TAC endorses VTrans 2025 safety targets and advances Regional Safety Action Plan aiming for Vision Zero

The Transportation Advisory Committee voted unanimously Feb. 4 to accept VTrans’ recommended 2025 statewide safety targets and to recommend that the CCRPC Board adopt the same targets. Sai Sarepalli, a senior transportation planner with the CCRPC, presented a five-year crash-data review and the agency’s recommendation that the MPO follow state targets for five safety measures, including fatalities and serious injuries.

The motion to accept the targets was made by Committee member Chris Yuen and seconded by Joe Segale; the committee recorded unanimous approval. Committee staff said Vermont and the CCRPC are not currently meeting those targets and that continued shortfalls could invite additional oversight from the Federal Highway Administration if states do not direct safety funds to safety projects.

CCRPC staff also summarized a Regional Safety Action Plan being developed with consultant VHB and a working group. Eleni Churchill, Transportation Program Director, noted the plan’s vision statement is for “vision zero (meaning zero fatalities) by 2045.” The plan will analyze crashes by mode, complete an equity analysis, prioritize systemic and local safety projects, and prepare an implementation plan that will be opened for public feedback before producing a draft and final plan.

Christine Forde, a senior transportation planner, said six projects in Chittenden County qualify as High Crash Locations and are funded through the state’s Highway Safety Improvement Program. Matthew Arancio of VTrans offered to provide additional information about federal consequences and funding questions if requested by the committee.

Next steps include review of the draft vision and goals by the working group, completion of the equity analysis, development of a prioritized project list, public engagement, and finalizing the Regional Safety Action Plan.