Detroit and Dearborn both received $24.8 million implementation grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation today. The grants will go toward projects to increase safety and decrease deaths on our roads.
In Detroit, the $24.8 million is going to DDOT for "Detroit Safe Access to Transit." 56 "high crash intersections" across the city have been identified for this project, which will increase accessibility and improve safety. The grant funding will go toward widening sidewalks and improving ADA curb ramps, higher visibility crosswalks, better lighting, adding bus or transit islands, and improved timing at signals. An analysis will also take place to identify gaps in bike/pedestrian pathways in the city.
Detroit's bus stops identified for safety improvementsUS Department of Transportation
In Dearborn, Warren Avenue will get a road diet. Two miles of the busy, wide street will undergo the road diet in order to calm, or slow down, traffic. A buffer with greenery will do two things: add a safe bike lane away from traffic, mitigate flood waters, and beautify the area. New LED lighting will help with visibility and safety for pedestrians.
Additionally, across the region, planning grants were given in Canton, Western Wayne County, Pontiac, Mt. Clemens, Dearborn Heights, and Macomb and Wayne Counties for studies and/or new action plans to increase safety on our roadways.
The announcements were part of $817 million in grants across the country for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for 385 Safe Streets and Roads for All program.
"Through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, we have now announced safety funding going directly to communities representing seventy percent of the people living in this country,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We are acting to confront the crisis of safety on our nation’s roads, helping communities work to reduce traffic deaths to the only acceptable number: zero.”
