Overview

The proposed Korean Veterans Boulevard Extension will be a four-lane, median divided roadway with a parking lane on each side. The project provides a connection between 4th Avenue South and 8th Avenue South and generally follows the path of what was Franklin Street and Shirley Street.

During the previous planning and environmental phase of the project, two alternatives for terminating at 8th Avenue were studied:

• a signalized intersection involving the realignment of Lafayette Street and 8th Avenue with the proposed Korean Veterans Boulevard; and
• a roundabout intersection concept at Lafayette Street and 8th Avenue.

Based on public input, community plans, and present and future developments in the area of downtown south of Broadway (SoBro), the roundabout option emerged as the Locally Preferred Alternative.

On February 4, 2010, FHWA approved the Supplemental Record of Decision (ROD), confirming as the Selected Alternative the extension of Korean Veterans Boulevard from 4th Avenue to 8th Avenue and terminating with a multi-lane roundabout at a new intersection of 8th Avenue, Lafayette Street and the new Korean Veterans Boulevard. View the Supplemental ROD.

The roundabout design at 8th Avenue, Lafayette Avenue and Korean Veterans Boulevard will function as the centerpiece of the revitalization of the SoBro area. The project includes roadway design, significant landscaping and hardscaping, rain gardens, lighting, stormwater design, sanitary sewer design, potable water design, lighting, traffic signals and extensive utility coordination.

The project requires extensive coordination with the construction of the new Music City Convention Center and the new Omni Hotel located along the northern right-of-way line; and extensive coordination with the Nashville Electric Service for new underground electrical duct banks.