NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Pedestrian safety concerns are mounting in Nashville following multiple fatal hit-and-run incidents this September, prompting city officials to accelerate infrastructure improvements.
Three families are mourning loved ones after several pedestrian hit-and-run crashes this month. The most recent occurred Tuesday on Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard at 17th Avenue North. Another happened September 11 at 4th Avenue South and Korean Veterans Boulevard, and that same night, a Dodge Charger struck and killed a pedestrian on Haywood Lane near Hopedale Drive.
I asked Mayor Freddie O'Connell what the city is doing to keep streets safe and whether there are updates on the Choose How You Move or Vision Zero plans.
"We've had some areas of focus you've probably seen. There have been some very quick improvements to a section of 3rd Avenue North, where we had a couple of back-to-back tragic accidents there," O'Connell said.
The mayor also pointed to efforts on Dickerson Pike, an area where vehicles hit and killed nine people between May 2017 and August 2022 while walking along or across the nearly two-mile stretch, according to a report from Walk Bike Nashville.
"We are initiating the first round of infrastructure and signal improvements," O'Connell said.
"We hope that all of the things that are in Choose How You Move will ultimately result in better intersection safety."
When I asked for a timeline on when residents can expect to see improvements, O'Connell provided some specifics.
"We know that we will have sidewalk projects in construction delivery before the end of the year," O'Connell said.
O'Connell says he and the Choose How You Move initiative are working closely with NDOT to speed up key sidewalk and infrastructure improvements. He says residents should see a list of priority areas in the next few weeks.
If you have a question you'd like me to ask the mayor, I'm here to listen to your voice. You can send me an email. What are you concerned about? What would you like to know? I'll take your questions straight to Mayor Freddie O'Connell.
"This story was reported on-air and written by Kelsey Gibbs and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy."
I'm so thankful Robb Coles highlighted the Kamer Davis clinic in Hermitage and the hardship that may force its closure. The clinic provides care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and there is no other place like it nearby. You can tell the staff is so passionate about the care they provide. I hope by shining the light on this, the right person can step in and make a difference.
- Carrie Sharp
