Mayor O’Connell unveils maps outlining potential transportation improvements

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – An expanded sidewalk system and new traffic signals are at the center of a large plan to recondition Nashville’s transit system.

On Thursday, March 14, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell released multiple concept maps showing the potential impact different parts of the plan could have. It’s unclear how much O’Connell’s proposal would cost.

Nashville residents weigh in on new city transportation plan

Part of the proposal includes improving the city’s traffic lights.

The purple dots on the map above represent nearly 600 improved traffic signals. Instead of changing on a set timer, the traffic lights would change based on the flow of traffic.

The below map shows what Nashville would look like with around 86 miles of new sidewalks, which are colored blue. The goal is to improve walkability along Nashville’s busiest streets.

O’Connell is also looking to expand WeGo bus routes, and 38 miles of what the mayor calls “bus rapid transit” (BRT) lanes, which are proposed for Dickerson Road, Gallatin Road, Murfreesboro Road, and Nolensville Road.

BRT is designed to have more capacity, reliability, and accessibility than a conventional bus system, borrowing some of the features of light rail, but with the added flexibility of running on streets without the need for a dedicated, fixed guideway.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

The service changes target areas of Nashville where ridership is likely to increase and where new routes will make public transportation more accessible. The expansions look to give residents options that allow them to lower transportation costs if they choose, regardless of where they live.

A slideshow of what routes would look like can be found below.

The mayor’s offices said a Community Engagement Plan is being developed with guidance from the Community Advisory Committee to be presented at a meeting on March 20.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.