Joe Baker, Berry Hill city manager, said the Active Transportation Program federal grant for the study (valued at $155,000) was secured through the Metropolitan Planning Organization. TDOT will be involved with the project given the specific segment of Franklin Road running through Berry Hill is a state highway (Highway 31).

The goal is to offer multi-modal improvements to the segment of the road —  spanning Wedgewood Avenue on the north to Berry Road on the south — including sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, among others, Baker said. The street lacks sidewalks and curbs within many stretches south of Bradford Avenue. As such, and with the recent addition of apartment building 23Hundred at Berry Hill, beer-centric retailer Craft Brewed, M.L. Rose Craft Beer and Burgers and mixed-use The Melrose (anchored by Sinema), it is not accommodating to walkers or cyclists who want to access its offerings in some manner other than by vehicle. (See a portion of the road here [2] courtesy of Google Maps.)

“We’re trying to complete the study within the next 12 months,” Baker said. “We also want to look at where bike and possible future [mass] transit options can be made. Future options to be looked at include acquiring additional right-of-way.”

In addition to TDOT, Baker said Berry Hill will work with the Metro Public Works Department, the Metro Planning Department and area residents, property owners and business owners.

“We recognize this stretch of Franklin Road needs upgrades,” Baker said. “Finalizing the contract with TDOT is the next step in the process.”
City of Berry Hill officials are hoping to finalize next week with the Tennessee Department of Transportation a document that will allow the implementation of a grant to fund a multi-modal transportation plan related to Franklin Road.