Chattanooga Gears Up for Major Safety Changes on Frazier Avenue
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Big changes are on the horizon for one of downtown Chattanooga’s most frequented roads. After a tragic accident last November that resulted in the loss of a mother and her son, the city’s Department of Transportation (CDOT) is stepping up to enhance safety on Frazier Avenue. Starting next week, the hustle and bustle of construction will kick off on this vital route.
What’s Happening?
Mark your calendars! Work is slated to begin at 8 a.m. next Monday, October 21st. Crews will be busy resurfacing and restriping the section of Frazier Avenue that stretches between Market Street and Barton Avenue. The push for these improvements stems directly from the community’s desire for a safer environment for all who walk and drive in the area.
Justin Strickland, Chattanooga’s public space coordinator, explained, “Our aim is to create a more secure environment for pedestrians. We’ve listened to the community and are excited to implement changes that will protect everyone using our streets.”
Community-Driven Safety Enhancements
In the wake of the heartbreaking accident, the city took to heart community suggestions on how to better the situation on Frazier Avenue. The upcoming construction will include the creation of “Multi-Modal” lanes designed specifically for pedestrians. This concept promises to introduce barriers that separate pedestrians from the active traffic lanes, effectively enhancing safety for everyone involved.
Local resident David Sly shared his thoughts on the changes, expressing his hope that the improvements will foster a more secure and navigable environment for both walkers and drivers. He noted, “It’s crucial that we protect our community, and these steps will hopefully make a real difference.”
Construction Details
So, what can you expect during the construction period? The work on Frazier Avenue is expected to take about four days. During that time, the city plans to maintain one lane of traffic flowing both westbound and eastbound during daytime hours. However, residents should be aware that there will be occasional, brief full closures of adjoining streets while construction is underway.
Additionally, to facilitate the work, street parking will be restricted in the active work areas. It’s a small inconvenience compared to the potential benefits of improved safety once everything is finished.
Stay Informed on Safety
In the meantime, Chattanooga residents now have a new resource at their fingertips. The city’s safer streets website, which launched back in July, provides safety data that locals can utilize to stay informed about their surroundings. This tool aims to help citizens understand the risks and safety measures in their neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead
With changes set to transform Frazier Avenue into a safer space for pedestrians and drivers alike, the community is buzzing with a mix of anticipation and hope. As Chattanooga continues to grow, the focus on enhancing safety for all has never been more critical, and it’s encouraging to see strides being made in that direction.
As work commences next week, let’s all keep in mind the end goal: a safer Chattanooga for everyone who calls this wonderful city home.
