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TDOT asks Nolensville to commit to lower speed limits for south corridor; commissioners debate timing
Summary
Town staff presented TDOT’s request that Nolensville commit to lowering speed limits on Nolensville Road (Rocky Fork to York Williams) to better match future urban development. Commissioners split on voting now versus committing later when posting would be immediate; no action taken May 19.
Town staff on May 19 presented a TDOT request that the Town of Nolensville set lower speed limits for the corridor from Rocky Fork/Clovercroft down to York Williams as the area transitions from suburban to more urban development.
Public-works director Enoch told the board that TDOT’s updated guidance on tapers, sight distance and lane geometry and a December 2024 speed study by KCI Technologies prompted the request. Enoch said TDOT wants municipalities to be proactive: set a reduced speed now and post signage later when traffic warrants it.
KCI memo and staff summary Enoch and staff summarized KCI’s December 2024 memo: while roadway characteristics and current vehicle speeds “do not currently suggest the need for speed limit reduction,” the memo says “several contributing factors show the reduction will be needed” as development and additional access points come online. TDOT has also changed design guidance that affects taper lengths and sight distances around intersections and bridges.
Council reactions and next steps - Several commissioners agreed with the safety rationale but questioned voting on a reduction now if posting will not occur for a year or more. One commissioner asked, “if we’re not going to post it for a year and a half, why we would vote on it now and not then?” The staff response was that TDOT wants a town commitment to the concept so future projects are planned to that speed.
- Commissioners were explicit that a posted speed change would not affect currently approved development geometry and that posting is at the town’s discretion. Staff said the board retains authority over when to post new limits and would coordinate enforcement and timing with the police department.
- No vote was taken May 19. Staff said they would return with an action item and that the board could decide when to post signage in a future meeting when conditions warrant.
Why it matters: The roadway from Clovercroft/Rocky Fork south toward Town Square and York Williams is expected to experience substantial development over the next several years; a lower speed limit would affect design criteria for future intersections, pedestrian access and sidewalks. TDOT’s request is intended to align safety guidelines with anticipated land-use changes.
Ending: The board left the question open, asking staff to continue coordination with TDOT and to provide additional materials so commissioners can decide whether to adopt a lowered speed limit now and stage posting as development proceeds.
