A Metro Councilman says the unusual configuration of Highways 70 and 100 can and must be improved, and is encouraging the state to join in getting the job done.
The West Meade intersection where US Highway 70 and State Route 100 go their separate ways from Harding Road has been called dangerous, confusing, convoluted, and a few other words not suitable for a family newspaper.
Councilman Thom Druffel, whose 23rd District includes that intersection, hosted a virtual town meeting September 23rd, featuring city and state officials whose input will be necessary if the work is to become a reality.
Druffel says business owners and residents of the area have long been concerned about the 70/100 split, and addressing the problem has been something he wanted to do since taking office in 2019. It and other issues have had to wait due to the city’s dealing with last year’s crises of Covid and budgeting.
“I went through that intersection when I first moved here, and I was completely confused,” said Druffel. “Not only is the road a problem, but the accessibility is difficult for the commercial area.”
State Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville), who spoke at the meeting, pointed out that a lot of vehicles travel that stretch of road on a daily basis. Citing numbers from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Clemmons told the audience that a study in 2020 showed more than 34,000 vehicles used Highway 70 South from the Belle Meade approach. More than 14,000 drove along Highway 100 on the Bellevue approach, and approximately 19,000 move on Highway 70 on its Bellevue approach.
From October 2018 to September 23 of this year, 93 accidents have occurred at the 70/100 split, which averages about three a month. Druffel says that alone is reason for concern, and hopes TDOT will take notice.
“Ninety-three accidents is way too many. It just seems exceptionally unusual to have that many accidents and not consider it a priority. People might say there weren’t any fatalities- give me a break! You’re having almost head-on collisions coming from that yield sign into ongoing traffic that’s coming down pretty fast,” said Druffel.
In addition to Clemmons, representatives from TDOT and the Nashville Department of Transportation were also present. Clemmons told the gathering he is committed to working with city and state officials to find a solution.
“This is a first step,” said Clemmons. “This is an initial conversation. We don’t have a predetermined plan about what we want here. We don’t have something we’re trying to force on everybody. It’s an open conversation, and we’re trying to be as transparent as possible.”
Among the possibilities discussed at the meeting were sidewalks, crosswalks, improved traffic signage and signals, and addressing right-of-way issues in the area. Some in the community are advocating a roundabout, or traffic circle, which may be more challenging due to the roadway’s different elevations. No specific plans have been proposed yet.
Druffel says changes to the intersection will likely have to come in stages, as state approval will be necessary in dealing with the roadways. He plans to meet with other Council members and Davidson County legislators whose districts are affected by the intersection. However, he believes the city can make some improvements that will make navigating the area easier and safer way, and at the same time creating a more pedestrian-friendly commercial district. He is hopeful the intersection can be fixed, but acknowledges it will take time.
“It’s not going to happen overnight.”
Paul Ladd
Contributor to The News
