CRTPA updates Safe Streets for All plan with $9.6M grant for pedestrian safety projects

During the City Commission Meeting on January 15, 2025, officials received an update on the Safe Streets for All plan, a significant initiative aimed at improving transportation safety across the Capital Region, which includes Leon County and its neighboring areas. The plan, developed in response to the bipartisan infrastructure law of 2021, allocates $5 billion over five years specifically for local governments to enhance safety measures in their jurisdictions.

Greg Slahee, executive director of the Capital Regional Transportation Planning Agency (CRTPA), presented the update, highlighting the plan's ambitious goal of achieving zero fatalities on roadways by 2040. The CRTPA has been instrumental in coordinating the implementation of this plan, which began development in September 2022 and concluded in June 2023.

Key components of the plan include a comprehensive safety analysis of historical crash data from 2017 to 2021, identifying high injury networks where crash rates exceed average levels. This analysis revealed that many high-risk areas are located near known homeless encampments, prompting collaboration with local outreach teams to address safety concerns.

Slahee detailed several ongoing projects funded through the Safe Streets initiative, including improvements on Pensacola and St. Augustine Streets, which feature raised crosswalks and speed tables. Upcoming projects include lighting enhancements on Tennessee Street, where pedestrian fatalities have been a concern, and the construction of a new sidewalk on Monroe Street, which will close a significant gap in pedestrian infrastructure.

A notable achievement highlighted during the meeting was the awarding of a $9.6 million grant for the Jake Gaither pedestrian safety project, which aims to further enhance safety measures in the area. Additionally, the city has secured $5 million in federal funds for various sidewalk projects over the next three years.

Despite some setbacks in securing additional funding for other projects, Slahee reported that the city is actively pursuing further analysis and planning to improve pedestrian safety, particularly in high-risk corridors. The meeting concluded with a call for public comments, but none were received, leading to the acceptance of the report as presented.

This update underscores the city's commitment to enhancing transportation safety and addressing the challenges posed by high crash rates, particularly for vulnerable road users. As these projects move forward, they are expected to significantly impact community safety and mobility in the region.