Transportation
BY HALEY MCLEOD
New initiative aims to eliminate traffic deaths March 11, Travis County commissioners approved a goal of achieving a 50% reduction in roadway fatalities by 2035 and 100% by 2050. Explained The Safe Streets for All initiative—which has been adopted by cities and transportation agencies across the nation—aims to eliminate traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities. Also referred to as Vision Zero, the county is currently developing its safety action plan. The current study area includes all of Travis County with a focus on unincorporated areas, as well as partnering jurisdictions within the county. Developing this plan will open doors for future funding from the U.S. Department of Transporta- tion, Commissioner Ann Howard said. The federal grant program is providing $5 billion over a five- year period toward local road safety efforts. The
TravCo crashes
290
Distracted driving
Under the influence
Speeding
3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000
1826
290
1826
N
New bridge opens at RM 1826, Hwy. 290 The first phase of a new bridge opened at the juncture of RM 1826 and Hwy. 290 in March. Currently, a single lane in each direc- tion is open, while construction continues on the opposite side of the bridge. About the project Hwy. 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs is under construction, transforming to a six-lane divided highway with new frontage roads and shared-use paths.
500
0
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
SOURCES: TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
program is expected to continue until 2026. The final draft of the Travis County safety action plan is expected to be submitted to commissioners by May for final approval. Some of the top concerns revolved around speeding, distracted and aggressive driving, the initiative’s project manager Dan Malson said.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
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