Vanderbilt University has begun the early phases of construction on a group of capital projects that will transform the athletics footprint across campus. Big projects include major renovations to the football stadium and construction of a basketball practice facility, with infrastructure improvements to the surrounding landscape as well.
In compliance with Metro regulations, Vanderbilt is required to make major upgrades to public utilities and infrastructure, notably the separation of the combined stormwater/sewer line that leads to the Kerrigan basin, and replacement of public water lines.
There are also additional upgrades to public infrastructure and utilities on Kensington Avenue, 25th Avenue, Natchez Trace, and Jess Neely Drive. These upgrades to public infrastructure total approximately $25 million, costs which will be covered by Vanderbilt.
The updating of these aged stormwater utilities is important work, but it is also disruptive. Vanderbilt’s goal is to keep the public informed on road closures and impacted traffic as this work progresses over the next 18 months.
Vanderbilt is working closely with the Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT), and Multimodal Infrastructure, the new multi-modal access committee, Metro Council Member Tom Cash and other stakeholders to minimize traffic disruptions.
Vanderbilt contractors will dig two large pits in the road to accommodate underground directional boring to separate the combined stormwater/waste lines, which lead to traffic disruptions on Natchez Trace. In the first iteration of construction plans closing the entire road for 18 months was the only option, but over the last few weeks Vanderbilt has worked with NDOT, the multimodal access committee, and Council Member Tom Cash to find a way to keep through traffic moving.
Natchez Trace will remain open up to 28th Avenue, where residents can drive up to West End Avenue via 28th Avenue. Reaching this compromise delays the project and will come at a significant cost to Vanderbilt, but this solution is best for neighbors in the surrounding community. While Natchez Trace and 28th Avenue are prepared to accommodate the construction, all of Natchez Trace will close for approximately three weeks.
Another major infrastructure improvement will turn Jess Neely Drive into a pedestrian and bicycling corridor. Vanderbilt has worked closely with NDOT to ensure Metro maintains control over the road but allows Vanderbilt to install private infrastructure, like pervious pavers, a moonlit tree canopy, and pedestrian infrastructure that creates “sittable” opportunities like small walls, benches, etc. Jess Neely Drive will always remain open to pedestrians through an easement that gives Metro control over the Right-Of-Way. Vanderbilt will have financial responsibility to maintain all improvements installed. Legislation that greenlights this plan will go through the Metro Council via an abandonment ordinance over the next several weeks.
Feedback and questions can be directed to constr_alerts@vanderbilt.edu to communicate directly with members of the field team.
Vanderbilt will bring additional information to the community once construction schedules and mitigation plans are finalized.