What It Means for the Region
The Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) energy transition is taking shape with the approval of a 122-mile natural gas pipeline that will run across parts of central and eastern Tennessee. Known as the Ridgeline Expansion Project, this pipeline will have direct effects on several counties — and indirect consequences for nearby areas, including Cumberland County.
What the Project Is
The Ridgeline Expansion Project is being developed by East Tennessee Natural Gas, LLC, a subsidiary of Enbridge Inc., to supply natural gas to TVA’s upcoming power generation facilities.
According to reports from WSMV News 4 Nashville, WBIR 10 News Knoxville, and WVLT News:
- The project includes 122 miles of 30-inch natural gas transmission pipeline and related infrastructure, including a compressor station.
- Its purpose is to supply fuel for TVA’s new Kingston Energy Complex, which will replace the aging Kingston Fossil Plant — one of the last major coal-fired facilities in TVA’s system.
- Enbridge says roughly 91% of the route follows existing rights-of-way, minimizing new land disturbance and avoiding densely populated areas.
This project represents a major shift in TVA’s energy strategy — reducing coal dependency while expanding gas-fired generation, part of a broader plan to modernize Tennessee’s power infrastructure.
Route and Construction Timeline
The route spans Roane, Morgan, Fentress, Overton, Jackson, Putnam, Smith, and Trousdale Counties. Construction will occur in two main phases:
- Phase 1 – Roane County to Putnam County (starting November 1, 2025)
- Phase 2 – Putnam County to Trousdale County (starting December 1, 2025)
The pipeline project map from Enbridge Inc. shows a route of approximately 122.2 miles, traversing the following counties in Tennessee: Trousdale, Smith, Jackson, Putnam, Overton, Fentress, Morgan, and Roane. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission provides additional details. The map below also shows that roughly 91% of the route is planned within or adjacent to existing rights-of-way, reducing the need for wholly new corridors. Enbridge also provides more details.
Pre-construction activities — including land clearing and surveying — began in October 2025, with full project completion expected by late 2026 and land restoration by spring 2027.
(WSMV)
County-by-County Overview
| County | Notable Local Impacts |
|---|---|
| Roane County | Starting point; staging and heavy-equipment operations near TVA’s Kingston facility. |
| Morgan County | Forested terrain and steep slopes; environmental monitoring emphasized. |
| Fentress County | Rural agricultural lands; property easements and road access will be key concerns. |
| Overton County | Karst geology and water crossings require careful mitigation. |
| Jackson County | Mid-route construction with temporary traffic and noise increases. |
| Putnam County | One of the most developed along the route; local contractors and service providers likely to benefit. |
| Smith County | Late-phase construction; restoration and reseeding activities expected. |
| Trousdale County | Route terminus; operations and site stabilization will occur here. |
The above map courtesy of Enbridge, Inc.
The red dashed line shows the proposed route of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Ridgeline Pipeline Expansion. Solid lines depict existing pipelines. Image courtesy of Southern Environmental Law Center
Impact on Cumberland County & Surrounding Areas
- Although Cumberland County is not explicitly on the route list, nearby construction offers potential job and contract opportunities for firms located in or serving Cumberland County.
- Local businesses might secure work in staging, logistics, equipment, or service roles tied to the pipeline’s construction in adjacent counties.
- Tax revenue and regional spending may increase in neighboring counties; such growth could influence regional service sectors that include Cumberland County.
Energy Transition
This pipeline is central to TVA’s plan to retire coal generation and transition to natural gas, which emits less carbon dioxide and offers more reliability than renewables alone in current infrastructure. It will feed fuel to the Kingston Energy Complex, marking one of the most significant energy infrastructure updates in Tennessee in decades.
Economic Effects
During construction, hundreds of jobs and service contracts will be created, particularly in logistics, earthmoving, and materials. Local restaurants, lodging, and suppliers in surrounding counties will likely experience short-term economic boosts.
Once operational, the project will support long-term industrial development tied to energy reliability — a selling point for future businesses locating in the region.
Environmental & Land-Use Considerations
Though environmental advocates have voiced concerns about forest clearing, watershed disruption, and the pipeline’s long-term footprint, Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) continues to monitor compliance under state water-quality and soil-disturbance regulations.
(dataviewers.tdec.tn.gov)
Accessing the Official Route
Residents can view or download official pipeline mapping data through the National Pipeline Mapping System Public Viewer (NPMS) — which allows zooming to the county level for the Ridgeline Expansion corridor.
These resources display the proposed route, existing natural gas lines, and county boundaries — helping residents in Cumberland and surrounding counties assess proximity and potential impacts.
Final Takeaway
The Ridgeline Expansion Project is one of Tennessee’s most significant energy infrastructure undertakings in recent decades. While designed to fuel TVA’s transition from coal to gas and strengthen the state’s energy infrastructure, it also raises important environmental, economic, and community considerations. Whether viewed as a regional economic opportunity or a climate and land-use concern, the 122-mile pipeline underscores the evolving energy landscape in Tennessee’s heartland.
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