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Council adopts Transportation Safety Action Plan and Vision Zero commitment
Summary
After a consultant presentation and public input, council accepted a Transportation Safety Action Plan that identifies priority corridors and recommends a Vision Zero commitment aiming for a 50% reduction in fatalities and serious injuries by 2035 and an eventual goal of zero.
The City Council accepted Ellensburg’s 2024 Transportation Safety Action Plan (TSAP) and adopted a Vision Zero commitment that sets a target of a 50% reduction in roadway fatalities and serious injuries by 2035 and an eventual goal of zero.
Consultants from Somas Engineers, introduced by assistant city engineer Josh Mattson, described the TSAP methodology: five years of crash history (2019–2023) from Washington State Department of Transportation, a risk assessment to identify contexts where serious crashes are more likely, community engagement (a task force, trusted‑advocate focus groups and an online survey with 476 responses), and a prioritized list of projects and programs prepared to align with federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant requirements.
Key findings from the crash analysis included 1,175 reported crashes in the studied five‑year period and 11 KSI (killed or seriously injured) crashes — 10 serious injuries and one fatality — on city roads (the analysis excluded crashes on Interstate‑90). Using crash history and risk factors, the consultant identified five priority corridors for safety work: University Way, Fifth Avenue, Water Street, Main Street and South Canyon Road.
The TSAP recommends a mix of engineering, education and enforcement measures and establishes an annual reporting process. Carissa Wittgen of Somas Engineers explained that an adopted TSAP and Vision Zero statement are prerequisites for SS4A implementation grants; Ellensburg staff intend to apply for SS4A funds for University Way safety improvements.
Council discussion addressed the five‑year data window; several members asked whether a longer historical review would alter priorities. Staff explained that SS4A and recent guidance use the most recent five years of crash data for grant eligibility but that additional local data and context can augment grant narratives. Council members also asked about specific projects that overlap with the ongoing Water Street reconstruction; staff confirmed that ADA curb ramp upgrades and improved vehicle detection are part of the current Water Street work and will be coordinated with TSAP priorities.
Council voted to accept the TSAP and the Vision Zero commitment and asked staff to include an annual public summary of crash history and how safety principles are incorporated into TIP projects.
