NDOT accepting applications for tactical urbanism program

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Do you have an idea that could improve your neighborhood roads?

You may have a chance to be heard. The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal infrastructure ( NDOT ) is taking applications for a program called “ Tactical Urbanism .” Matthew Cushing, livability planner for NDOT, explained what “Tactical Urbanism” means in practice.

“In contrast to a kind of a traditional roadway project, which will take years to plan and fund and design and install,” Cushing said. “Tactical urbanism is really a community-oriented way to go test something quickly, usually using materials that are low-cost…to try something out and see if you can improve the function of a roadway.”

Examples of projects under the program have included a colorful traffic circle in the Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhood and vibrant paint placed around the city to keep pedestrians safe .

Another, more temporary, project includes the Civic Center’s Parking Day . There, parking spaces are transformed to look like small parks and gathering areas.

NDOT is accepting applications for the program so they can place tactical urbanism projects across more neighborhoods. Even though the program has been around for the last decade, officials told News 2 they have formalized the process for those who want to take part.

Four applications will be accepted during this cylce. Those projects will be funded with up to $20,000 to install them on roadways. Cushing explained that projects must be focused on safety, mobility and community support.

“We will be looking at equity impacts to make sure we’re building these projects kind of everywhere we can,” Cushing said. “Beautification is another element we will be scoring on. Feasibility is the last one. Is it something that actually can be done within the kind of the funding allowance that we have?”

The deadline to submit an application is August 19. The projects chosen will be announced by mid-September.

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