TDOT finalized plans for the Broadway bridge replacement — the stretch of road between 1200 Broadway and the Frist Art Museum — and we now know what to expect.
How we got here
The original viaduct was constructed in 1948. TDOT identified signs of deterioration and the need to replace the bridge in preparation for high density traffic within the next decade. In spring 2022, TDOT presented stakeholders with designs, held eight public meetings, and developed the final design seen above based on feedback.
Your traffic need-to-knows
- The bridge will be reduced to four lanes (two in each direction) in February for pre-demolition work.
- Expect a full eight-week closure mid-summer (dates to be announced).
- Traffic will be detoured onto Church Street + Demonbreun Street during the extended closure.
Changes you’ll see
The plan keeps six lanes in place (three in each direction), with a striped median taking over the turn lane. Sidewalks will be widened and planters will separate pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
What the public is saying
We took to our Instagram to ask your thoughts on the project. Some of the most common concerns include the summer timing of the bridge closure, the number of traffic lanes, and the lack of protected bike lanes.
Hey @myTDOT and @Gresham_Smith, it's not 1950 anymore.
— Koby Langner (@nashforpeople) January 20, 2023
TDOT's current design for Nashville's downtown gateway designates 70 feet for cars and 0 feet for cyclists and transit.
By the way, Broadway is in Nashville's high injury network.
It's 2023. This isn't it. https://t.co/JFEUgL0VGn
According to TDOT, there was not enough space to create bike lanes while maintaining the flow of traffic. TDOT ultimately made the decision to remove the turn lane in order to widen the sidewalks on either side of the roadway.
TDOT has released final renderings of the new Broadway Viaduct in downtown Nashville. This will replace the 1948 bridge at 700' long, 98' wide, with better pedestrian protection. Work will start in Feb and be done by late summer. #DowntownNashvilleConstruction pic.twitter.com/QmOhidBYcB
— UrbanPlanetNashville (@NashUrbanPlanet) January 20, 2023
One thing residents seemed to agree on is the beautification part of the project plan. Twitter account @NashUrbanPlanet pointed to “better pedestrian protection” and follower Ambra H. commented, “Love this. Walk across this bridge all the time and it’s in dire need of a facelift. The sidewalks aren’t safe.”
Imagine you’re in the drivers seat, what would you change or keep the same? Let us know.