Nashville, TN – In the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, which left 10 dead and over 30 injured, cities like Nashville are reevaluating their own safety measures to protect residents and visitors in popular nightlife areas. New Orleans’ reputation for a vibrant nightlife scene, often compared to Nashville’s own bustling Broadway district, raised concerns in the wake of the deadly incident.
Nashville, known for its live music scene and packed nightlife on Broadway, has been proactive in safeguarding its streets. One of the city’s notable initiatives has been the creation of the Office of Nightlife. A key component of this office is its focus on enhancing public safety, with only a handful of cities across the country taking similar steps.
Benton McDonough, director of the Metro-Nashville Mayor’s Office of Nightlife, has been working to ensure the city’s nightlife stays safe and secure. Following the attack in New Orleans, McDonough reached out to his counterparts there to discuss potential improvements.
“We’re a tight-knit group,” McDonough said, noting the collaborative nature of his outreach.
A significant part of Nashville’s strategy to protect pedestrians involves the installation of physical security measures along Broadway. Since 2015, thick, metal bollards have lined the sidewalks, stretching from 1st Avenue to 5th Avenue. These posts, which are bolted into the ground, are specifically designed to withstand a crash. According to engineering experts at Collier Engineering, each bollard can stop a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 30 mph.
“The bollards are a key component in securing the area,” McDonough explained. “They provide a physical barrier that can prevent incidents like what happened in New Orleans.”
Despite these efforts, Nashville officials are considering further enhancements. There are ongoing discussions about the possibility of installing retractable barriers along Broadway. These would stretch from curb to curb and would be deployed during high-traffic times or special events. The retractable barriers would offer a more permanent solution, with the flexibility to be retracted into the ground when not in use.
“We’re looking at a more robust and adaptable system,” McDonough said. “This would be a major step in increasing security during peak times.”
In addition to the physical barriers, Nashville’s approach to crowd management includes closing Broadway to vehicular traffic during peak times, such as weekends and major events. Metro Police ensure the area remains safe by blocking off several blocks to vehicles and positioning police cars at the entrances to the pedestrian zones. For larger events, such as the CMA Fest and Fourth of July celebrations, the city takes additional measures by positioning fire trucks, garbage trucks, and other city vehicles at key points to create an even stronger barrier.
While McDonough acknowledges that no system is foolproof, he emphasized that Nashville’s officials are doing everything in their power to prevent a similar tragedy.
“We could be vulnerable,” McDonough said, “but we want the citizens of Nashville and our visitors to know we’re doing everything in our power to prevent something like this from happening here.”
As Nashville continues to improve its security measures, the city remains committed to balancing a lively nightlife with the protection of public safety, working tirelessly to ensure that the Music City remains a safe destination for both residents and tourists alike.
