Small, localized interventions such as changes to signal timing and crosswalk improvements are saving lives and improving traffic safety.
The city of Austin has completed its first round of bond-funded street safety projects as part of its Vision Zero initiative, reports Kelsey Thompson for KXAN.
The projects followed a $15 million Vision Zero allocation as part of a mobility bond passed in 2016. “Through the program, Meyer said Vision Zero has taken a more holistic approach toward transportation improvements, focusing on investments that not only benefit drivers but pedestrians, cyclists and other forms of commuters.”
The funds were focused on safety improvements such as crosswalks, shared-use paths, signal timing, and street lighting. City officials say low-cost, quick-build improvements have shown impressive effectiveness at reducing crashes, deaths, and serious injuries.
“Some of those with the most bang for their buck include traffic signal timing changes, leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) and protected left-turn lanes,” Thompson adds. “Over the next three years, Vision Zero will be tackling a dozen more intersection safety projects courtesy of the city’s 2018 and 2020 mobility bonds.”
FULL STORY: Austin’s Vision Zero wraps 2016 mobility bond safety projects
Connecticut Launches Complete Streets Standards
The new policy calls for sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks on state roads and state-funded road projects.
San Francisco Implements ‘Daylighting’ at Intersections
Vehicles are prohibited from parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk as part of the city’s Vision Zero efforts to eliminate traffic deaths and make roads safer.
Study: Crosswalk Lighting Radically Improves Pedestrian Safety
In what should come as a surprise to no one, drivers are much more likely to yield to pedestrians when they can actually see them.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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