NDOT proposes speed cushions, bulb-outs and lane narrowing for Colmont Drive after resident complaints of speeding

NDOT engineer David Greaves presented a preliminary traffic-calming plan for Colmont Drive at a neighborhood meeting on July 24, 2025, saying the project aims to reduce speeds and improve safety near Cole Elementary School.

The plan responds to resident reports of increased cut-through traffic, speeding and instances of drivers doing “donuts” at the Keeley Drive intersection. Greaves said NDOT measured an average speed of about 29 mph and traffic volume of 2,009 vehicles on the two-block segment between Coleridge Drive and Keeley Drive, with measured pavement widths of about 36–37 feet.

Greaves stressed speed reduction as a primary goal and cited Nashville’s Vision Zero initiative as program context. He described the traffic-calming toolbox under consideration for Colmont: modular speed cushions (about 3 inches tall, in lengths likely seven or 10.5 feet), speed tables, solar radar feedback signs, pavement‑narrowing (striping) to create defined parking and travel lanes, intersection bulb-outs to reduce turning radii and crossing distances, chicanes that zigzag the centerline on wide streets, and small traffic circles. “We placed these cushions between 3 and 400 feet apart,” Greaves said, noting that closer spacing is used near schools.

A resident identified as Carol told the meeting she had observed more traffic recently and that drivers appeared to be using Colmont as a run-through to the interstate. “We did have a child that lived across the street from us actually about 3 months ago, I believe, get hit, as they were they'd gotten off a school bus and were crossing the street to go to their home,” Carol said, describing a prior injury and emphasizing regular pedestrian activity to and from the elementary school and playground.

A city council member at the meeting asked whether the project could be extended south from Tusculum Road to Coleridge Drive to slow traffic approaching the school from both directions; Greaves said he would check with NDOT partners about extending the study and noted NDOT does not typically change project limits at this stage but would investigate the request.

Greaves shared results from a 2023 study that NDOT staff cited showing average speeds falling from 31 to 22 mph and the 85th‑percentile speed falling from 37 to 25 mph where cushions were installed. He also said radar feedback signs have produced an average reduction of about 6 mph in observed locations. For Colmont, the draft concept includes three speed cushions spaced near the lower end of NDOT’s typical range to target lower speeds because of the nearby school, and the team will examine bulb-outs at Keeley and Colmont after a site visit.

NDOT described the project timeline and public decision steps: staff will perform a field review, refine the concept design and either hold a second neighborhood meeting or post plans online and open an online ballot. Greaves said the ballot zone includes property owners of parcels that touch the affected street (churches and schools receive one vote each; vacant lots are excluded), postcards with unique voting codes will be mailed to eligible voters, the ballot period is expected to run about six weeks, and two-thirds of respondents voting “yes” is required for the project to move to construction. Greaves also said there is typically an 8–10 month interval between a successful ballot and construction start because of project scheduling.

Attendees asked for mailed postcards when the ballot begins; Greaves confirmed NDOT sends postcards with a unique ID and will help residents who believe they should have received a code but did not. The meeting closed with NDOT staff noting they will conduct a site visit and follow up with refined plans and a ballot when ready.

Votes at a glance: No formal city vote occurred at this meeting. The only formal action described is the planned online ballot process; construction will proceed only if at least two-thirds of ballot respondents vote in favor.