Charlotte Puts $50M Toward Making Streets Safer After 159 Deaths
The city has set aside $50 million in bond money to build sidewalks and improve safety throughout Charlotte. This comes after a devastating decade where 159 people died while walking on Mecklenburg County streets.
“Because even one traffic fatality is too many,” said Liz Babson, Director of Charlotte Department of Transportation, to Vision Zero Action Plan.
Crews will add 10 to 12 miles of sidewalks and put in 15 new crosswalks each year. Several recent crashes near schools pushed officials to fix the most dangerous areas first. The research identified a High Injury Network covering just 10% of roads. These busy streets are where two-thirds of all accidents happen, mainly on major roads.
City crews will add new safety features around schools. These include bright paint and flashing lights to warn drivers. Joseph Grier Academy is first in line for these important updates.
Vision Zero brings together 50 experts from 25 organizations. They focus on busy areas where people walking face the biggest dangers. As Charlotte keeps growing, more people are walking around. This increase in foot traffic, especially near construction, needs quick attention.
The plan includes paths designed for everyone, from children to older adults, including people who use wheelchairs or walkers.
The key changes include better street lights, safer crosswalks, and road repairs. Through these improvements, Charlotte hopes to stop deaths and serious injuries completely.
