RiverCOG outlines Safe Streets study, names 24 focus corridors and next steps

RiverCOG on Thursday presented the scope and near-term plans for a federally funded Safe Streets and Roads for All planning study that aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on regional roadways. The project team said a data-driven high-injury network analysis plus public feedback produced a list of 24 focus corridors; staff plan field investigations at 10 locations and development of planning-level concept drawings for three sites to support grant applications.

Sam Gold, executive director of RiverCOG, said the work is supported by a federal planning grant through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. "This was made possible by a federal grant that we received a couple years ago, through a national program called Safe Streets and Roads for All, to address the safety issues in our region," he said. The consultant team includes project managers identified as Bob Herrimet (RiverCOG) and Michael Aheelan (FHI Studios), with Hannah Brockhouse serving as deputy project manager and Colleen Byrne leading safety analysis.

Presenters described the project's goals and methods: compiling crash history, conducting an equity and demographic analysis, reviewing policy, and integrating public-mapping input to prioritize corridors that account for disproportionate shares of serious crashes. The team framed the study around a Vision 0 goal to eliminate roadway deaths and serious injuries by 2045 and a federally adopted safe-systems approach that combines infrastructure, speed management, enforcement, and education.

The presentation highlighted examples of "quick-build" demonstration projects — low-cost, rapid-install interventions such as painted crosswalks, curb extensions and temporary bike lanes — that the team said can test safety improvements before larger capital investments. The state Department of Transportation programs and Safe Routes to Schools microgrants were cited as complementary funding and programmatic opportunities.

Residents used the meeting and mapping tools to flag local trouble spots. Laurie McElwee, South Central Regional Mobility Manager, urged education and reminder signage, saying: "I see a lot on the roads of how people are driving and the lack of courtesy, and it's really disappointing." Multiple attendees from Killingworth identified specific corridors — Route 81, Roast Meat Hill Road, Route 148 and Route 80 — and described blind intersections, narrow shoulders and vegetation that limits sight lines. One commenter urged more local coordination where state roads are involved and noted that some problems fall outside municipal authority.

Project staff said they will present findings to mayors and town managers, perform field inspections in the coming weeks, and document three concept designs to strengthen future grant applications. The team expects additional public meetings in the fall, with at least two in-person sessions and a virtual option, and said the presentation, recording and mapping tool will remain available for further input.

The meeting did not include any formal board votes or policy adoptions. RiverCOG staff emphasized that site selection will balance crash history, equity concerns and community support and encouraged residents to continue using the mapping tool and to contact project staff with detailed local concerns.