Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - Safe Streets Initiative Explained

Updated about 15 hours ago

The Road Commission is Enhancing Road Safety in Kalamazoo County with the Safe Streets 4 All Initiative and a presentation from Jim Hoekstra.

Chapters

Introduction to Safe Streets Initiative (00:00:03)
Jim, the assistant county engineer, introduces the Safe Streets Initiative, also known as SS4A.

Jim, the assistant county engineer at the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County, introduces the Safe Streets Initiative, also known as SS4A. He explains the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the project aimed at enhancing road safety in the county.
Overview of SS4A Program (00:01:16)
SS4A is a discretionary grant program by USDOT funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

SS4A stands for Safe Streets and Roads for All, a discretionary grant program by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). It is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and focuses on supporting Vision Zero goals by using a safe systems approach. The grant covers studies, planning, demonstration, and implementation projects related to road safety.
Transportation Safety Action Plan (00:02:48)
The plan aims for zero fatalities and serious injuries with data-driven and collaborative efforts.

The San Transportation Safety Action Plan was developed by the Road Commission as a safety plan for all roadway users. It is data-driven, collaborative, and aims to achieve zero fatalities and serious injuries on roads. The plan includes findings on crash statistics and proposes safety mitigation techniques to address issues.
Public Feedback and Grant Application (00:05:01)
Public feedback was gathered to support the grant application, which was awarded to the Road Commission.

The Road Commission sought public feedback using a mapping tool where residents could indicate road concerns. Themes included congestion, speeding, and visibility issues. The feedback supported the grant application for SS4A, which received support from local representatives and organizations. The Road Commission was awarded the largest grant in Michigan.
Project Details and Safety Measures (00:06:37)
The project focuses on preventing lane departure crashes using low-cost, high-impact countermeasures.

The project submitted for SS4A funding focuses on preventing lane departure crashes, which are common and severe. It includes low-cost, high-impact countermeasures such as center line and shoulder rumble strips, shoulder widening, and improved signage. The aim is to reduce fatalities and serious crashes by implementing these measures.
Project Implementation and Timeline (00:14:21)
The project includes road reconstructions, resurface jobs, and safety enhancements over five years.

The SS4A project involves road reconstructions, resurfacings, and safety enhancements like rumble strips and clear zone improvements. Roads are categorized by treatment type, and the project is shovel-ready with no need for additional easements. The timeline outlines activities over five years, with progress updated on a dedicated website.
Frequently Asked Questions and Public Interaction (00:20:44)
FAQs address safety improvements, road access, cyclist safety, and environmental impacts.

The meeting addresses frequently asked questions regarding the SS4A project, covering topics like specific safety improvements on roads, road access during construction, how rumble strips will affect cyclists, and environmental impacts such as tree removals. The Road Commission encourages public interaction through their website and service request system.
Conclusion and Contact Information (00:27:13)
Jim concludes the presentation, offering contact options for further inquiries.

Jim concludes the presentation by thanking attendees and providing contact information for further questions. He emphasizes the use of the Road Commission's website and service request system for inquiries. Additional communication channels include phone, social media, and an option to sign up for RCKC Connect for project updates.