University Connections

The residual effects of urban renewal continue to limit multimodal connectivity within and among the Edgehill, Wedgewood-Houston, and Chestnut Hill neighborhoods. Existing transportation infrastructure almost exclusively favors the personal vehicle, and the neighborhoods remain physically isolated from the majority of Nashville due to the development of I-40 and I-65. However, in order to increase connectivity, adapt to the immense growth of the city, and respond to transportation changes occurring within Nashville and the United States, special attention must be paid towards developing safe and effective multimodal transportation infrastructure. By successfully doing this, more holistic transportation options can be generated for people of all means and abilities, increasing opportunities for all Nashvillians.

The University Connections report focuses on South Nashville’s connectivity via two multimodal neighborhood paths that cut through the Edgehill, Wedgewood-Houston and Chestnut Hill neighborhoods. The proposed design recommendations seek to improve connectivity between Vanderbilt, Belmont, and Trevecca universities via these neighborhood routes. The report also highlights the path of the proposed University Connections transit route throughout South Nashville. 

The Edgehill-Chestnut path cuts through the heart of Edgehill, Wedgewood-Houston, and Chestnut Hill. It directly connects the three neighborhoods and boasts a variety of destinations along the way including schools, restaurants, businesses, green spaces, and civic spaces. Due to the presence of Interstate 65, several rail lines, Browns Creek, and a disjointed street grid, direct connections become increasingly difficult as you move east along the path. As a result, making a direct route between Vanderbilt and Trevecca was difficult despite Edgehill-Chestnut‘s high capacity and utilization. Additionally, this path provides the best choice for multimodal transportation as a result of current infrastructure, planned development, and design enhancement opportunities.

The before and after image above shows how MDHA's proposal for Envision Edgehill and how it could be implemented with safe crossings and walkways connecting to the adjacent community center. Treatments to this section of the road such as creating raised intersections to slow automotive traffic, a center planter boulevard, and mid-block crossings would strengthen the livability of this neighborhood.

In recent years there have been many pedestrian facilities less than a mile from this intersection of Lafayette and Warf. This is one of the most deadly stretches of roadway in Nashville. Bulb-outs and bike lanes would shorten crossing distances for people crossing Lafayette and promote a more walkable neighborhood.

Increased housing density builds the case for more walkable neighborhoods and makes helps business thrive. The above before and after image illustrates creative placemaking efforts in the roadway and shows how a building could be positioned in the parking lot at the corner of this intersection.

The above before and after demonstrates how the Vanderbilt Printing Services building could be reimagined into a annex campus for graduates. It includes a pedestrian only connection to the development to its east and a new crossing towards Fort Negley.

The other path of greatest opportunity, Wedgewood Avenue, is an even less direct route from Vanderbilt University to Trevecca University. The eastern street patterns at Walsh Road and Nolensville Pike, as well as those east of Nolensville Pike, create several obstacles for developing a convenient route between the universities. In many ways however this path already acts as a cross-town route, as it contains easy access to I-65 and stitches together Vanderbilt, Belmont, and the Fairgrounds. As a result however, Wedgewood is a high traffic route that can be dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists. Currently there is a complete network of sidewalks from 21st and Blakemore Avenue until Wedgewood Avenue turns into Walsh Avenue at the Fairgrounds. Despite this long stretch of sidewalks there is little barrier between vehicles on the road and pedestrians on the sidewalks, posing another safety concern. Additionally, there are no bikeways along the Wedgewood route; with high speeds and major intersections it makes for a dangerous route for cyclists.