How Will Mayor O'Connell's Transit Plan Impact Nashville's Construction?

Nashville is at a critical juncture in its growth, and newly elected Mayor Freddie O'Connell's ambitious transit plan could be the key to shaping the city's future. On July 16, 2024, the Metro Council voted for this transit measure to appear on the November ballot. This transit plan has the potential to transform not only how people move around the city but also how Nashville develops and grows, opening up new potential for innovating the city's infrastructure, economy, and real estate market.

The Vision: Expanding Infrastructure to Meet Nashville’s Needs

O’Connell’s transit plan will expand and improve Nashville’s transportation infrastructure. The plan calls for 54 miles of fast-tracked buses, including dedicated bus lanes along five major corridors: Murfreesboro Pike, Dickerson Road, Gallatin Pike, Nolensville Road, and West End Avenue. These upgrades are designed to provide faster, more efficient transit options for residents and visitors alike.

In addition to the bus rapid transit (BRT) lanes, the plan includes almost 90 miles of new or upgraded sidewalks and installing advanced traffic technology on 600 signals to optimize traffic flow. These developments will improve mobility and create a more pedestrian-friendlier environment, supporting the city's broader goals of sustainability and livability. As O’Connell said on April 19, 2024, "It's an opportunity to move after being stuck for so long."

A Surge in Demand: The All-Access Corridors

This multi-billion-dollar investment—estimated at over $6.9 billion over 15 years—presents significant opportunities for commercial construction companies to contribute to the city's growth. In particular, the five corridors targeted for BRT upgrades are set to become focal points for new development.

As these areas become more accessible and attractive due to improved transit options, demand for commercial construction is expected to surge. Developers are already eyeing these corridors, anticipating a wave of investment and growth. As Evan Holladay, CEO of Holladay Ventures, noted, the potential for a transit referendum has developers eager to invest in these key areas.

For commercial construction companies, this translates into a steady pipeline of projects ranging from mixed-use developments to commercial spaces and residential complexes. The presence of transit centers and dedicated BRT lanes will draw businesses, residents, and services to these corridors, creating a ripple effect of development opportunities.

Affordable Housing and Sustainable Growth

As Nashville's construction landscape evolves, one key consideration will be integrating affordable housing into these new developments. The transit plan emphasizes the need for affordable housing along the five all-access corridors, ensuring that growth benefits all residents, not just those with higher incomes.

Commercial construction companies have the opportunity to play a crucial role in this aspect of the plan by designing and building affordable housing that meets the needs of the communities while aligning with the city's sustainability goals. Construction firms can contribute to Nashville's vision of inclusive, sustainable growth by incorporating green building practices, energy-efficient designs, and community-focused amenities.

Mayor O'Connell's transit plan is more than just an infrastructure project—it's a roadmap for Nashville's future. At Eshelman Construction, we're excited about what this plan can mean for our city, particularly regarding the need for affordable housing. With Trinity Lofts, we've proudly been a part of this movement in Nashville's urban areas and look forward to contributing to accessible housing in the all-access corridors. Plus, Eshelman Construction has a steady track record of award-winning, adaptive reuse projects that will serve well as the transit plan shapes our city, such as The Wash, which converted an old car wash into a new food hall, and the n o t e Nashville, which reimagined a historic downtown building into a vibrant boutique hotel.

If you have ambitions to shape our city's growth and contribute to its evolution into a more connected, sustainable, and vibrant metropolis— contact us today.