Nashville's Youngs Lane is set to undergo significant traffic calming measures aimed at enhancing safety and reducing vehicle speeds. During a recent meeting on December 4, 2024, city officials outlined a plan to install a series of speed cushions along the length of the street, which is recognized for its long stretch and challenging topography.
The proposed design includes 11 speed cushions, strategically spaced between 45 to 100 feet apart. This spacing is intended to effectively slow down traffic without allowing vehicles to accelerate dangerously between cushions. The decision to implement this number of cushions stems from Youngs Lane's length, which is longer than typical streets where fewer cushions are usually installed.
City planners emphasized that the speed cushions will create a calmer driving environment, encouraging lower speeds throughout the area. The design process has taken into account the existing landscape, including steep hills and driveways, to ensure that the cushions do not obstruct access for residents.
In addition to the speed cushions, the meeting discussed other traffic calming strategies, such as bulb outs and chicanes, which could be beneficial in different contexts. However, due to the specific constraints of Youngs Lane, these methods were not deemed feasible for this project.
Before finalizing the design, city officials plan to conduct an on-site visit to take measurements and gather further insights from the community. They are actively seeking feedback from residents to ensure the project meets local needs and addresses any concerns.
The implementation of these traffic calming measures is expected to significantly improve safety for pedestrians and drivers alike, making Youngs Lane a more navigable and secure roadway for all users.