From staff reports
Walking around Shelbyville may be easier in the future. Bike riders will also get a break as well.
The Shelbyville City Council voted unanimously on a resolution to adopt the Greenways, Bikeways and Trails Master Plan at the February regular meeting.
The City has been working with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to improve sidewalks in the downtown area.
Also in the works are a Greenway and pedestrian connections along the Duck River between the historic square and Fisherman’s Park.
According to a Powerpoint presentation made at the council study session, one of the strongest greenway opportunities in Shelbyville is the abandoned rail line that runs through the heart of downtown and connects to east and west corridors extending from the central business district.
The positives are:
- It will promote interconnectivity throughout the city.
- Potential for increased economic vitality for sites located adjacent to and nearby the greenway.
- The Railway is still owned by the Rail Authority, but the city has the opportunity to acquire land.
- A survey is underway to confirm ownership and property boundaries of the old railroad bed.
Also planned are ways to enhance State Route 231 that connects the municipal airport and growth to the north towards Murfreesboro with room for cycling and pedestrian access.
The existing trail at H. V. Griffin Park is heavily utilized and the city has considered expanding it.
All these current ideas will work with the implementation of the City of Shelbyville Greenway, Bikeways’ And Trails Master Plan to lay the groundwork for further augmentation of the Shelbyville multi-modal transportation network according to the presentation. The project seeks to integrate Shelbyville’s natural landscapes, cultural landmarks, places of commerce and residential areas, creating a network of interconnected greenway, bikeways’ and trails that promote sustainability, health, and community engagement.
The vision for the projects are to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors to the City of Shelbyville by strengthening pedestrian and bikeway connections and by further developing a network of healthy transportation options.
This Master Plan seeks to promote healthy recreational and multi-modal connections to Shelbyville’s transportation network and encompasses the following:
- Health Improvements: Opportunity for walking, socializing and recreation on the city’s greenway, bike and pedestrian network.
- Transportation Improvements: Recommendations for improvements to the pedestrian and bicycle transportation network infrastructure.
- Land Use Planning & Policy Recommendations: Long-term and macro-scale considerations which can contribute to economic growth.
- Open Space & Recreational Connections: Capitalizing on Shelbyville’s existing parks and recreation facilities by linking them with bike and pedestrian-friendly connections.
- Economic Impact: Promoting tourism and local use of the city’s commercial retailers, restaurants, and other facilities.
