Safety is one of the most important goals in the operation of the transportation system. Over the past three decades, transportation fatality rates have declined in relationship to system usage, due in large part to safer cars, tougher police enforcement, and increasing use of seat belts, air bags, and child safety seats. However, in many crash categories, the actual number of crashes has increased because there are more people using the transportation system. Integrating safety into metropolitan transportation planning requires MPO coordination with transit, state highway and motor carrier safety agencies, and their safety processes.

What are the planning requirements for incorporating safety into transportation planning?

(Safe, Affordable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users) includes safety as one of the planning factors to be considered in the transportation planning process.

MACC Safety Program

• Actions centered around programming of federal Safety Program funds ($240K/year)
• Over $2 million awarded for local roadway projects since 1998
• Call for projects and submittal occurs annually in conjunction with MDOT call
• MDOT makes final selection of projects
• Small Projects - $500K or less total cost
• Federal Funds capped at $240K, 80% federal / 20% local split
• Construction only eligible activity (no right of way or design costs)
• Overmatch by local agency strengthens application
• Historically, each MPO received at least one award on a project by project basis

Eligible Activities

• Guardrail – replacement/installation/elimination
• Signals – installation/upgrades
• Bridge railing – replacement/retrofit
• Horizontal and vertical curve corrections
• Sight distance and drainage improvements
• Intersection improvements to improve safety and/or capacity

Ranking Projects

• Known crash history or potential
• Ability to obligate project by April 1
• Historical funding distribution