The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) is launching an Open Streets Program in partnership with Walk Bike Nashville, making it easier for Nashville residents to bring Open Streets to their neighborhoods.
Commonly known as block parties, Open Streets events temporarily close streets to cars and other motor vehicles and allow people to use their neighborhood streets for community celebrations and activities. As part of Nashville’s Vision Zero initiative, NDOT and Walk Bike Nashville have created an Open Streets Toolkit with information and inspiration for Nashvillians to plan an Open Streets event--from permitting to community building. NDOT has made it free for residents to submit an Open Streets permit and organizers can also check-out approved traffic control materials such as signs and cones at no cost.
"Great things happen when our communities get together, and Open Streets is a great chance to block off the block for some great food, fun, and friends," said Mayor Freddie O'Connell. "Through Open Streets, NDOT helps with all the permitting and safety precautions making it easy for neighborhoods to enjoy the transformative power of these community-driven gatherings."
Nashvillians and visitors are encouraged to attend Open Streets events and observe the program in action during Walk Bike Nashville’s Open Streets Summer Series on July 20, August 17, and September 7. These events, co-sponsored by NDOT, feature a five-mile route of streets around downtown Nashville that will be closed to car traffic and open to people walking, biking, and playing. Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak with NDOT and Walk Bike Nashville to learn more about hosting an Open Street in their own neighborhood.
"Open Streets are meant to bring communities together and demonstrate a safe street for all people, and the Open Streets Toolkit has the steps and information for you to bring this to your own neighborhood,” said Calah Gipson, the Open Streets Coordinator for Walk Bike Nashville. “The Open Streets Summer Series will be the most ambitious Open Street to be hosted in Nashville yet, and we hope to see even more creative, engaging, and safe streets in our neighborhoods.”
“We’re really excited to connect residents to the resources needed to host Open Streets in their neighborhoods,” said NDOT Director Diana Alarcon. “NDOT is committed to ensuring that Nashvillians are able to safely enjoy their neighborhood streets—whether they’re walking, biking, or playing.”
More information on the Open Streets Program, including how to apply.
To report a non-emergency issue affecting a Metro Nashville street, visit hub.nashville.gov.