.

Project at a Glance

• Location: Nashville, TN
• Owner: Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority
• Client: Jones Brothers
• Facility Type: Airport
• Project Focus: Electrical infrastructure to support expansion and
  modernization

About the Project

Stansell Electric is supporting Jones Brothers on the TARI Phase II project by providing essential electrical infrastructure critical to the expansion of the new NES utility duct bank corridor. This work plays a vital role in the broader Donelson Pike relocation effort at the Nashville Airport.

In close partnership with Jones Brothers, NES, and the Airport, our team executed a complex scope of work, including:

• Removing approximately 40 light poles in and around MNAA and Donelson Pike
• Installing 22,000 linear feet of concrete-encased conduit—much through solid rock
• Installing 5 NES transformer/switch pads and 5 NES manholes (each nearly 50,000 lbs.)
• Installing a 1⁄2 mile of underground and overhead fiber between Lot B and Lot C
• Replacing overhead power with a new underground system in front of the airport

This effort involved trenching through rock, working alongside active roadways and utilities, and maintaining safe conditions in and around critical airport operations—all without disrupting service.

Challenges and Solutions:

Executing critical underground electrical work in an active airport environment is no small task. Our team faced complex challenges, from trenching through solid rock to navigating a maze of existing utilities, all while ensuring the safety of our crews and the public.

Working in and around live airport operations required extreme precision and constant coordination. Despite these obstacles, our team adapted, problem- solved in real time, and maintained focus on safety and quality. The result: a stronger, more resilient crew that continues to grow through hands-on experience in high-stakes environments.

Key Challenges Include:

• Keeping the public safe from open trenches
• Keeping our team safe while operating and working alongside heavy excavation equipment, uneven terrain, open ditches and electrical hazards
• Preventing trenches from collapsing
• Working around a maze of utility lines

Through these challenges, our team logged over 10,000 hours without a recordable injury, avoided all utility strikes, and grew their skills and confidence through some of challenging situations. Project manager Brad W. states, “What I personally witnessed was the incredible talent that our field teams/leaders have. Their ability to solve problems with creative thinking and
determination was impressive.”

Why It Matters:

This project is more than just conduit and concrete—it’s about strengthening vital infrastructure that keeps one of Tennessee’s busiest airports running safely and efficiently. By relocating utilities underground, we’re not only enhancing reliability and aesthetics, but also clearing the way for future airport expansion.

Stansell Electric’s work ensures that Nashville’s airport is equipped to grow, adapt, and serve the region for years to come.