Nashville bans right turns on red at seven local intersections

The Nashville Department of Transportation will prohibit drivers from making right turns on red lights at seven specific intersections in Davidson County over the next two weeks. These changes aim to reduce conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.

Metro Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda initially proposed a blanket ban on right turns at red lights this summer. After weeks of public debate, she withdrew that legislation on Tuesday. The withdrawal followed assurances from NDOT that the department would implement the ban at a limited number of high-risk intersections and study others.

The push for these safety measures comes as the city records a high number of pedestrian deaths this year. NDOT public information coordinator Brendan Scully stated that right turn on red restrictions are one of many tools available to make streets safer for people walking. He noted that NDOT engineers use data to determine what restrictions are needed on a case-by-case basis.

Scully added that pedestrian safety is a top priority for the department. The agency will continue working to make streets safer for people walking, biking, rolling, and driving.

The right turn on red ban will take effect at the following locations: Third Avenue North and Commerce Street, Fourth Avenue South and Korean Veterans Boulevard, 12th Avenue North and Broadway, 25th Avenue South and Children’s Way, Nolensville Pike and Welshwood Drive, Rosa L. Parks Boulevard and Church Street, and Smith Springs Road and Old Murfreesboro Pike.

NDOT will also alter traffic and walk signals at seven intersections to add leading pedestrian intervals. This change gives pedestrians a head start in the crosswalk before vehicles are allowed to turn. The intersections receiving these signal changes are South Seventh Street and Main Street, Ninth Avenue North and Buchanan Street, South 10th Street and Woodland Street, 17th Avenue North and Jo Johnston Avenue, 25th Avenue South and Children’s Way, 49th Avenue North and Charlotte Pike, and Dr. DB Todd Jr. Boulevard and Jo Johnston Avenue.

The intersection of 25th Avenue South and Children’s Way will receive both the right turn on red ban and the updated leading pedestrian interval signals.