Concerned Residents Rally for Safer Streets in Knoxville
In the bustling city of Knoxville, a growing number of residents are raising their voices in unison, championing their quest for safer streets on Highland Drive. Many locals are fed up and frustrated as they attempt to navigate life in their community where speeding cars and a lack of sidewalks create a dangerous environment.
The Hidden Dangers of Highland Drive
One Inskip resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, took the initiative to write to city officials about the pressing issues on Highland Drive. “Highland is almost exclusively a residential road, yet there is no indication that drivers need to be careful other than the very few 30 mph signs,” they expressed to city COO Christy Branscom a few years back. While a stop sign and a flashy warning sign have been installed, it seems that many drivers continue to speed past, disregarding the safety of pedestrians.
This particular roadway runs between Rowan Road and Broadway, stretching through City Council District 5, which is represented by Councilman Charles Thomas. Highland Drive lies adjacent to District 4, represented by Councilwoman Lauren Rider. Both council members are hearing the concerns loud and clear from residents who want to foster a safer environment for everyone.
Visibility is a Concern
The same concerned resident pointed out the potential hazards created by the geography of the area. “The hills obstruct visibility, making it nearly impossible for drivers to see pedestrians safely.” Combine that with deep ditches lining the street, and you have a recipe for disaster. Additionally, many parents are raising alarms over unsafe school and city bus routes nearby, leading them to believe that more police enforcement is necessary.
Community Voices and City Reactions
The Focus reached out to neighborhood leaders and city officials for insights on this growing concern about traffic safety. Betty Mahan, a past president of the Inskip Neighborhood Association, elaborated, “Highland is like all of our streets, busy and people in a hurry. We would have to slow people down to slow vehicles.” Mahan shared that residents have been advocating for change, noting that despite a stop sign being installed halfway down Highland, it hasn’t shown meaningful results in slowing drivers.
Carlene Malone from Fountain City Town Hall mentioned, “I have not heard anything about traffic issues on Highland,” indicating that the concerns may not yet be on the radar for every city representative.
Political Response
Councilwoman Rider pointed out that while she doesn’t represent Highland Drive directly, she strongly sympathizes with residents who seek a peaceful community. “People want peace and quality of life in their neighborhoods. They want to feel safe getting their mail and playing in their yards,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Councilman Thomas stated, “Speeding has been a problem on Highland Drive, and measures like the speed indicator sign and the recent stop sign at Jenkins were implemented in hopes to address it.” He committed to further discussions with the Engineering department for potential solutions.
The City’s Challenge
Knoxville’s Mayor, Indya Kincannon, added some context, stating that “excessive speeding across the city” remains a challenge. “Our Vision Zero strategies will help, but it’s a challenge to be sure,” she mentioned, hinting at broader efforts to combat speeding and increase safety.
The Sidewalk Situation
It seems the sidewalk issue is also part of the conversation. Councilwoman Amelia Parker brought up that while funds for new sidewalks are not currently available in the city’s budget, the Vision Zero coordinator is eager to collaborate on innovative and cost-effective solutions for neighborhoods.
According to Knoxville’s Transportation Engineering Chief, Karen J. McKeehan, a Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program (NTSP) application was made for Highland Drive in 2019. However, it was determined that disruptive traffic calming measures could interfere with emergency services. “A gap in the sidewalk system along Highland Drive has been identified as a crucial project, but funding is limited,” she stated.
A Hope for Change
As residents look forward to future developments, the desire for a safer Highland Drive grows ever stronger. The community’s collective concerns are echoing through city hall in hopes of catalyzing change that will ultimately create a more secure environment for everyone.
As the quest for safety continues, Highland Drive residents are not backing down. They believe that public safety comes first, and it’s time for the city to listen. After all, a safe neighborhood is a happy neighborhood!
