Nashville Residents Voice Concerns Over Ewing Drive Traffic
Nashville, Tenn. – Residents of a quiet neighborhood off Claymill Court are raising serious concerns about the increased traffic on Ewing Drive, a normally peaceful two-lane street that has recently become a bustling corridor for commercial traffic. The increase in activity has not only changed the vibe of their community but also raised alarming safety issues, especially following multiple fatal accidents over the past few weeks.
A Shift in Community Dynamics
Claudia Wright and Alanda Thompson, two active residents from the area, have seen firsthand how their neighborhood dynamics have shifted. “We have seven subdivisions that all flow out to Ewing,” Claudia explained, painting a picture of how interconnected the streets in their area are. She noted with concern, “Ewing Drive is not Clarksville Highway, it is not Dickerson Road. It is not Trinity Lane. It is a simple two-lane street.” With development and commercial traffic using this route to access nearby interstates and Dickerson Pike, the street is experiencing far more traffic than it was originally designed to handle.
Rising Safety Concerns
In the last six weeks alone, three people tragically lost their lives in accidents on Ewing Drive, which has made safety a top concern for the locals. One particularly devastating incident resulted in a shattered entrance sign at the intersection of Ewing and Gwynnwood, a poignant reminder of the dangers that lurk on the roadway. Claudia highlighted the alarming fact that this intersection is also a school bus stop, calling it a “dangerous situation for kids.” She added, “There’s a lot of speeders around here, and it’s only a matter of time before something worse happens.”
FedEx and UPS Trucks Contributing to the Problem
Another layer of the issue is the heavy presence of commercial vehicles on the road. Alanda noted, “Then you have 25-30 UPS, FedEx trucks plowing through. They come in behind each other because they don’t want to let you out.” The sheer number of trucks added to the mix of local traffic has raised alarms about the safety of the residents and their children.
Concerns about Proposed Development
Residents voiced their concerns during a meeting Monday evening regarding a proposed development that could potentially exacerbate the already strained traffic situation. Claudia did not hold back in her frustration, stating, “Disregarded and now put in danger,” referring to the community’s fears about more vehicles entering the area as a result of new commercial projects. Alanda echoed these feelings, emphasizing that increased development in the area would only lead to more congestion and risk for local residents.
The Community Speaks Up
In response to the growing discontent, local community leaders are encouraged to listen to the voices of Claudia, Alanda, and others who have taken the time to express their viewpoints. The residents firmly believe that dialogue about traffic safety should be prioritized, especially as their community continues to grow. Through gatherings and discussions, they are hoping to persuade decision-makers to take action that will protect the residents and their families.
Looking Ahead
Nashville is no stranger to change, but with growth comes the responsibility to ensure that safety is not compromised. The voices of residents like Claudia and Alanda serve as a crucial reminder that community safety should always come first, especially in areas where the unexpected can happen at any time. Together, they hope to find solutions that will help their neighborhood thrive without putting anyone in harm’s way.
