Residents are calling for action on Nolensville Pike after a tragic hit-and-run accident killed a child

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A fatal accident over the weekend has sparked safety concerns along one of the city’s most problematic corridors. This incident occurred on a section of the Nolensville Pike where millions have been invested to improve safety.

Witnesses report that the hit-and-run driver sped down the bike path, resulting in the tragic death of a ten-year-old girl. While I was out here reporting on the crash, several people came up to me and expressed their concerns about the dangers of this section of the Nolensville Pike and the need for changes.

A lack of sidewalks, unprotected bike paths and speeding drivers continue to plague the people who live and work along Nolensville Pike.

Law Owens, a nearby worker, says, “People trying to get around, either in the center lane or in the bike lane.” Eric Jewell, his colleague, says, “I got these people feeding in these souped-up cars , which just fly down this trail.”

Last year, Metro secured $13 million in federal funding to improve the 2.5-mile stretch between McCall Street and Haywood Lane.

Courtney Johnston said: “We were granted the grant last December and much of the delay has been waiting for the government to actually give us the money. And now we are in the process of finalizing things with the contractor.”

Metro City Councilwoman Courtney Johnston says the funds will be used for additional lighting, creating safe sidewalk connections and improving intersections after an NDOT study highlighted this urgent need.

Adam Nicholson says: “We don’t need any further studies. We need to take these improvements seriously.”

Transit Now Nashville’s Adam Nicholson calls for immediate solutions. Meanwhile, Nicholson is advocating for barriers to protect pedestrians and cyclists on bike paths while he waits for grant-funded construction.

Nicholson says: “They’re running into ditches. They walk on the side of the road; sometimes they walk on a bike path or ride a scooter, a bicycle or a wheelchair.”

Johnston says immediate solutions are not off the table.

Johnston says, “Whether it’s temporary, very quick or long-term, I think all of those options are on the table.”

Johnston believes infrastructure isn’t the only problem; She also calls for greater accountability for speeding and speeding. That’s why she will work with MNPD to strengthen enforcement in the area.

Get stories like this and all the day’s news in Middle Tennessee delivered to your inbox every morning with the FOX 17 News Daily newsletter.