Transportation Commission update: Safe Streets funding and U‑M tech work noted

Commissioner Larry Keeler reported to the Ann Arbor Commission on Disability Issues on Jan. 15 that the Transportation Commission’s recent meeting focused on calendar and end-of-year business, Safe Streets construction funding, and a technology briefing from the University of Michigan.

Keeler said the commission approved its agenda and calendar for the coming year and heard updates on Safe Streets work. He told commissioners the Transportation Commission was told there will be roughly several hundred thousand dollars allocated to Safe Streets construction for the next four years — Keeler used two nearby figures in the meeting (“about $350,000 or $380,000 for the next four years”) and his remarks left the precise total unclear. Keeler described the funds as intended for speed tables, curb-cuts and similar street-safety improvements.

Keeler also summarized a University of Michigan technology report that he said described work on intercommunication and coordination among transportation networks and vehicle/vehicle or vehicle/system communications, which he characterized as efforts to make vehicle systems “smarter” to improve safety and transfers between modes. Keeler said the Transportation Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for the evening of Jan. 15 at 7 p.m., will be held on Zoom and carried on CTN.

Why it matters: Safe Streets funding and U‑M research can affect pedestrian and curb-accessibility projects and inform planners about technology options for safer, more integrated local transport.

Keeler said he planned to attend the Transportation Commission meeting that night and encouraged commissioners to tune in via CTN.