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Resident warns of unsafe sidewalk and crosswalk gaps near Tullahoma High School; aldermen ask staff to investigate
Summary
A resident and disability advocate described stretches of Jackson Street with no sidewalks or safe crossings near the high school and asked the board to pursue ADA improvements; city officials said state approval may be required and pledged follow-up contact.
Christopher Harvey, a Tullahoma resident and disability advocate, told the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Aug. 11 that sections of Jackson Street near Tullahoma High School lack sidewalks and safe pedestrian crossings, creating hazards for students and people with mobility impairments.
Harvey said he and his wife observed nine children attempting to cross at a location where the nearest marked crosswalk is a third of a mile away and where sidewalks stop for long stretches. “There’s not enough road for even if somebody had a mobility scooter,” Harvey said, after describing roughly 920 feet with no sidewalk and other gaps along the route to a nearby Publix. He urged the city to pursue a crosswalk light or other options to protect students and residents.
Aldermen and the city administrator acknowledged the concern and said some parts of Jackson Street are state-controlled. Mayor and City Administrator Jason Quick said improvements along that corridor may require coordination with the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Quick said he has a TDOT contact and would follow up with Harvey and public-works staff to explore options, including possible pedestrian-activated crosswalk signals or other temporary measures.
Alderman comments at the meeting noted recent new businesses across from the high school and supported further investigation into sidewalk continuity and crossing safety. No immediate construction or funding was authorized at the meeting; staff said they would research feasible solutions and state permitting requirements and report back.
