NDOT got the green light to implement new signal changes downtown. | Photo by Shane Raynor
If you find yourself downtown soon, as a driver or a pedestrian, you may notice a few changes as NDOT updates signals at 108 key intersections.
For pedestrians
Nashville is rolling out Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs), which give people a few extra seconds to enter the crosswalk before cars start moving. According to NDOT, LPIs reduce pedestrian-vehicle crashes by 13% and offer added protection for those with slower mobility.
For drivers
You might hit more consecutive green lights. The new system also aims to improve traffic flow by coordinating the signals using real-time data.
The changes, part of the Vision Zero and Connect Downtown, will be deployed across 20 intersections at a time over two months. NDOT says this approach will allow engineers to monitor progress and make adjustments.
James Robertson Parkway, 11th Avenue North, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard are among the first streets to see updates.
Events
Events
Friday, April 11
Kane Brown | Friday, April 11-Saturday, April 12 | 7 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $48+ | Brown takes the stage with special guests Scotty McCreery and Dasha tonight + Mitchell Tenpenny and Ashley Cooke tomorrow.
Saturday, April 12
Plant and Herb Sale | 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Fairgrounds Nashville | Cost of purchase | Perennial Plant Society of Middle Tennessee and The Herb Society of Nashville join forces for one of the biggest plant sales of the season.
Book Fair | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Plaza Mariachi | Free+ | Have a bookish day with live readings, literary workshops, and musical performances.
Nashville Outdoor Recreation Festival | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Bells Bend Outdoor Center | Free | Check out the latest outdoor equipment, attend a workshop, and try out archery + rock climbing.
Sunday, April 13
Wanda Sykes | 7-9:30 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $71+ | Grab tickets to see this Emmy-winning comedian as she reflects on her work in television, film, and stand-up comedy.
Titan of Twang: A Celebration of Duane Eddy | 7:30 p.m. | Grand Ole Opry | $73+ | Peter Frampton, Vince Gill, and Steve Earle are among the 10+ artists coming together to honor the late award-winning guitarist.
Family Meal | 9 p.m. | Maiz de la Vida | Cost of purchase | Sing karaoke + score free tacos and $10 margaritas at the restaurant’s last Family Meal of the year.
Chag sameach. Passover (or Pesach) begins at sundown this Saturday, April 12, and goes through Sunday, April 20. You can find iconic Passover desserts — including caramel matzo crunch, flourless chocolate cake, and coconut macaroons — at our local SusieCakes.
Open
One Garage, an auto-themed social club, is now open in Midtown near The Nashville Sign. The members-only space space offers day passes if space allows and is complemented by Lola’s European Cafe, which is open to the public with gelato, coffee, and sandwiches. (Nashville Business Journal)
Outdoors
Enchanted Castles are coming to Cheekwood this summer. The installation will feature five climbable castles among the blooms from May 1 to Aug. 17. Bonus: Attend Cheekwood’s first-ever Community Celebration (June 3-7) with a movie night, concerts, a Nashville Shakespeare Festival performance, and more.
Number
$26.6 million. That’s how much the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament generated for Nashville this year, up from $24.5 million in 2024. Just over half of attendees were from outside the area and stayed an average of 3.26 nights. Nashville is set to host the tournament through 2035. (WKRN)
Ranked
Tennessee ranked No. 15 on WalletHub’s list of the best states for working from home. If you’re a remote-working Nashvillian who’s seeking a little change in scenery, check out these local coffee shops with plenty of outlets and internet connection.
Announced
Biscuits or cornbread? Lebanon-based Cracker Barrel replaced Ally Financial as the title sponsor for Nashville Superspeedway’s NASCAR Cup Series. The Cracker Barrel 400 hits the track Sunday, June 1, and tickets are still up for grabs.
Outdoors
Keep your eyes to the sky tomorrow to catch a glimpse of the “Pink Moon” — but no, it won’t be a different color. April’s full moon has the rosy nickname because the month is associated with spring flowers. See what’s in bloom by strolling through one of Nashville’s parks.
Category
Community
📚 Go beyond the books
Pro tip: Visit NPL’s Richland Park branch on a Saturday to grab your book, then head over to the Richland Park Farmers Market next door. | Photo by NASHtoday
Calling all Nashville Public Library prose. Before National Library Week comes to an end, read up on all of the NPL services you might not be taking full advantage of. Don’t have your library card yet? Sign up now.
For the creatives
Metro Arts Lending Library | Uncover new local artists and showcase their work throughout your home. This partnership allows you to borrow art for up to three months.
Art at the Library | The main library and six branches offer curated exhibits to browse during operating hours.
For the DIYers
Seed Exchange | Grow your own community garden full of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Library of Things | For up to three weeks, check out anything from tools and musical instruments to crafts and games. Pro tip: You can borrow two items at once.
A set of nice thank you cards. This budget-friendly 36-pack combines elegant minimalism with gold foil accents on high-quality paper. Keep it on hand for expressing gratitude at a moment’s notice.
I’m back with another Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum update, and this one’s for Metallica fans.
While the band is in town for their Nissan Stadium shows, guitarist Kirk Hammett will discuss his new coffee table book at the museum’s Ford Theater on Friday, May 2. Earlier that day, artist Squindo will talk about his extensive work with the band. Tickets for both events go on sale today, April 11 at 10 a.m.
The Buy
A men’s sun protective shirt. The lightweight, long sleeve design is great for fishing, camping, and hiking and blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays.
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