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Light-Rail Slated For Gallatin Pike

Posted at 7:38 PM, Apr 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-27 00:10:13-04

Nashville became one step closer to cutting down the traffic congestion on its busy roads. Light-rail is coming but it's going to get worse before it gets better.

It was one of the biggest take always from Mayor Megan Barry's State of Metro. Light-rail.

"We have to act now to prevent the congestion that threatens our prosperity, and compromises our quality of life," said Mayor Megan Barry, Nashville.

A new way of life for people living in and around Music City, and Mayor  Barry is hoping to make it a better way of living for people like Melissa Zou.

"I get tired of walking. I wear out shoes once a month and I have to buy shoes over and over again just from walking," said Zou.

These are Melissa's thrid pair of sneakers this year, after a daily 4 mile walk, her shoes get worn down pretty easily.

Melissa has been using the MTA bus service as her primary transportation. But the bus doesn't stop close enough to her home, so she makes the extra 2 mile trip back home.

"We just don't have a way to get around if you don't have a car, and that would be great," said Zou.

Gallatin Pike is where Mayor Barry is hoping to operate Nashville's first light-rail line. An area that's heavily congested, as well as a road many are weary to cross.

"It's dangerous. There's been people that's been hit from crossing work to get across the road," said Zou.

The current nMotion transit plan has the Gallatin Pike corridor traveling from the River-gate area, through East Nashville, where it will eventually stop in downtown on James Robertson Parkway.

"This recess is not going to be quick and it's not going to be easy," said Mayor Barry.

Though there is a planning process that wont be easy, resident's like Melissa are hoping organizers can speed up the planning and start changing.

"It's growing we need something else here besides MTA," said Zou.

The city still has to acquire the land for the project.