NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Residents across South Nashville and Antioch are urging the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to improve several major roads before construction begins on the proposed $9.2 billion I-24 Choice Lanes project.
The neighborhood group 16th United says local communities could face years of construction, increased detour traffic, noise and land impacts as the project moves forward. Residents want state transportation officials to prioritize road safety improvements before construction redirects more vehicles onto neighborhood streets.
The group is calling for improvements along Nolensville Pike, Murfreesboro Pike, Harding Place, Old Hickory Boulevard and Thompson Lane. Its members argue that addressing existing safety concerns now could help communities better manage the disruption expected from the interstate project.
South Nashville Neighborhoods Seek Road Safety Improvements
16th United represents residents from several South Nashville communities, including Woodbine, Glencliff and Antioch. The group says these neighborhoods could experience significant effects from the I-24 Choice Lanes project, particularly if construction leads to additional traffic on surrounding roads.
Julie James, president of 16th United, said residents believe their communities should receive greater attention because they will have to live with many of the project’s local impacts.
Those concerns include prolonged construction, detours through residential areas, noise and potential land impacts. Neighborhood leaders want TDOT to address existing road conditions before construction-related traffic creates additional challenges for drivers and pedestrians.
James said the requested improvements include safer pedestrian crossings, better-timed traffic signals, continuous sidewalks and improved street lighting.
She also argued that the roads are state highways already under TDOT’s responsibility, making them an important focus for maintenance and safety improvements.
The group’s position is that these projects should receive priority before construction-related detours begin affecting surrounding neighborhoods.
Nolensville Pike and Thompson Lane Raise Safety Concerns
Pedestrian safety is a central concern for residents pushing for improvements.
A Metro Nashville safety study of Nolensville Pike found that pedestrians were particularly vulnerable in serious and fatal crashes. James said residents want changes that would make it easier and safer for people to cross the road.
The group is also highlighting the intersection of Murfreesboro Road and Thompson Lane, which James described as a location with a troubling history of crashes.
Residents want transportation officials to consider these existing safety problems as they review the I-24 project’s design and its potential effects on nearby roads.
Their request extends beyond repairing pavement. The proposed improvements include infrastructure intended to help pedestrians cross busy roads safely, make sidewalks more useful and improve visibility for people traveling through the area.
For neighborhood leaders, addressing these issues before construction is about more than convenience. They say the changes could help reduce the risks residents face as traffic patterns shift during the project.
Residents Want Changes Before the I-24 Project Advances
Because the I-24 Choice Lanes design has not been finalized, 16th United believes there is still an opportunity to raise concerns and request changes.
The group wants TDOT to consider the recommended road improvements while project planning continues, rather than waiting until construction and detours place additional pressure on surrounding streets.
James said residents have been told that the requested improvements are already accounted for in transportation budgets. However, she wants officials to prioritize the work in neighborhoods expected to experience the project’s effects.
The debate highlights a broader concern among residents: major highway projects can affect nearby communities well beyond the interstate itself. Changes in traffic patterns may place additional demands on local roads, intersections and pedestrian infrastructure.
For South Nashville residents, the question is whether existing safety problems can be addressed before construction creates new challenges.
Neighborhood Meeting Planned to Gather Community Feedback
Residents from South Nashville and Antioch are planning a community meeting to discuss feedback and build support for the proposed improvements.
16th United hopes to gather enough backing from residents and elected officials to send TDOT a letter outlining its recommendations for the five major roads.
People interested in attending can RSVP through the meeting registration form.
The group’s next steps will focus on bringing neighborhood concerns together and presenting them to transportation officials.
As planning for the $9.2 billion I-24 Choice Lanes project continues, residents want their concerns about pedestrian safety, traffic and road conditions to be part of the discussion.
Their message to TDOT is straightforward: improve the roads surrounding the project before construction brings additional disruption to South Nashville communities.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All details are based on publicly available reports at the time of publication.