Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Aims to Save Lives

In a recent meeting held by the National Department of Transportation, officials discussed the implementation of traffic calming measures on Sunwater Drive as part of the Neighborhood Street Traffic Calming Program. The meeting, which took place on June 19th, focused on strategies to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance safety for pedestrians in residential areas.

The program aims to address the correlation between vehicle speed and pedestrian safety, emphasizing that lower speeds significantly increase the chances of survival in the event of an accident. For instance, a pedestrian struck at 25 miles per hour has an 89% chance of survival, compared to just 35% at 45 miles per hour. This initiative aligns with the city’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating fatalities on roadways.

During the meeting, it was revealed that over 500 neighborhood streets had applied for the program, with 85 streets selected for traffic calming measures in the summer of 2023. Sunwater Drive was among those chosen, and the proposed solution includes the installation of eight speed cushions designed to slow down traffic effectively. These cushions are modular, rubberized devices that allow emergency vehicles to pass while still reducing speeds for regular traffic.

The design plan for Sunwater Drive includes specific locations for the speed cushions, spaced approximately 400 to 500 feet apart, taking into account the road's geometry and feedback from the community. The meeting also provided residents with information on how to report issues outside the traffic calming program through the Hub Nashville platform.

As the project progresses, officials encourage community engagement and feedback to ensure the measures effectively enhance safety on Sunwater Drive and throughout the neighborhood.