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Greeley unveils Vision Zero action plan, sets 2045 target and $10M quick-build grant to begin work
Summary
City staff presented a Vision Zero Safe Streets action plan Jan. 7 that targets elimination of fatal and severe traffic injuries by 2045, identified a high‑priority network where 43% of fatal/severe crashes occur, and said the city has a nearly $10 million federal grant for quick‑build safety projects.
City staff presented the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Vision Zero action plan on Jan. 7 and recommended the council adopt a Vision Zero pledge at its next meeting to target elimination of fatal and severe traffic injuries by 2045.
Paul Trumbino and Steven (Steve) Yunkin briefed council on nine years of crash analysis and a proposed safe‑systems approach that focuses on five complementary elements: vehicle design, speeds, roadway engineering, user behavior and post‑crash response. Staff reported 76 fatal crashes and 269 severe‑injury crashes in the last nine years; they also estimated an aggregate monetized community loss of roughly $2 billion across those incidents.
Staff identified a priority network that represents 9% of the city’s street miles and accounts for 43% of fatal and severe crashes; the corridors include state highway facilities under Colorado Department of Transportation jurisdiction as well as high‑speed arterial corridors such as portions of 11th Avenue, 16th Street, 23rd Avenue, 35th Avenue and 47th Avenue. The analysis showed fatal and severe crashes concentrate in Ward 1 and Ward 2 and in areas the city has identified as equity areas.
The plan’s toolbox includes engineering countermeasures (roundabouts, protected bike lanes, lane reconfigurations), speed‑management steps, behavioral programs and enhanced intersection‑control evaluation. Staff cited roundabouts as an example countermeasure with up to an 80% crash‑reduction factor compared with signalized intersections, and explained that small increases in posted speed substantially raise pedestrian fatality risk. The plan recommends consideration of a citywide statutory speed change on selected streets from 30 mph to 25 mph and stronger intersection‑control evaluation for new intersections.
Staff also said the city received a federal SS4A grant — described in the presentation as “nearly $10,000,000” — to build quick‑build demonstration projects. During Q&A, staff clarified the awarded grant amount was approximately $7.9 million and that with local match the program is roughly $10 million; staff said they expect to start construction on some quick‑build improvements this year, focusing on protected bike lanes, enhanced crossings and dozens of spot locations using flashing beacons and other low‑cost devices.
Councilors asked about jurisdictional authority for setting speed limits on state facilities; staff said CDOT retains jurisdiction over state highways but staff will coordinate with CDOT on speed and safety measures. Council members also asked about the schedule for design and construction; staff said they are beginning procurement for design and expect to begin construction on several quick‑build projects this year, even as the broader Vision Zero implementation timeline may span decades.
Ending
Staff will present a Vision Zero pledge for council approval at the next meeting. If adopted, the pledge will formalize the city’s target to eliminate fatal and severe traffic injuries by 2045 and enable use of the federal grant funds for near‑term quick‑build projects and longer‑term system improvements.
