Local
South Nashville group presses for pedestrian and road upgrades ahead of I-24 work
Residents organized as 16th United want TDOT to improve five South Nashville corridors before construction on the $9.2 billion I-24 Choice Lanes project sends detour traffic through nearby neighborhoods. The group plans to gather community feedback and seek support for a formal request to the state.
South Nashville residents are urging the Tennessee Department of Transportation to make road and pedestrian-safety improvements before construction on the I-24 Choice Lanes project affects nearby communities.
The neighborhood group 16th United is calling for upgrades to Nolensville Pike, Murfreesboro Pike, Harding Place, Old Hickory Boulevard and Thompson Lane. The proposed $9.2 billion project is expected to affect communities including Antioch, Woodbine and Glencliff, as well as areas toward Murfreesboro.
Julie James, 16th United’s president, said residents could face years of construction, detour traffic on neighborhood streets, noise and property impacts. The group wants improvements to state highways it says TDOT is responsible for maintaining before construction traffic adds pressure to local roads.
Its requests include safer pedestrian crossings, better-timed traffic signals, continuous sidewalks and improved street lighting. James said the I-24 project’s design is not final, leaving an opportunity to prioritize changes before work begins.
A Metro Nashville safety study of Nolensville Pike found pedestrians particularly vulnerable in serious and fatal crashes, James said. She also pointed to the Murfreesboro Road and Thompson Lane intersection, which she described as having frequent crashes.
Residents from South Nashville and Antioch planned to meet Thursday, Oct. 15, to discuss community feedback. Organizers hope to build support among elected officials before sending TDOT a letter outlining the recommended street improvements. People interested in attending were asked to RSVP through an online form.