Eliminate traffic deaths
Newcastle City Council members have adopted a Regional Safety Action Plan which has a goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by the year 2050.
The Council approved a resolution at their December meeting which puts the plan in place. Long term, it is anticipated to not only save lives, but also to aid the City in a successful application for grant funding through the United States Department of Transportation SS4A (Safe Streets and Roads for All) program.
The action provides the City a way to work with the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) to apply for federal grants. Newcastle City Planner Janay Greenlea was a contributing member of ACOG’s Regional Safety Action Plan for Central Oklahoma.
Greenlea said the approval from the Council means the City can begin implementing these policies and educating the public.
The Plan outlines ways to reduce the occurrence of traffic- related fatalities and injuries. It promotes inclusivity — ensuring that roads are accessible and safe for individuals of all abilities, ages and modes of transport. It raises awareness of responsible road use, and encourages mutual respect among road users while fostering safer habits.
Greenlea said some of the strategies that local government could institute include reducing speed limits, striping of the roadways, pedestrian safety measures, and adding traffic and public safety signage.
AWARENESS: SH-9, I-35 area discussed
As ACOG discussions took place, those attending noted specifically the State Highway 9 and U.S. Interstate 35 area of Newcastle. Suggestions for the corridor area included reducing the amount of commercial entrances off of SH-9.
If the City applies for a grant, they’ll be doing so through the federal program known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has provided $5 billion in appropriated funds between 2022-2026. There still remains approximately $2 billion available for grants, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Vision Zero is a strategy to increase safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.
A Vision Zero Plan, according to the Collaborative Sciences Center for Road Safety at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, involves public participation or community engagement; analysis of current conditions and analyzing conditions and noting opportunities for change; developing evidence-based metrics and planning action; and measuring outcomes.
Vision Zero goals include reduction in traffic fatalities and injuries, enhanced quality of life, equity, economic benefits, and sustainable and smart urban planning. The Regional Safety Action Plan was compiled for ACOG by engineering, planning and design consultants Kimley Horn.
