A project designed to keep pedestrians safe along Lower Broadway has now been extended.
Metro's 'Pedestrian Improvements Project,' first started last August. It expanded sidewalks an additional 6 feet on Broadway from 1st to 5th Avenues to make it easier for pedestrians to access the area.
Metro Public Works said it started because Lower Broadway currently has high pedestrian volume and low pedestrian space. 15,000 vehicles per day average this section of Nashville's downtown.
The project was extended to get more feedback on the changes. Officials with Public Works also wanted to see how the Winter weather impacted traffic flow in the area. There are also plans to add extra signs for pedestrians, and a diagonal crosswalk.
“I think the biggest thing we want to reiterate is it is for the safety of pedestrians,” said Kennetha Price, Public Information Officer for Metro Public Works. “Safety is the most important part. That includes safety for pedestrians, motorists, and visitors that come to the city of Nashville.”
Price said feedback from pedestrians and business owners had been mostly positive.
However, some operators of horse drawn carriages say the change has hurt their business. The project moved the carriages from picking up customers on Broadway, to 2nd Avenue. Some operators say now 16 carriages have to squeeze into 5 parking spots, and the additional noise on 2nd Avenue has negatively impacted the horses.
“I feel as a carriage owner, we should have a say in where we park, as far as safety,” said Sara Williams, with Cumberland Carriage Tours. “It’s been horrible since we’ve moved. We’ve lost a lot of business.”
Metro Public Works said the program will continue indefinitely. To provide feedback, you can call Metro Public Works at 615-862-8750 or fill out a form online by clicking here.
For more information on the project, by clicking here.
