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Vanderbilt, Metro Nashville Public Works pilot automatic pedestrian crosswalk signals at major campus intersections

Pedestrians and drivers traveling near Vanderbilt’s campus will find new automatic pedestrian crosswalk signals at five major intersections around the university and along a portion of 21st Avenue South, part of an effort to increase pedestrian safety and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The signals have been added as part of a pilot program led by Metropolitan Nashville Public Works. The signals are currently being piloted while traffic congestion is minimal in the area to determine operational impacts.

The signals have been programmed to run on an automatic cycle in an effort to increase pedestrian safety as well as eliminate pedestrians’ need to press the crosswalk buttons, which will help reduce the risk of potentially contracting COVID-19.

“We are always looking for ways to improve pedestrian safety on campus, but launching the pilot program during this unprecedented time also will help the university and Vanderbilt University Medical Center fight the spread of COVID-19,” said Maj. Corwin Thomas of Vanderbilt University Public Safety.

Automatic pedestrian signals have been added at the following locations:

  • Natchez Trace and Jess Neely Drive
  • Natchez Trace and Children’s Way
  • Natchez Trace at Jess Neely
  • 23rd Avenue at Blakemore Avenue
  • 25th Avenue South and Highland Avenue
  • 24th Avenue South and Children’s Way
  • 25th Avenue South and Children’s Way
  • Blakemore Avenue and Natchez Trace
  • Blakemore Avenue and 25th Avenue South
  • Blakemore Avenue and 24th Avenue South
  • 21st Avenue South and Wedgewood Avenue
  • 21st Avenue North to Division Street and Broadway intersection

Vanderbilt continues to be a leader in mobility and transportation efforts in Nashville, with the goals of diversifying transportation options; reducing the drive-alone rate to campus, which aligns with university goals to become carbon neutral; prioritizing pedestrians and micro-mobility; and improving accessibility through the university’s MoveVU plan. Along with this pilot program, the university also has reduced speed limits on campus and upgraded traffic signals during the past academic year.