Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Franklin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
16 issues in roads
Del Rio Pike Roadway Widening & Culvert Improvements
City leaders approved contracts and amendments for major roadway projects, such as intersection improvements at Mack Hatcher Memorial Parkway and Hillsboro Road, bridge design, and utility coordination.
Downtown Traffic Study and Cut-Through Concerns
Traffic data showed a sharp increase in peak-hour vehicles using Oxford Glen as drivers look for alternate routes to Cool Springs. Leaders discussed monitoring the situation once Market Street opens.
Clovercroft Road Safety and Traffic Management
Residents and leaders discussed severe safety concerns, speeding, and heavy traffic along Clovercroft Road. Because the road is split between city and county jurisdictions with unclear right-of-way titles, coordinating long-term fixes like widening and shoulders remains a challenge.
Murfreesboro Road Corridor Planning
Staff introduced a proposal for a small area planning study along the Murfreesboro Road corridor, addressing high crash rates, pedestrian safety gaps, and traffic congestion. A resident raised strong concerns about traffic impacts.
Lewisburg Pike Railroad Crossing Closure
City staff announced an upcoming one-year closure of Lewisburg Pike at the CSX tracks for overhead utility relocations and bridge work. Extensive advance notice and message boards will be deployed.
Players Mill Road Temporary Reopening
Staff announced that Players Mill Road is planned to reopen temporarily to assist with traffic and school bus routes starting in August.
Lewisburg Pike Sidewalk and Trail Construction
Construction of Phase 1 of the Lewisburg Pike sidewalk and multi-use trail is moving forward, with residents requesting early communication and "Good Neighbor letters" to prepare for access restrictions.
Southeast Mack Hatcher Parkway State Funding Increase
The city is partnering with TDOT to advance design work for widening Mack C. Hatcher Memorial Parkway, while working to address a $25 million funding gap. Leaders emphasized that local commitments are capped at $50 million.
Berry Farms Sidewalk Connectivity
A local resident raised concerns about missing sidewalk connections along Goose Creek Bypass and Captain Freeman Bridge, urging the commission to ensure pedestrian access meets city standards.
Royal Oaks and Mack Hatcher Intersection Infrastructure and Pedestrian Safety
City leaders discussed whether to add pedestrian and bicycle crosswalks to the upcoming fast-tracked intersection improvements at Royal Oaks and Mack Hatcher Parkway. While staff noted it would cost an extra $300,000 to $400,000 in city funds that might eventually be replaced when major widening happens in the 2030s, aldermen expressed strong interest in providing immediate walkability for residents.
Church Street Improvements and ROW Acquisition
The city is moving forward with property acquisitions and appraisals for the Church Street project, including authorizing condemnation if needed.
Traffic Safety and Wrong-Way Driving on Meridian Boulevard
A local resident and teacher raised safety concerns about reckless speeding and wrong-way driving on Meridian Boulevard in Cool Springs, suggesting several traffic calming measures and signage improvements.
Liberty Pike and Mallory Lane Intersection Upgrade
The board voted to revise the design concept for intersection improvements at Liberty Pike and Mallory Lane/North Royal Oaks Boulevard.
Capital Project Prioritization and Traffic Metrics
Committee members discussed using data-driven metrics, similar to MPO models, to evaluate and prioritize future transportation and road projects based on actual congestion and traffic counts.
West Main Street Federal Grant and Corridor Safety
Franklin received an $8 million federal grant for safety improvements and sidewalks along West Main Street, part of a larger ongoing effort to enhance pedestrian and vehicle safety.
Franklin Road (SR-6) and Peytonsville Road Engineering and Design
Franklin is moving forward with engineering and design contracts for major road improvements on Franklin Road and Peytonsville Road to ease congestion and improve safety.