Frazier Avenue could see traffic changes by end of March

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — After a tragic wreck that killed a mother and her son on Frazier Avenue, the city implemented a new traffic calming pattern.

Thursday night, the city met in Coolidge Park to discuss possible changes that could help protect pedestrians.

Councilwoman Jenny Hill of District 2 said, “It’s important that the community gets to continue to be a part of the conversation about how we are going to make Frazier Avenue a street that all of Chattanooga loves. A better, more comfortable place to move about.”

The city presented two plans for what they believe would help the area.

Ross Pitcairn the Public Works Administrator said, “We are going to show you two designs. There are a lot of similarities between the two designs. One of the big things is that it is quick. It is going to allow us, whichever one we pick, to implement fairly quickly. The big thing with it, is that both options are three lanes.”

Option A is the option the city was leaning towards.

“With option A we are looking at the shared roads on Frazier with an emphasis on letting folks go through the park with improvements with lane construction there,” said Pitcairn.

Yet some people didn’t think that was the better choice. 

Jon Jon Wesolowski a community member said, “Why is option A prioritizing adding more parking when that makes up 50% of our downtown area right now? We have a connection coming in. Why prioritize parking when this is all about pedestrian safety?”

Option B was the preferred option for many bikers.

Pitcairn said, “The second option, option B, is the one where we have a dedicated bike lane on Frazier.”

Although the city presented two options, nothing is final yet.

Councilwoman Hill said, “I have a feeling that we will get some ideas that haven’t yet been incorporated in the plan and that’ll be terrific. If we end up with an option C.3, that’s going to be terrific.”

The city hopes to get all feedback by March 15.

If you would like to share your opinion on the future of Frazier Avenue, visit cha.city/frazier. 

The city will release their final plan on March 29.