Austin officials got specific Friday about how it will use the almost $10.5 million in federal grant money the city received as part of President Biden’s $1 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The City will contribute $2.5 million in matching funds required by the grant.
The money will allow the city to install crossings at nearly 50 locations and more fully develop the its Living Streets Program, according to a Friday press release. The Living Streets Program follows resident-led requests to make specific neighborhood streets more amenable to walking, gathering, and playing. Some of the Living Streets money will go to a demonstration project on neighborhood streets that will test soft road closures using temporary traffic calming and placemaking methods.
The grant will also "fund the implementation of proven safety countermeasures at a systemic, citywide scale to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes, especially those involving pedestrians,” according to the release:
Crossing treatments will include a combination of rectangular rapid flashing beacons, pedestrian crossing islands, curb extensions and pedestrian hybrid beacons, as well as one critically needed grade-separated crossing of I-35. Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) staff are currently conducting preliminary analysis to identify priority locations.
Officially called “Safer Transportation Routes using Inclusive, Demonstrative and Equitable Solutions,” the project will address the city’s highest priority crossing gaps based on its Sidewalks, Crossings and Shared Streets Plan. That includes those in the Vision Zero High Injury Network, which focuses on improving safety in historically underserved communities.
This is Austin’s third Safe Streets and Roads for All grant award. The city received a $22.9 million award in 2022 and a $288,000 award in 2023 to pursue ADA transition plans for urban trails and pedestrian crossings.
“Austin’s Transportation and Public Works Department has a proven track record of reducing fatal and serious injury crashes through low-cost, effective safety projects,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.
“This funding will help us expand that work, making Austin streets safer for everyone who uses them, whether they’re driving, walking, cycling or rolling.”
