Metroplan, the metropolitan planning organization for Central Arkansas, has been awarded a $913,690 federal grant from the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program. This funding, a direct result of collaborative efforts with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Systems (MEMS), the Arkansas Department of Transportation, Faulkner County Government, and Pulaski County Government, will be key to the implementation of safety improvements across the region.
The Safe Streets and Roads for All Program is a federal initiative is aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Metroplan’s grant will support several key projects designed to address specific safety concerns identified in the regional Safety Action Plan. These projects include:
High-Speed Signalized Intersection Enhancements: Upgrades to traffic signals at high-speed intersections to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. According to Casey Covington, Executive Director of Metroplan, this is a system that will help warn trucks of upcoming signals on faster rural highways. They will work in conjunction with the lights to warn long-stop vehicles and others of impending changes giving them more time to stop or slow.
Faulkner County Judge and Metroplan Vice President, Allen Dodson says, “We are thrilled to receive this award. Our data shows that rural high-speed signalized intersections are a challenge throughout the region and we are excited to implement technology that is vital to saving lives and keeping Central Arkansas residents safe. We appreciate the partnership between MEMS, ARDOT, and Pulaski County and plan to continue developing and implementing projects that make our streets and roads safe for all Central Arkansas.”
EMS Vehicle Safety Alert Technology: Implementation of advanced safety technologies in emergency medical vehicles to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of collisions. According to Covington, this will update the MEMS fleet to provide electronic warnings to vehicle drivers in the vicinity of emergency vehicles that have newer digital connectivity.
“MEMS is committed to providing high-quality emergency medical services to our community,” said Greg Thompson, executive director of MEMS. “These funds secured by Metroplan will improve safety for our crews and community while we are en route to or on the scene of emergencies by providing automated messages to nearby motorists alerting them to our presence.”
High-Visibility Crossing Pilot: A pilot program to improve the visibility of pedestrian crossings on regional trails, utilizing proven safety countermeasures. According to Tab Townsell, director of Pulaski County Public Works, the program will be implemented on crossings for the Southwest Trail at Heinke Road, Chicot Road, and Geyer Springs Road on a 4.15-mile section of the trail expected to open in early 2025. The county is working on the final design details of the lighting and other safety features to be used at the crossings.
By investing in these initiatives, Metroplan and its partners are taking significant steps to make Central Arkansas’s transportation system safer for all users.
Did you know?
When traffic signals aren’t working or aren’t present, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians (Ark Code 27-51-1202) and cyclists (Ark Code 27-51-1804) crossing the street. This applies to both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. To ensure pedestrian safety, drivers should slow down or stop, as necessary, to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely.
To ensure safety for all:
- Drivers: Always look both ways on the path or sidewalk before proceeding, especially when making a right turn.
- Pedestrians and Cyclists: Use designated crosswalks and be aware of approaching vehicles.
- Please note that stop signs and stop bars are positioned before crosswalks to emphasize the importance of yielding to pedestrians and cyclists.
