Improving Davidson County’s Worst Intersections: Estes Road Site
(This article is Part 3 of a 3 part series of articles on the 15 most dangerous intersections undergoing major improvements in Davidson County. Click here to read Part 1. And click here to read Part 2.)
Improving Davidson County’s worst intersections includes paying serious attention to Estes Road in Green Hills.
The distance along Estes Road from Harding Place to Abbott Martin Road, in the area behind Green Hills Mall, is less than 2 miles. The average person could walk that distance in about 30 minutes, but pedestrians share the narrow road with more than 15,000 vehicles a day.
Limited sidewalks, increased traffic and escalating numbers of accidents causing personal injuries and property damage landed three spots in this short stretch on the city’s improvement program.
On busy Estes Road, the goal is making the corridor safer for all modes of transportation. Major improvements are planned at three spots – the intersection of Estes Road with Harding Place, with Hobbs Road, and with Abbott Martin Road.
The city plans to:
- Replace traffic signals and coordinate signal timing for the entire corridor
- Add new sidewalks, pedestrian signals, curb ramps and crosswalks
- Reduce congestion with additional turn lanes
- Repave and restripe all three intersections
Nashville traffic, safety and public works officials are collecting data on Estes Road use and the projects are in the design phase.
Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard at Albion Street a Top Priority
Among the 15 dangerous spots identified, the intersection of Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard with Albion Street is one of two closest to getting started.
The intersection of Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard with Albion Street, along with a dangerous intersection in Madison, are on the fast track for improvements. The design phase is complete and those projects should be put out to bid early in 2017.
During peak commuting hours the intersection is treacherous. More than 12,000 vehicles use the road each day, as many as 300 pedestrians use the intersection on Jefferson Street during the busy commute. Adding to the congestion are buses on MTA’s #19 Herman Route, which carry about 28,000 riders per month.
Weekly CompStat reports from the Metro Nashville Police Department bear this out. For the 12 weeks ending Dec. 3, 2016, the intersection ranked the highest in the North Precinct for motor vehicle accidents with injuries and was in the top 10 countywide.
The planned improvements include:
- New signal timing and turn lanes to relieve traffic congestion
- Repaving with corner curb ramps
- New crosswalks and countdown signals for pedestrian safety
Because this intersection is a major hub near Meharry Medical College and Fisk University, new ornamental poles will add curb appeal and reflect the historical context of both institutions.
Improvements Coming to Moormans Arm Road at Whites Creek Pike
North Nashville is home to another intersection targeted for improvements. The spot where Moormans Arm Road and Whites Creek Pike cross is complicated by an apartment complex entrance, a nearby bus stop, and minimal shoulder areas.
Each day, more than 10,000 vehicles travel Whites Creek Pike and 6,000 vehicles use Moormans Arm Road. A bus stop for MTA #14 Whites Creek route is just north of the intersection, where the entrance of Haynes Gardens Apartments is located as well.
Pedestrians as well as drivers worse face unsafe conditions with minimal shoulder areas along both roads. Improvements planned include:
- Revised signal timing and additional turn lanes
- New sidewalk, pedestrian signals, curb ramps and crosswalks
- Repave and restripe entire intersection
- Improvements to the bus stop and shelter
Nashville city officials identified 15 intersections for major improvements because of disproportionately high accidents at them. Depending on the projects, the cost is estimated at between $500,000 and $1 million.
Keep in mind the city infrastructure program does not include work on the interstates or on/off ramps, though they could certainly use some attention as well. Nashville is rightly focusing on dangerous spots where the city has jurisdiction.
A city has a responsibility to provide safe roads. And it is my responsibility to fight for you and your loved ones if you are injured in a vehicle accident – whether it is in North Nashville, Bellevue, Inglewood, Antioch or other neighborhoods.
The sooner we are on the case the better your chance of getting the compensation and care you deserve.
“Fighting for your rights” Contact David Weissman and the law firm of Raybin & Weissman for a confidential consultation of your case today at 615-237-8934.