City to apply for Safe Streets for All grant for improvements at 22 intersections

The City Engineer told the Board of Public Works on May 15 that staff will apply for the federal Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant to fund safety improvements at 22 existing intersections identified using the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s county safety action plan.

City engineer Mr. Waugh said staff reviewed more than 60 intersections internally and selected 22 as suitable candidates for this round of funding. The improvements under consideration include adding crosswalks and walkways, additional left-turn lanes, and changes to traffic signal sequencing to give pedestrians lead time at some intersections.

Mr. Waugh said the crash-data window used to select intersections covers 2018 to 2022. He said the SS4A grant is typically structured as 90/10 matching; projects are reimbursable and the city would need to manage cash flow. “Generally it’s a ninety/ten,” he said. He also said some applications present as large award amounts and that while the maximum could be up to $25 million, he expects the city’s proposal would likely be nearer $5 million.

Board members asked about whether signal timing changes could unintentionally encourage more red-light running and whether contractors or developers could access the inspection data discussed earlier; staff said they were balancing those concerns.

The board approved the item by voice vote. Staff said the scope and detailed cost estimates for each intersection are still being vetted; the grant application will lock in a scope that the city would be expected to complete if awarded.