West End Connector Case Study
By Shuangwen Yang, Design Education Fellow
10 min read This blog focuses on several mobility and connectivity issues that West End Ave currently faces and envisions alternative proposals that emphasize on pedestrian safety and multimodal corridor, primarily using the intersection between West End Ave and 25th Ave N as a case study.
Is West End Ready for a Change?
Looking west down West End Ave. Source Google
The Broadway-West End corridor stands out as one of Nashville's most bustling areas, attracting a blend of local residents and tourists. Spanning between Centennial Park and Vanderbilt University's campus, this corridor currently features West End Ave's widest section, boasting nine lanes, including street parking spaces. Despite the presence of crosswalks and pedestrian crossing signals at the intersection, navigating this stretch presents a significant challenge for pedestrians. The need to traverse over eighty feet within a limited time frame can leave pedestrians feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable. Furthermore, the absence of adequate pedestrian protection measures exacerbates these challenges, failing to provide sufficient support in breaking up the considerable distance. With a new development coming the the corridor, pedestrian-forward infrastructure change could be on the horizon.
Context for Improvement
Centennial Park Concept Plan represents a multi-phase improvement initiative aimed at realizing the future vision of Centennial Park. As one of the most iconic urban parks and a beloved tourist destination, its enhancement project encompassed a comprehensive implementation strategy for each phase. However, a critical oversight was observed: the plan neglected to consider how the surrounding infrastructure could be integrated to complement the park's advancement.
The building once home to Emma’s Flowers and Gifts is being developed into a new 27 story mixed-use tower. With this proposal, the developer has also been committed to improving offsite public infrastructure around the site such as safety and accessibility improvements around surrounding intersections.
As the area undergoes further growth, prioritizing connectivity and pedestrian safety becomes increasingly crucial. The Broadway-West End corridor stands out as an area with vast potential to offer a cohesive and secure environment, presenting ample opportunities for commercial, retail, educational, and recreational experiences. Keep reading to explore specific interventions to effectively pursue these objectives.
Landscaped medians & road diet
Tree lined landscape median example. Source Civic Design Center
An effective and straightforward approach to implementation involves incorporating landscaped medians, achieved through lane reduction. While traffic signals effectively regulate traffic flow, speeding remains prevalent, especially along corridors devoid of visual obstacles. Studies indicate that the pedestrian crash risk significantly increases when crossing a multi-lane road lacking a median, with a staggering 6.48 times higher risk compared to crossings with a median present. However, this risk can be mitigated by up to 46 percent through the inclusion of raised medians or pedestrian refuges at marked crosswalks.
Landscaped medians with extruded curbs not only enhance driver attentiveness but also simplify pedestrian crossings. By enabling pedestrians to cross one direction at a time and offering a safe waiting area, these medians provide a reassuring "cushion" for pedestrians during their crossing experience.
Public plazas
A roundabout is a traffic circle at an intersection where the road traffic is only permitted to flow in one direction. Compared to traditional traffic signals, roundabouts can help reduce the possibility of collision by reducing the traffic speed.
The roundabout design offers numerous benefits. With traffic exiting the circle from only one direction, pedestrians experience crossings that are less overwhelming. Moreover, the slower traffic flow within the roundabout fosters increased visual engagement between pedestrians and drivers, enhancing overall safety and awareness.
Many contemporary roundabouts have been transformed into vibrant public gathering spaces. By integrating street furniture, greenery, and amenities, these areas evolve into inviting hubs for social interactions. Columbus Circle is a famous NYC roundabout design situated adjacent to the southwest corner of Central Park. Not only does it efficiently manage pedestrian traffic, but it also serves as a bustling urban oasis. The carefully curated planting along the perimeter offers concentric rings of natural beauty and year-round visual interest. These green elements not only partially enclose the circle but also provide shade for pathways while framing picturesque views of historical monuments.
Columbus Circle, New York City. Source: Unsplash
Moreover, the water feature surrounding the inner circle contributes to a tranquil ambiance, complemented by the soothing sounds of flowing water, which, along with the planting design, acts as a buffer against street noise. This thoughtful use of water features creates a microclimate, cooling the area during hot summer days. The radial seating arrangement not only accentuates the central monument but also establishes a focal point for performances and gatherings.The spacious layout accommodates various events, including holiday markets, where vendors can arrange booths along the walkways, further enhancing the area's vibrancy and appeal.
Buddy Killen Circle. Source: Google
Another notable example to highlight is the Buddy Killen Circle nestled within Nashville's iconic Music Row Area. Commanding the center stage of this traffic circle stands a magnificent 40-foot-tall bronze sculpture named "Musica” crafted by Nashville native sculptor Alan LeQuire. This stunning artwork pays homage to the city's rich and diverse musical heritage. Serving as both the centerpiece of the roundabout and a symbolic landmark of Music Row, "Musica" encapsulates the spirit and vibrancy of Nashville's cultural legacy.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Several development projects have been planned near the corridor, focusing on enhancing pedestrian connections to improve overall connectivity in the area. This acknowledges the significant role that multimodal transportation can play in facilitating successful development initiatives.
Mid city, a multiphase mixed-use development repurposing what it used to be the site for Beaman Automotive, envisions lane widening on Broadway to accommodate a segment of the BRT system. This proposal sparks some controversy; the question arises: Will it truly enhance traffic conditions while integrating public transit effectively? Road widening, while seemingly beneficial, could inadvertently encourage greater traffic volume, amplifying the need for public transit. It would also entail higher infrastructure costs for maintenance and future expansion.
AMP Project video. Source: Youtube
The Amp Project outlines a key feature aimed at bridging Nashville's East and West sides: a 7.1-mile bus rapid transit system (BRT). Integrating a bus transit center into this development expansion would seamlessly complement the initiative. Regrettably, this proposal failed to garner widespread support among Nashvillians, especially among residents who did not reside adjacent to the proposed line. People in north and south Nashville and the outer parts of Davidson county did not see the tangible benefits for them to endorse this specific development. Despite the noble aim of revolutionizing Nashville's transit culture, the lack of public backing and financial certainty led to the demise of The Amp Project. Nonetheless, it served as a foundation for potential future mass transit endeavors. As the city's population continues to burgeon, the exploration of alternative transit solutions becomes an inevitable necessity in the foreseeable future.
Example of BRT Lanes dedicating roadway for only bus use. Source: Civic Design Center
Public transit offers well-documented advantages over driving, including reducing traffic congestion and conserving energy. Positioned amidst commercial and retail establishments, an urban park, and a university campus, this intersection holds significant potential to evolve into a transit hub, facilitating access to alternative transportation options for commuters. To accommodate the implementation of the bus rapid transit system, lane reduction on West End Ave is necessary, allowing for a dedicated bus-only lane to ensure efficient public service. This approach will ultimately help promote multimodal connectivity in downtown Nashville.
Centennial Park and Vanderbilt University are prominent destinations in the city attracting both locals and tourists with their capacity of hosting big scale events such as festivals, concerts, and sports games. The presence of a bus transit center serves as a boon for drivers, alleviating the hassle of parking and associated fees on event days. For students, it fosters greater connectivity to various parts of the city, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle. From the city's perspective, the transit center contributes to congestion reduction and promotes equity through expanded transit options. Moreover, it presents an excellent opportunity to enhance the city's image by incorporating art installations and historical displays within the transit center, further enriching the overall experience for visitors and residents alike.
Urban Greenway
Greenways are linear parks and trails that connect neighborhoods to schools, parks, transportation, shopping and work. They create valuable public spaces for recreation and public transportation. The greenways in urban areas are typically located along major transportation corridors.
Boston, MA, Rose Kennedy Greenway. Source: Google
Rose Kennedy Greenway, sitting in the heart of Boston, MA, is a 17 acre linear park that stretches 1.5 miles through some of Boston’s oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods. The implementation of the greenway occurred after the” big dig”- a highway capping project that removed the elevated highway and created a tunnel system below the city. The greenway is one of the most vibrant park spaces in Boston featuring a variety of programming for people of all ages and backgrounds.
By already serving as a conduit for traffic flowing through downtown to the waterfront, West End Ave possesses the potential to transform into a Nashville icon with the addition of a greenway. This transformation would see it evolve into a vibrant thoroughfare, hosting lively gathering spots that offer engaging experiences and serve as urban oasis. Centennial Park could seamlessly integrate into this envisioned greenway system, serving as a focal point. Moreover, the pedestrian crossing connection proposed earlier in the blog serves as a natural entry point onto the greenway, further enhancing accessibility and connectivity for pedestrians.
Pedestrian Bridges
The most direct benefit of pedestrian bridges is their role in ensuring pedestrian safety and accessibility by separating foot traffic and vehicular traffic. They can greatly reduce the risk of accidents and provide a secure passage for people of all ages and abilities.
Take the BP pedestrian bridge in Chicago as an example, this 925 foot long winding bridge connects Millenium Park with Maggie Daley Drive over Columbus Drive, which is a six lane road that carries some of the busiest traffic across downtown Chicago. This bridge serves as a vital link connecting two major public green spaces, which helps carry a seamless flow of tourists and locals. Designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, the BP bridge is clad in stainless steel. Being an iconic landmark itself, it certainly adds tremendous aesthetic value to the urban landscape. It also serves as an outlook that offers incomparable views to the city skyline and some of the surrounding parks.
BP pedestrian bridge in Chicago. Source Google
Pedestrian bridges offer a unique opportunity to foster eco-friendly environments. By integrating pockets of greenery, these bridges can soften the hardscape materials and offer much-needed shade for pedestrians. Purposeful selection of diverse planting palettes not only promotes native flora and biodiversity but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings.
Moreover, the inclusion of seating and other amenities transforms the bridge into more than just a means of transportation. It becomes a versatile space that facilitates impromptu gatherings, recreational activities, and social interactions. By encouraging community engagement and fostering a sense of belonging, these pedestrian bridges contribute to the development of vibrant and cohesive communities.
The merit that pedestrian bridges offer extend beyond the utilitarian role they play. They bring opportunities that can positively impact our communities, cities and the environment. Should this idea be proposed at the case study intersection, the bridge could easily be tied into the new 27 story mixed use tower mentioned previously, creating a “skywalk” that promotes a safe indoor walking experience. It is especially beneficial during the winter months. However, given the specific context of this intersection, a pedestrian bridge may not be the most optimal solution. To ensure the infrastructure's maximum usability by pedestrians, it's essential to offer a seamless and direct route. By integrating the bridge into the tower, it risks being perceived as a connection primarily for the tower's occupants rather than a pathway accessible to the general public.
Achieving Multimodal Connectivity
One of Nashville's most daunting intersections lies at the split of West End Avenue and Elliston Place, acting as a dividing point between the vibrant communities surrounding Centennial Park, Vanderbilt University, and dense urban residences. Imagine transforming this area into a dynamic hub that seamlessly connects these pivotal locations. Introducing the concept of a Civic Oval—a versatile space designed to serve as a centralized mobility center for upcoming transit initiatives and a gathering place for public enjoyment.
The West End intersection holds boundless potential, with each scenario offering distinct functional and aesthetic benefits. The redesign opportunities all show promise to enhance the pedestrian circulation system by providing separation, accessibility, capacity, amenity, and connectivity. This transformation will not only bolster multimodal connectivity but also establish an efficient transit corridor within downtown Nashville. Ultimately, it will become a worthy investment drawing in more people and businesses, thereby enriching the vibrancy and vitality of the area.