by Adam Ghassemi
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Driving along Lebanon Pike in Donelson you can quickly go from commercial overload to a slice of Music City history.
"The difference is night and day," said driver Bill Barratt.
That's why people who live along the stretch east of Stewarts Ferry Pike were so surprised to see history start changing.
"Yeah, it's a shame," Barratt said Tuesday.
The section of Highway 70 received a turning lane a few years ago. Back then the Tennessee Historical Commission warned T-DOT's widening project threatened precious landmarks and trees at their headquarters at Clover Bottom Mansion.
Fast forward to 2012 and there's a different thought. The Tennessee Department of General Services says the road expansion meant to make the highway safer actually created a dangerous 2 ft. drop off for drivers.
Spokeswoman Kelly Smith said Tuesday the department hired a civil engineer to work with the state horticulturist, Historical Commission and Metro to design a new entrance and only remove trees in that are in the way or in poor condition.
"We have had several incidents where those trees had fallen and caused a lot of damage in storms because they were very old," said neighbor Helen Gannon who is happy the area will be safer.
"Of course its welcoming because I think it's going to make us even feel safer because we don't have to worry about trees blowing down on cars, or electrical lines or anything where there are bad storms," Gannon went on to say.
The project may not take away every tree, but for the people who love them every branch means a piece of a history they'll never get back.
"The beauty of the area is striking as far as I'm concerned," Barratt went on to say.
Construction just started. The project should be completed this fall.
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