David Greaves, an engineer with the Department of Transportation’s Neighborhood Street Traffic Calming Program, presented traffic‑calming concepts for J Street at a virtual neighborhood meeting on Dec. 3, 2025.

Greaves said field measurements on the J Street project limits (Foster Avenue to Ludy/Luedie Street) showed an 85th‑percentile speed of about 34 miles per hour and a low daily volume (roughly 343 vehicles). Using that data and NDOT’s prioritization formula — which weighs vehicle speeds most heavily and also considers crash history, sidewalk gaps and nearby trip destinations — J Street was selected in the 2024 cycle as a candidate for calming measures.

NDOT’s initial concept plan identifies seven locations for speed cushions, one location for a pinch‑point device (a brief one‑lane constriction), and pullouts to tighten turning radii at the Sterling Boone Drive intersection. Greaves explained NDOT’s toolset: speed cushions (6‑foot width with gaps to reduce impact on emergency vehicles), speed tables, radar feedback signs (solar displays that show drivers’ speeds but do not enforce), horizontal narrowing/striping, bulb‑outs at intersections and small traffic circles.

"One of the primary goals of the program is speed reduction," Greaves said, and he pointed to national and local evidence that lowering vehicle speeds reduces the likelihood of death or serious injury to people struck by vehicles.

Residents on the call were divided. A longtime resident, Matt (first speaking at SEG 225), said the 85th‑percentile figure "seems pretty good" for a residential area and expressed skepticism that the street needs vertical measures. Another resident who recently moved to the neighborhood said they had not observed a speeding problem but raised concerns about poor nighttime lighting and pedestrian comfort.

Greaves said NDOT typically prefers vertical measures where appropriate because they have reliable speed‑reduction effects; he cited a local before‑and‑after review in which 85th‑percentile speeds fell from about 37 mph to roughly 25 mph on streets where vertical measures were installed. He also said pitch points (short one‑lane pinch devices) are being reconsidered as an alternative where site conditions allow.

NDOT stressed that the concept plans shown at the meeting are not final. Greaves described the next steps: NDOT will incorporate neighborhood feedback, schedule a second neighborhood meeting with broader notice, and then initiate a mailed and online ballot process. The ballot period will remain open for six weeks; vertical in‑lane measures such as speed cushions and pinch points will proceed only if two‑thirds of respondents vote yes. If the ballot fails, Greaves said NDOT would instead propose lower‑intensity approaches such as radar feedback signs and additional striping.

On timing, Greaves estimated typical implementation takes about eight to ten months after approval, noting that installed measures are generally permanent except in cases of serious unforeseen safety issues that would prompt a change.

Greaves encouraged neighbors to share the plans with other residents and provided contact information, including n.trafficcalming@nashvilledot.gov, for follow‑up questions and to request the project code needed to vote. He said NDOT will send mailed materials and slide materials to council staff and attendees to support broader outreach ahead of the ballot.