As Nashville continues its remarkable growth journey, it’s crucial that we take action to shape our city’s future. IMAGINE Nashville, is asking all Nashvillians to share our thoughts and opinions on how we want our city to grow moving forward. Keep in mind that this is the same group whose last big survey we wrote in, which is what helped bring the Preds to Nashville. So it does work!
For myself, I have two recommendations that I want us to act on. The first can be quickly accomplished, and the second is about moving tourists off the interstate.
In the bustling heart of Nashville, where I commute twice daily to take my son to daycare, my joy of life often grinds to a halt due to traffic congestion. During my commutes, I think of how I would use people and technology with common sense and create a solution. I have such a solution, and it uses what’s available now, not what needs to be built. I believe that by putting artificial intelligence technology to use as a beneficial tool with experienced TDOT, Tennessee Department of Transportation, personnel, Nashville’s traffic can be quickly managed in real-time.
Synchronized Traffic Lights: A Seamless Flow
Picture this: you’re cruising down Charlotte, and you see one green light turn red just as you approach it, leaving you slamming on your brakes. However, you can see the other one’s after it is still green. This is the quintessential Nashville driving experience, and it’s high time to change this scenario. Synchronizing traffic lights and creating a seamless flow from one intersection to the next is the first critical step.
To make this happen, I recommend employing advanced cameras that are engineered with one sole purpose: monitoring vehicle movement. These cameras will not be able to scan faces or license plates; they’re solely focused on the ebb and flow of traffic. This ensures privacy and addresses concerns regarding surveillance. They’ll gather essential data on vehicle movements, providing a real-time understanding of traffic dynamics in various parts of the city.
AI-Powered Traffic Predictions: A Revolution in the Making
But simply collecting vehicle data isn’t enough. (TDOT does this with SmartWay, but it doesn’t impact traffic on city streets.) To harness the full potential of this approach, we need to capitalize on the AI boom and impact traffic flows in real time. By utilizing sophisticated artificial intelligence programs to process the vast amount of traffic data, it’ll provide insights and make predictions on traffic patterns. It takes into account historical data and current conditions to foresee when lights should be synchronized or adjusted to adapt to traffic conditions on interstate and city streets.
Most important of all, the technology is an assistant to the real stars of the show, our TDOT employees. By providing them the training and knowledge needed to interpret the AI’s recommendations, they’ll apply their judgment on whether the AI’s recommendations should be followed. Remember, AI doesn’t know about cultural, sporting, or local events, and its predictions can be wrong because it doesn’t have the full context of what people are doing in Nashville.
Real-Time Traffic Management in Action
So, what’s an example of how this will work? Picture a major accident on Interstate 440 near Hillsboro/21st. It’s a nightmare scenario: traffic on 440 comes to a grinding halt, and the nearby exit becomes clogged as drivers scramble to avoid the bottleneck.
In this situation, the network of cameras, AI, and TDOT employees steps into action. The cameras swiftly identify the emerging gridlock, sending data to the AI system. The smart AI crunches the data numbers, taking into account the sudden influx of vehicles onto Hillsboro Avenue and 21st Avenue, and predicts potential bottlenecks. It calculates the optimal traffic light timing in real-time.
Here’s where the TDOT employees come in. They evaluate the AI recommendations and make on-the-spot decisions to adapt traffic light patterns to match the emerging traffic conditions. Remember, they’ll have to use their judgment to widen the scope of the traffic flow to account for the Green Hills Mall/Hillsboro High School traffic that’ll already be backing up Hillsboro. I believe that simple yet effective adjustment will prevent further congestion and provide alternate routes to relieve the bottleneck caused by the accident on 440.
Over time, as the AI programs gather more data on traffic trends and trouble spots, they can provide better system-wide predictions of how a wreck on 440 will impact city streets in East Nashville.
I’m passionate about utilizing technology to improve our city’s traffic congestion, but with experienced, trained employees at the helm guiding the AI tech. This dynamic approach to traffic management could change the face of urban commuting in Nashville. No more reacting to traffic; it’s all about proactive, real-time traffic direction, making the daily grind of urban travel significantly smoother.
The Failed METRO of 2018: Learning from Mistakes
To move forward, it’s essential to address the past. The 2018 Nashville transit proposal was plagued by miscommunication and muddled messaging. This was a crucial factor in its failure, as the city’s residents, leaders, and political parties struggled to justify its cost with its long-term potential. My ‘Big Idea’ is to correct these past mistakes by presenting a focused, straightforward plan that’s easy to see working in action.
A Starter Line: Proving the Concept
Rather than embarking on an ambitious, multi-billion-dollar overhaul of the city’s entire transportation system, I propose building a single metro line running from the Nashville International Airport to downtown, with a stop at the new Titans Stadium/East Bank. This ‘starter line’ would serve as a pilot project, providing a tangible example of the benefits that efficient public transport can bring to the city.
The significance of this approach lies in demonstrating the feasibility of an efficient metro system. By starting with a single, highly functional route, we can showcase the value of an expanded network that connects neighborhoods, eases congestion, and fosters economic growth. So, the political shortsightedness that derailed the 2018 Nashville Transit proposal can be countered by tangible proof of success with one starter line.
The Road Ahead
As we embark on this journey to revitalize Nashville’s transportation infrastructure, we must acknowledge the importance of learning from past mistakes. By focusing on a single, effective metro line, we provide a tangible example of what a well-executed public transport system can achieve. It’s time to ignite change, shift perspectives, and steer Nashville toward a future where smart transportation decisions are synonymous with a vibrant and thriving city.
Pioneering Nashville’s Future with AI and Community
Amidst Nashville’s rapid growth, IMAGINE Nashville invites us to actively mold our city’s destiny. My two-pronged approach to alleviating traffic woes blends technology with human expertise. Synchronizing traffic lights with privacy-focused cameras and AI predictions promises seamless commutes. Still, it’s vital to remember that human judgment remains paramount in making real-time adjustments. This synergy comes to life when major accidents snarl traffic. AI-driven insights and TDOT experts collaborate, adapting traffic lights to swiftly counteract congestion.
Looking back, past endeavors like the 2018 transit proposal teach us the importance of straightforward communication. I advocate a pragmatic solution: a pilot metro line from the airport to downtown, showcasing efficient public transport’s advantages. Let’s steer Nashville toward a brighter future together by sharing your insights through the IMAGINE Nashville survey. Our actions now pave the way for an even more remarkable Nashville in the next 20 years.
Share Your Vision for Nashville
I urge each of you to share your ideas and perspectives in the IMAGINE Nashville survey. Let’s combine our heads, share our thoughts, and take action. Together, we can help ensure that the Nashville of the next 20 years is even more remarkable than the one we know today.
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