The image prepared for by Laura Slusher from Purdue University Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program. Slusher conducted a traffic study that identified the need for a three-way stop at Edge O’ Town Condos and West Main Street. Signs will be installed some time in March, according to Town Manager Sandie Jones.
Drivers heading west out of Nashville can expect some extra signage — and stops — in the coming months.
The Nashville Town Council voted last month to add stop signs to the west end of Main Street.
The motion to add the signs was made at the Dec. 15 council meeting, after a traffic study that was conducted showed that more signage was needed in the area.
Discussions for additional signage began in September when residents of Johnson and Main streets said there was a need to provide more safety for drivers and pedestrians.
It was suggested at the September town council meeting that a three-way stop at Helmsburg Road, Jackson Branch Road and Main Street would allow a safe option for drivers and pedestrians in the area.
Speed bumps were also suggested, but ultimately decided against.
In November it was determined by Town Council Attorney Wanda Jones that in order to install a stop sign, a traffic study would need to be completed.
Town Manager Sandie Jones found an option through Purdue University for a study to be done, free of charge.
The Purdue University LTAP representative and engineer, Laura Slusher, visited between the November and December town council meetings and conducted a traffic study of the area.
Purdue offers Indiana LTAP — Local Technical Assistance Program — which has a mission to “foster a safe, efficient, and environmentally sound transportation system by improving the skills and knowledge of local transportation providers through training, technical assistance, and technology transfer,” according to its website.
Jones told the council on Dec. 15 that Slusher determined that a three-way stop was needed in the area of Edge O’ Town Condos.
Slusher gave the town a written report and designed a photo.
Going out of town, Slusher suggested a stop sign on either side of the road before travelers reach Edge O’ Town Condos. Drivers will stop at Jefferson Street, Johnson Street and now just before Jackson Branch Road before they leave town.
Edge O’ Town will also have a stop sign installed for those exiting the complex. Drivers coming into town will have a stop sign once they reach town limits.
“If it seems to be a problem with Jackson Branch people turning left and coming into town … council can remove the signs,” Crocker said.
“At that point, if there are problems, we might consider working with the county and moving the signs down.”
Jones said last week she hopes to have the signs up in their places in March.
In October, the town council designated no parking zones on the south side of West Main Street.
At the November council meeting, former Town Council President Nancy Crocker said another area she would like to bring attention to is at Main and Van Buren streets.
She suggested a “scramble light” for pedestrians, and Nashville Police Chief Heather Burris suggested a green arrow light for traffic. No additional decision for signage was made for those areas at the time.
