Through the 2017 WalknBike master planning process, the section of 12th Avenue South between the Gulch and the 12 South neighborhoods was ranked as the number one bikeway project priority in Nashville. This is especially telling, considering that there are currently bike lanes on most of this section. However, the lanes do not provide a bike connection that is safe and comfortable for all ages and abilities—a fact verified by community members through the engagement process.
The project for 12th Avenue South will include bike lanes that are physically protected from traffic along the entire route. The bike lanes are separated from the driving lanes with bioswales, or vegetated islands that manage stormwater in addition to protecting the bikeway and providing landscaping. The project also includes bus stop improvements and safer crossings for people walking and using mobility devices (including flashing lights), along with repaving and restriping the roadway. With comprehensive improvements, the 12th Avenue South project represents a complete and green street.
The project team is attending community meetings to present the project details and engage community members. If you would like the team to present at your next in-person or virtual community meeting, reach out to Anna Dearman.
Related Information and Resources
- Map of 12th Avenue South Complete and Green Street Bike Detour
- Map of 12th Avenue South Complete and Green Street Project
- 12th Avenue South Complete and Green Street Project Update Presentation
- Learn more about Bikeway design components
- Interactive Bikeways Tracker
Final Design Plans
In spring 2022, the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) finalized the design plans for the 12th Avenue South project.
Note: The design plans are subject to minor changes prior to construction.
- Full corridor (Lawrence Avenue - Division Street)
- North section (north of Edgehill - Division Street)
- Middle section (north of Wedgewood - north of Edgehill)
- South section (Wedgewood Avenue - Lawrence Avenue)
Project Time Lapse Videos
Project Renderings
View of 12th Ave S complete and green street project at Acklen Avenue, looking south
View of 12th Ave S complete and green street project at Acklen Avenue, looking east
View of 12th Ave S complete and green street project at Caldwell Avenue, looking south
View of 12th Ave S complete and green street project at Caldwell Avenue, looking northwest
View of 12th Ave S complete and green street project at Acklen Avenue, looking south from above street level
View of 12th Ave S complete and green street project at Wedgewood Avenue, looking south
View of 12th Ave S complete and green street project at Lawrence Avenue, looking north
Construction Photos
Previous Meetings
In the spring and summer of 2018, planners discussed the project with neighborhood associations and worked on community priorities. Planners discussed the 12th Avenue South corridor in sections and highlighted the role each section plays:
- 11th Avenue South to South Street serves as a gateway into the Gulch and into Downtown. It includes bridge crossings over the interstate. This section provides bikeway connections to 11th Avenue (a complete street) and South Street bike lanes and also connects to WeGo Transit bus route 17.
- South Street to Acklen Avenue is a major commuting route for drivers, bus riders, and bicyclists with major destinations including retail, churches, Carter Lawrence Elementary School, and the Edgehill Public Library. In this section, it proves challenging for users to cross the street. Wedgewood Avenue is also a major barrier for people trying to cross the street.
- Acklen Avenue to Ashwood Avenue serves as a gateway into the 12South neighborhood and Belmont University. In this section of the corridor, more houses face 12th Avenue, and there is consistent parking on the street. Major destinations include some retail and houses of worship. The street narrows as it approaches Ashwood Avenue.
Meeting attendees could choose from the following design elements:
- Trees, plants, water treatments
- Parking
- Pedestrian crossings
- Tactical urbanism (flexible, low cost, short-term projects) and art
- Slow down cars
- Better bus stop access
- Maximize space for driving
Community priorities included trees, plants, and water treatments; pedestrian crossings; slow down cars; and better bus stop access.
On Saturday, March 23, 2019, planners presented preliminary design ideas for bikeways along 12th Avenue South.