Fayette County updates Safe Streets plan and allocates $150,000 for pedestrian safety from SPLOST

Public Works Director Phil Mallon and consultant Matt Flynn briefed the board Aug. 22 on the ongoing Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) planning study and related pedestrian-safety funding.

Mallon said the study aims to identify safety issues in unincorporated Fayette County and cities, develop projects and policies and make the county eligible for future federal grants. Consultant Matt Flynn outlined a Safe Systems approach that combines community input, data analysis and best practices. Flynn encouraged public participation in an Aug. 27 public meeting and said milestone documents include a draft Needs Assessment (late Aug/early Sept.), a draft Action Plan (end of December) and a final Action Plan (anticipated February).

Separately, Mr. Mallon requested creation of a 2017 SPLOST project for pedestrian safety with a $150,000 budget to repair and add ADA ramps, crosswalks, sidewalk grinding and replacement, curb and gutter repairs and catch-basin-top replacement on county-owned sidewalks and paths. The board approved creation of the SPLOST project 5-0.

Why it matters: The SS4A study will identify priority locations and projects to reduce crashes and prepare the county to apply for federal safety grants; the SPLOST allocation provides immediate funds for small-scale pedestrian improvements on county infrastructure.

What's next: Public engagement events and stakeholder meetings are scheduled through January; the county will use the Needs Assessment to prioritize specific projects and coordinate with state agencies for work on state-owned roads where applicable.