NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Nashville Department of Transportation is making significant safety improvements with their Vision Zero plan, with new road safety improvements now in effect to help alleviate stress for walkers and bikers.

NDOT recently installed pedestrian hybrid beacons to allow mid-block crossing. Currently, at least 14 beacons are in some stage of planning, design, construction or activation.

The beacons are already in places along Clarksville Pike near 26th Avenue North and the Dr. Earnest Rip Patton, Jr. North Nashville Transit Center.

NDOT recently reduced the speed limit across the city in places like Lebanon Pike, Dickerson Pike, and Gallatin Road. The speed limit reduction was approved by Metro’s Traffic & Parking Commission. 

In addition, the department partnered with the Nashville Electric Service on their conversion to LED streetlights for walkers and bikers to see clearer on roadways, sidewalks and crossings.

NDOT is also implementing Leading Pedestrian Intervals at various light signals. The LPIs will reportedly provide pedestrians a head start to enter the crosswalk prior to vehicles moving. Leaders hope this will allow pedestrians to be more visible in the crosswalk, which will allow drivers to see them before making a turn.

According to NDOT, LPIs have been proven to reduce pedestrian-vehicle crashes at intersections by 13%. 

Enhanced lighting, flashing beacons and more safety improvements are set to happen by the end of the project.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/ndot-unveils-new-pedestrian-safety-improvements/