Safe Streets and Roads for All

The City of Austin’s Transportation and Public Works Department is working to make our streets safer, thanks in part to funding it has received through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program established by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Austin has been awarded a combined $33.7 million in federal funds from three SS4A grant awards (2022, 2023, and 2024) and is using these funds for multiple initiatives to further Austin’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating roadway deaths and serious injuries.

What is being funded?

2022 SS4A Grant - $28.6M Total ($22.9M federal + $5.7M local)

Major intersections: Safety improvements at six high crash locations, including five protected intersections and one roundabout, to address historical crash patterns and safety risks.
Systemic safety: Broad deployment of low-cost, high-impact treatments such as street lighting, traffic signal upgrades, ADA accessible sidewalks and shared use paths, access management, and more.
Pedestrian hybrid beacons: Protected midblock crossings at 8-10 locations to provide people walking, rolling or scooting with a safe place to cross the street.
Citywide Lighting Plan: Development of a holistic strategy to systematically improve street lighting, trail lighting and pedestrian-scale lighting throughout Austin.
Video analytics: Use of video analytics to proactively identify safety risks, inform SS4A safety treatments and measure safety impacts over time.
Roundabout education: Educational campaign focused on benefits and proper use of roundabouts.

2023 SS4A Grant - $360K Total ($288K federal / $72K local)

ADA Transition Plans for Crossings and Urban Trails: Develop a plan for removal of physical barriers to accessibility for people with disabilities at crossings and urban trails owned by the City of Austin.

2024 SS4A Grant - $13M Total ($10.5M federal + $2.5M local)

Pedestrian crossings: Implementation of crossing treatments such as rectangular rapid flashing beacons, pedestrian crossing islands, curb extensions and pedestrian hybrid beacons, as well as one critically needed grade-separated crossing of IH-35 at Little Walnut Creek.
Living Streets Program: Further development of the program that seeks to follow resident-led requests for making their local street more comfortable to gather, walk and play.