The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) is asking for the public to weigh in on two new pedestrian and bicycle projects in Midtown, aimed at paving the way for increased safety and mobility. The Church Street Complete Street and Athena Bikeways projects are designed with pedestrian and cyclist access in mind, connecting the bustling neighborhoods around Centennial Park.
As part of the Vision Zero initiative to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries, a new mobility lane is proposed for Church Street. Covering 1.7 miles, this lane aims to support all types of transportation and is integrated into the city's Connect Downtown Action Plan to help reduce traffic congestion.
The Athena Bikeways goes a step further, extending approximately three miles off Church Street with a focus on complete street enhancements and bikeways. It responds to the city's WalknBike strategic plan that looks to further multimodal travel corridors and improve sidewalk and bikeway infrastructure.
These projects aim to connect Midtown with high-quality bike lanes running east to west. Anna Dearman from NDOT says, "The Church and Athena projects will improve safety for everyone traveling, including people biking, walking, using transit, and driving," and adds, "With these initiatives, NDOT seeks to provide additional multimodal mobility options, increase safety, and maintain traffic operations for people living, working, and traveling to-and-through Midtown."
NDOT encourages the community to share their perspectives before construction commences, to refine bikeway designs and pedestrian crossing locations. The public can voice their opinions through an online survey available until September 30.
