by Clark Shelton
It was a long, cold, wet winter. And according to next week’s forecast, cold and wet may not be done. And while usually this time of year it usually is allergy problems for those of us in Williamson County, it’s the traffic that is causing all the congestion and headaches this Spring.
As of Thursday morning, according to @FranklinTOC and TDOT, there are 13 specific lane closures in the Franklin/Cool Springs area this weekend. With nice weather, we project this number to increase Friday morning. Add to this At&T work in downtown Franklin and tree trimming by MTEMC and there just isn’t any room to drive!
While parking is always a challenge in Cool Springs and Franklin, getting there seems to be an even bigger challenge. And while it may be Driver Distraction Week and drivers are being encouraged to pay attention to road construction workers, it’s each other they seem to have forgotten most.
On Thursday alone, a minimum of 5 wrecks were reported before noon by various social outlets in the area. According to workers here at the Williamson Source, trying to get from Cool Springs to our offices at Forrest Crossing took anywhere from 30-45 minutes mid-morning on Thursday.
It’s a pain, it’s a headache, it’s just plain exasperating! Here are a few ideas to help you navigate through the congestion:
- PLAN AHEAD: There are many great sources out there that tell you where and when construction closures are going to be ahead of time. Many way in advance. Might we humbly suggest our TRAFFIC page updated daily.
- SLOW DOWN: If you plan ahead you can take your time getting where you need to be. Pass the time with a good audio book from Williamson County Library .
- GO HANDS FREE!: While it’s not the best solution to not being distracted, it’s better than texting and driving or having a phone to your ear partially blocking your vision.
- BE SMART: It’s simple, driving on the wrong side of the road, blocking an intersection, speeding on a rainy night, just isn’t smart! Everyone has to be somewhere at sometime. Their time is as important as yours.
- IT’S NOT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S FAULT: This isn’t some kind of conspiracy by area Sheriff and Police Departments to write tickets. It’s growth. The Police and Sheriff Departments are just enforcing the rules and trying to make things safer for all.
- IN MOST CASES THE END IS NEAR: Much of the construction and paving in the area is getting close to finality. If it wasn’t for such a bitter winter , most of it would be done.
- BREATHE: You can’t change it, you can only go with the “traffic flow” . Breathe, accept, and know that the end to much of this is near.
I know, many of you are going to read this and tell me I don’t understand. It’s ok, maybe I don’t. You may tell me that this is the city’s or the county’s fault. Maybe it is. But driving recklessly won’t change that, but, it may change your life or someone you love forever. Be Safe, Slow Down, Buckle Up.
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