NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Less than a year after installing LiDAR technology in North Nashville, the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure has identified a hotspot for near-miss pedestrian crashes along Clarksville Pike.
Since July, a LiDAR unit installed near the intersection of 24th Avenue North and Clarksville Pike has used light technology to track the movement of cars and pedestrians. According to NDOT’s Transportation Systems Management Assistant Chief Derek Hagerty, data showed an average of six near-miss pedestrian crashes along that stretch of roadway daily.
“The devices are incredibly helpful for two reasons: one they’re anonymous. We’re not collecting any personal data. We’re not looking to see what individuals are doing,” Hagerty said. “Two: we’re able to fully understand everything that’s happening from a transportation perspective here. We’re seeing every interaction, every near miss, every unsafe condition.”
Although NDOT officials weren’t surprised to see pedestrian issues along the roadway, project leaders said being able to track the near-miss crashes has been a game-changer. As of publication, NDOT is working on installing a pedestrian hybrid beacon. It’s a type of crosswalk that works with LiDAR technology to detect when someone is crossing the roadway and alerts oncoming traffic with flashing lights.
Hagerty said these beacons have already been installed on Murfreesboro Pike, Dickerson Pike and 8th Avenue. The beacon on Clarksville Pike is expected to be installed around the fall.
Clarksville Pike sees a particularly high volume of traffic with people crossing the road to get to the new North Nashville Transit Center, in addition to stores that line the roadway. Hagerty said he expects more improvements along the corridor in the coming years. Until then, he urged drivers to be especially cautious when traveling in the area.
“It’s not necessarily just driver or pedestrian behavior. It’s a combination of just the street itself: four-lane highway, no medians, few crossings,” Hagerty said. “As part of Choose How You Move, we’re going to create a complete street out here to be more safer [and] more efficient for everyone using Clarksville [Pike].”
In the coming years, Hagerty said drivers could see lower speed limits and Smart signals along Clarksville Pike. He said Nashville is also in the process of applying for a grant to help fund an additional 200 LiDAR units.
