Nashville Embraces Tactical Urbanism for Safer, More Engaging Streets

Nashville Sparks Change with Tactical Urbanism Projects

Hey there, Nashville! The heart of Music City is getting a fresh makeover with some exciting new projects aimed at making our roadways safer and more functional. Yes, you heard it right! The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) has recently announced the winners of the first cycle of its Tactical Urbanism projects. So, what does that mean for us? Let’s dive in!

What is Tactical Urbanism?

You might be wondering, “What exactly is Tactical Urbanism?” Well, it’s all about being a little creative and proactive when it comes to improving our public spaces. NDOT describes these projects as “temporary, action-oriented approaches” to address some common roadway challenges. Think crosswalk enhancements, bike lanes, pedestrian plazas, and other nifty additions that can enhance our everyday experiences on the streets.

These projects have been a part of Nashville’s landscape since 2012 and have continually evolved to meet the needs of our growing city. The really cool part? This time around, instead of just supporting four projects like they originally planned, NDOT got such an enthusiastic response that they picked a whopping 14 projects! That says a lot about how engaged our community is in making Nashville a better place to live.

Funding for Change

Each of the selected projects will receive up to $20,000 to help with the installation. That’s a significant boost to help bring these creative ideas to life! This financial support allows neighborhoods to try out new ideas without the long commitment and resources typically associated with traditional roadway projects.

The Benefits of Tactical Urbanism

You might be asking, “Why should we care?” Well, for starters, these projects can be rolled out much faster than conventional improvements. This means that we can see the changes happening in real-time, rather than waiting for years. And because they are temporary, it gives the city a chance to test various configurations and designs.

Matthew Cushing, the Tactical Urbanism Program Project Manager, explains it well: “As the projects are temporary and easy to modify, they also allow the testing of new configurations in a low-risk way, where designs can be quickly and incrementally modified based on real-world use.” It sounds smart, right? The aim is to create a safer environment that works for everyone, and these projects pave the way for that.

Get Involved!

Tactical Urbanism Guide. If your organization or neighborhood group has a complete design ready to go, you can apply directly for a Tactical Urbanism permit. They even offer pre-application consultations for anyone with questions!

This is a fantastic opportunity for communities to voice their desires for safer, more efficient streets. Whether it’s a simple crosswalk addition or a new bike lane, every little improvement counts!

Wrapping Up