Upgraded signals, smarter connectivity, and safer crossings for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians

Project at a Glance

• Location: Ellington Parkway & Douglas Ave
• Client: Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT)
• Scope: Two signalized intersections with fiber interconnect
• Purpose: Improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety

About the Project

Douglas Avenue carries some of the heaviest daily traffic in the area, serving neighborhoods, retail, and the nearby mall corridor. Without modern signalization,
congestion and pedestrian risk were increasing.

NDOT partnered with Stansell Electric to construct two fully signalized intersections and install fiber interconnects to improve traffic efficiency, safety, and long-term
maintainability.

The goal was simple:
Move vehicles more smoothly.
Protect pedestrians and cyclists.
Create safer access in and out of Ellington Parkway.

Key Features:

Several notable components include:

• Fiber interconnect enabling remote signal timing and maintenance
• Full signalized intersection construction
• Modern mast arm installations
• Enhanced pedestrian and bike safety improvements
• First deployment of Stansell’s new rock bore machine for faster, more efficient underground work

Challenges

Utility congestion

The corridor was packed with existing utilities. Installing new conduit and foundations meant navigating tight spaces and high strike risk.

Heavy Traffic

Douglas remained active throughout construction, creating constant vehicle flow around the work zone and requiring precise coordination.

Solutions

Utility strategy

Our crews worked closely with locators to verify markings and slowed down operations when needed, using hydro excavation to safely expose areas before digging.

That extra caution paid off. Two mismarked lines were discovered before installation, preventing potential strikes and delays.

Traffic Control

Injury Free leaders and field crews collaborated to develop a detailed traffic control plan that protected workers while minimizing disruption to the public.

We coordinated closely with traffic control and held on site meetings to ensure the plan was executed exactly as designed.

Virtual Construction & Fabrication (VCF) Support:

Behind the scenes, our VCF team helped set this project up for success long before installation began.

Their scope included anchor bolt assemblies, rebar cages, conduit racks, and full signal assemblies. The team built uprights, mast arms, and pedestrian poles, and assisted
with layout to support field accuracy from day one.

Using 3D scanning, CAD, and Revit, VCF created detailed models that allowed coordination to happen early instead of in the field. During modeling, several signal
placements had to be adjusted to avoid overhead utilities. One mast arm was lowered and rotated back, along with signal modifications. By coordinating closely with the
Signal Crew, Project Manager, and NDOT during this phase, those changes were resolved before crews were on the ground.

The team also scanned the pole trailer and partnered with the Stansell Electric Learning Team to use this project as a hands-on training opportunity. This helped refine trailer loading procedures and improve the information included on build sheets, strengthening our process for future projects.

That level of upfront coordination reduced field burden, minimized rework, and supported a safer, more efficient installation.

Community Impact:

These intersections directly serve families, commuters, and shoppers every day.

The upgrades mean:

• Smoother traffic entering and exiting Ellington Parkway
• Safer crossings for pedestrians
• Improved access for cyclists
• Reduced congestion during peak hours
• Faster response and maintenance through remote signal management

It is the kind of infrastructure that quietly improves daily life for thousands of people.

Outcome:

The project was completed safely, efficiently, and without incident.

Consistent Injury Free execution speaks to the team’s focus on planning, communication, and doing the work the right way. With fiber connectivity and modern
signal systems now in place, NDOT has increased control and flexibility to manage traffic as the corridor continues to grow.

Another example of Stansell delivering infrastructure that supports safer, more reliable communities..