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Northeast Connector comments sought by City of Clarksville

View Presentation, Use Comment Form to Help Shape the Plan

City of Clarksville - Clarksville, TNClarksville, TN – More than 70 residents gathered Tuesday at Northeast High School to learn about and comment on the proposed Northeast Connector, a new road designed to relieve traffic congestion in Northeast Clarksville.

I want to welcome everyone, and I want you all to know that I appreciate your time and interest,” Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan said in a statement. “I look forward to reviewing your comments and suggestions about this important project.

Proposed Clarksville Northeast Connector and Trenton Road Widening
Proposed Clarksville Northeast Connector and Trenton Road Widening

“As we all know, traffic is heavy in the high-growth Northeast section of our City, and we need more arterial connector roads to meet our transportation needs today and in the future,” Mayor McMillan said. “As Mayor, I have made improving Clarksville’s roads a priority, and I want to stress that the City of Clarksville is taking the lead in designing and developing this project.”

Representatives from Gresham, Smith and Partners, the city’s design consultant, presented a project update, showed the road alignment being studied and summarized the environmental review completed so far.

They also previewed several possible cross section designs for the roadway, which included options for expanded sidewalks, bike trails and multiuse paths.  Median options discussed ranged from center turn lanes to raised medians to low-maintenance sunken areas of native vegetation referred to as a “bioswale.”

Citizens were able to break into small groups led by consulting team members and Clarksville Street Department staff to get a close look at the proposed design and ask questions. Most residents who attended also completed comment forms.

  • View the Presentation, which includes maps of the conceptual alignment and drawings of the cross section concepts.
  • Use this Comment Form to take part in the planning process. Complete and submit the online comment form by November 14th at 5:00pm.

Proposed Alignment

The City of Clarksville is proposing to construct a new northeast connector — four-lane roadway –between Trenton Road and Wilma Rudolph Boulevard, and improving existing Trenton Road from Kennedy Road (or another western terminus of the new connector) to south of Branson Way.

The total length of the project is approximately 3.7 miles. (From Trenton Road to Wilma Rudolph Boulevard is approximately 3 miles; From Kennedy Road to south of Branson Way is approximately 0.7 mile).  An additional 0.6 mile connection from Wilma Rudolph Boulevard to Ted Crozier Sr. Boulevard is also being considered as part of the project.

The road’s purpose is to relieve traffic congestion on several roads, including Trenton Road, Interstate 24 interchanges at Exit 1 and Exit 4, and on Needmore Road and the 101st Airborne Parkway.  A “no-build option” is still being studied.

Next Steps

The consultants outlined several tasks that will be completed next as the project planning proceeds.

They will:

  • Finish technical studies to identify environmental impacts.
  • Select a preferred alternative route, including preferred cross section designs.
  • Complete the final environmental document.

“The McMillan Administration is working proactively to solve our transportation challenges, and the City’s investment in engineering and environmental study makes it possible to seek additional state and federal road funding,” Mayor McMillan said.

“The Northeast Connector is clearly needed, and part of a broad plan to build a better road network for Clarksville’s future. We need citizen engagement and public support to make good things happen, and I appreciate your input and energy as we work together to make Clarksville the best place to live, work and raise our families,” stated Mayor McMillan.

For more information, contact:

Chris Cowan, Traffic Engineer
City of Clarksville Street Department
199 Tenth Street
Clarksville, TN 37040
931.645.7464
chris.cowan@cityofclarksville.com

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