McEwen Drive Interchange

22059.00 M c E w en D ri v e I n t erc h an g e Franklin, Tennessee Engineering Sustainable Practice 2 0 0 8 en g ineerin g e xce l l ence H o n o r award ACEC of Tennessee 2 0 0 8 g rand c h ampi o n Tennessee Concrete Association

A new gateway to the historic City of

FRANKL N Rapid development in the Cool Springs area combined with growth on the east side of Interstate 65 created a significant demand for an additional east/west connector. By incorporating an interchange into the planned McEwen Drive extension, the area has experienced an immediate reduction in congestion as well as improved commute times to major shopping areas, a local high school and a growing number of offices, including the new Nissan Americas corporate facility.

“We are very proud to have this stateof-the-art interchange...it will help serve our growing transportation needs and also be a beautiful new gateway into our city.” ­— Tom Miller Former Franklin Mayor

Recognizing the need to minimize right-of-way impacts while efficiently handling the anticipated high traffic volumes, the City of Franklin engaged GS&P to develop a distinct and effective design that conserves valuable commercial property. The design team, headed by principal-in-charge Michael Flatt, P.E., recommended a Single-Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) design. This design allows for increased traffic capacity and reduced delays by eliminating a step in maneuvering through the interchange.

In the SPUI design, all traffic movements are initiated at one large intersection controlled by one traffic signal. When the traffic signal turns green, opposing traffic moves quickly through the intersection. This is more efficient than traditional diamond interchange design, which contains signals at the end of both exit ramps, that can cause left-turning vehicles to often wait at two traffic signals.

Though creating an intersection where all traffic movements are aligned to intersect at a single point is complicated, the elevated structure required for McEwen created an even greater deal of geometric complexity. Each exit and entry ramp approaches and crosses the bridge with curved alignments. The bridge was designed to accommodate these ramp curves and traffic alignments, which required a wide bridge at each end that narrowed in the middle.

In order to incorporate unique aesthetics into the project, GS&P used the extra width of the bridge created by the ramp curves to design sidewalk plazas that include landscape planters, colored and stamped concrete, decorative metal pedestrian railings and 19th century-style lighting fixtures. The retaining walls were designed with exposed wall finishes and capstones to closely resemble the native fieldstone rock walls common to the area. These design elements, along with the welcome monument signs at the ramp islands, help create a sense of place and arrival.

The new interchange has already significantly improved traffic conditions in the vicinity. On completion of the Carothers Parkway extension, which will intersect McEwen Drive, a significant number of Nashville commuters are expected to access Interstate 65 via the new interchange. And the aesthetic enhancements, not typically found in interchange improvement projects, have generated reactions of both surprise and delight among members of the community. ■

Gresham, Smith and Partners provides design and consulting solutions for the built environment that contribute to the success of national and international clients. For more than 40 years, GS&P has focused on enhancing quality of life and sustainability within communities. GS&P consists of industry-leading professionals practicing architecture and engineering design as well as scientists and highly specialized planning and strategic consultants in Environmental Compliance, Aviation, Corporate and Urban Design, Healthcare, Industrial, Land Planning, Transportation and Water Services. GS&P consistently ranks among the top architecture and engineering firms in the United States. For more information regarding GS&P, visit www.gspnet.com.

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