Designing For Complete Streets In Nashville

Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Karl F. Dean, MayorJohn W. Lynch, Director, Department of Public Works

Mark Macy, P.E. Engineering Director, Division of Engineering

Executive Order No. 40 - Complete Streets Policy

“For decades Nashville roads were built with only cars in mind,” Dean said. “We have come a long way in recent years in terms of adding sidewalks and bikeways, and making mass transit more convenient for people to use.” -Mayor Karl F. Dean

Signed October 6, 2010 by

Mayor Karl F. Dean

Executive Order No. 40 –Complete Streets Policy

Executive Order No. 40: “Give full consideration

to the accommodation of the transportation needs of all users, regardless of age or ability, including those traveling by private vehicle, mass transit, foot, and bicycle.”

Mayor Dean was joined at the Executive Order signing by District 7 Councilmember Erik Cole, who serves as the Metro Council representative on the Mayor’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which recommended establishing a formal Complete Streets policy.

The policy was also recommended by the Nashville Livability Project, led by Vice Mayor Diane Neighbors, the Healthy Nashville Leadership Council and the Mayor’s Green Ribbon Committee on Environmental Sustainability.

Supporting Policies

Chapter 6.5.2 of the Strategic Plan for Sidewalks and Bikeways (2008 Update) adopts Complete Streets principals as one of the design theories to be used on future public projects.

Located at: http://mpw.nashville.gov/IMS/stratplan/.

Supporting Policies

Chapters 1.1 and 3.5 of the Public Works Subdivision Street Design Standards and Specifications adopted Complete Streets principles June 3, 2009.

Located at www.nashville.gov/pw/pdfs/divisions/SubdivisionSpecs.pdf

Complete Streets

Of all trips taken in metro areas:50% are three miles or less

28% are one mile or less

65% of trips under one mile are taken by automobile 2001 NHTS

In Nashville: 33% of greenhouse gas emissions come from

transportation

By providing alternatives to the automobile, Complete Streets are a traffic and congestion reducing tool, and part of a strategy toward improving air quality.

Complete Streets

By providing opportunities for increased outdoor and physical activity, Complete Streets provide social and public health benefits.

Complete Streets Bikeways Sidewalks Crosswalks Medians Bus pullouts Pedestrian signals Street parking

Complete Streets features include:

Complete Streets

Provide flexibility in project planning and design.

Is not a one size fits all approach. Designs vary based on context,

topography, road function, traffic speed, pedestrian and bicycle demand, and other factors.

Examples

Incomplete Streets

Incomplete Streets

Streets with no sidewalks or bike lanes

Incomplete Streets

Uninviting for bus riders

Incomplete Streets

Too narrow for parkingAshwood Ave – 24’ FC-FC

Incomplete Streets

Buildings crowding the right-of-way

West End at 21st Ave

Examples

Complete Streets

Complete Streets

Bike lanes, parking, sidewalksBelmont Blvd near Ashwood Ave – 80’ R.O.W.

Complete Streets

Bike lanes, sidewalks, parking pullouts, planting strips

Demonbreun St – 120’ R.O.W.

Complete Streets

Bike lanes, sidewalks, MedianShelby Ave near S. 11th – 80’ R.O.W.

Complete Streets

Bike lanes, sidewalks, median with pedestrian crossings, parking pull-outs, planting strips, street

trees and furniture Korean Veterans' Boulevard – 140’ R.O.W.

Complete Streets

Sidewalks, median with pedestrian crossings, parking pull-outs, LED - Pedestrian streetlights, Pedestrian way-

finding kiosks

Tennessee’s First Green Street, Deaderick Street

Complete Streets

Bike lanes, Sidewalks, Transit Service

DB Todd Boulevard

Complete Streets: Coming Soon

Wide Sidewalks, Separate Bike Paths, New Transit Service, Street Trees and Landscaping

28th/31st Avenue Connector

For More Information: www.completestreets.org Links to

success stories & existing policies

How-to Tools Resources:

power-point, brochures

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Deaderick Street, Nashville