South Central Austin Edition | April 2025

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

Project Connect needs contractor

TravCo crashes

Distracted driving

Under the influence

Speeding

3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000

Austin Transit Partnership issued a multibillion-dollar request for design and construction firms Feb. 5. ATP anticipates receiving inquiries from engineering firms worldwide. The contract is estimated to be $3 to $4 billion dollars. The agency’s procurement team will assess procedures, timing and draft con- tracts during the formal vetting progress to begin in June.

500

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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.

“...We are trying to be as collaborative with the industry as possible.” BRAD CUMMINGS, ATP’S SENIOR VP OF PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

Get Ready .

Stay Ready .

Central Texas weather is unpredictable. Thunderstorms, flooding and extreme heat can all lead to power outages. Austin Energy works year-round to improve reliability and prepare for emergencies. You can get ready too. • Plan and prepare before an outage happens. Know what to do in case of an outage.

• Know how to stay safe and informed during an outage. • Learn about outages and how Austin Energy handles them. AustinEnergy.com/StayReady

6/30/2025.

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