Franklin considers making South Margin Street right‑turn only; pedestrian crosswalk removal sparks safety concerns

City engineering staff told the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Feb. 25 that a proposed change to the signal at South Margin Street and Third Avenue South—restricting eastbound traffic to right turns only—would substantially reduce eastbound backups and improve level‑of‑service, but would eliminate a south crosswalk and could increase vehicle speeds and cut‑through traffic in adjacent streets.

Paul (engineering) and staff reviewed a traffic study by Adam Mosier showing roughly 90% of vehicles currently turn right from south Margin; the proposed right‑turn‑only movement would reduce delays that now extend as far as Fourth Avenue and, at peak times, sometimes to Lewisburg Pike. Engineers said the change was approved by the MUTCD committee for this non‑typical intersection, would rely on signage and pavement markings, and that enforcement would be by law enforcement (no physical barrier was proposed). The proposal would remove the pedestrian crosswalk on the south side of the intersection and the corresponding pedestrian phase.

Pedestrian advocates and several residents urged the board not to remove the south crosswalk. Ned Dannenberg for Bike Walk Franklin said removing the crosswalk would force pedestrians to press multiple buttons and take a “3 minute and 8 second detour” to cross the intersection and urged an engineering solution that retains a pedestrian phase (for example, a pedestrian scramble) but only activates on demand. Board members discussed tradeoffs: staff warned that restoring a pedestrian scramble would add delay to vehicle phases; others noted that pedestrians largely use the crossing during festivals and special events and asked whether temporary measures could be used for events.

Public commenters from the Downtown Neighborhood Association and other nearby residents largely supported the change to reduce backups; DN A president Bob Ravaner said the intersection is “one of the most unsafe crossroads in the city” and noted a 93% right‑turn rate in their counts. Supporters argued the change is low‑risk and easily reversible if it produces unintended consequences, while opponents stressed walkability and safety.

Following public comment and discussion, the board asked staff to commit to a six‑month post‑implementation review if the change is approved, and staff agreed to report back on operations and accident data. No final vote occurred in the work session; staff said the ordinance (20 24‑45) will be brought to the business meeting for formal consideration.