Safe Streets for All

Focusing on road safety in Utah, Wasatch, and Summit Counties

In summer 2023, MAG began studying serious and fatal crashes in Summit, Utah, and Wasatch Counties to identify why these crashes were happening and what could be done to reduce them.

Through the course of this project, the Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) developed a high-injury network and hot-spot maps identifying where these crashes occurred most frequently. We also looked to see where education and enforcement could be used to improve driver behavior. In addition to the data analysis, we went to the community to share what we learned and receive input on what people encounter while traveling and what strategies they would recommend to improve safety. Their insight was combined with the data and illuminated the need for strategies focused on speed management, traffic calming, adding or improving pedestrian and bike facilities, changing traffic signal timing, improving lighting, and adding center medians. View the “MAG Proposed Projects map” below to see the results.  

The local Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that guides transportation planning in Utah County adopted the MPO Safety Action Plan by its board on August 1, 2024. The Rural Planning Organization (RPO) that guides transportation development in Summitt and Wasatch counties adopted the RPO Safety Action Plan on November 5, 2024. 

Over the next two years, MAG will work with the cities and counties it serves to develop safety improvement projects and prepare grant applications to get them funded and built. For questions about programming please contact either Calvin Clark (Utah County) or Bob Allen (Summit and Wasatch Counties).

View the completed MPO Safety Action Plan and the RPO Safety Action Plan.

Safer Streets Dashboard

The Vision Zero Data Dashboard is an interactive tool that displays some of the key trends for crashes their locations within Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties. Using data to transparently track and communicate the region’s efforts and the outcomes of these efforts is central to achieving the Safety Action Plan goal. 

Click above to view Vision Zero Data Dashboard

For a high-level overview by the team check out this recorded presentation below.

For specifics on each county, including data analysis, open house recordings and presentations, click the links below.

MAG Proposed Project Map

By selecting the blue down arrow above next to “Local Projects” you can then select either “Recommended Point Projects” and “Recommended Linear Projects” and view them on the map. You can zoom in on the map either with your mouse or by selecting the (+/-) icons to view any area with greater detail. All elements on the map are selectable and will provide you with additional information.

OVERVIEW

Throughout the United States and Utah, traffic fatalities have been trending up over the last decade, including pedestrian and bicycle crash fatalities.

To improve safety for all roadways users (drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, people who use scooters, mobility devices, etc.), the Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG), which develops transportation policies and guidance for Summit, Utah, and Wasatch counties, is developed a Safety Action Plan that will have a lasting change on safety culture in these communities.

A Safety Action Plan is the foundation of the US Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program and is comprised of multiple components, including an official public commitment, a data-driven safety analysis, public engagement and collaboration, equity considerations, policy/process changes, and strategy and project selection. A Safety Action Plan is required to apply for funding through an SS4A Implementation Grant for a specific project.

Ultimately, the plan will result in a series of transportation improvement transportation projects that MAG, and/or cities within its jurisdiction, can submit to the United States Department of Transportation to gain funding for implementation.

 FAQs

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS

View the interactive dashboard of public responses to the survey from November – December 2023. This data helped the project team understand the public’s lived experiences on the roads in and near the identified high-injury network and hot spot crash locations.

SCHEDULE

The first phase of the Safety Action Plan process is completed, and a list of initial projects was prepared. Cities and counties are beginning to identify funding for projects including possible SS4A grant funds in 2025 and 2026.

SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL (SS4A) GRANT PROGRAM

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program was created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) with a dedicated budget of $5 billion spanning from 2022 to 2026. This initiative allocates funds to support regional, local, and Tribal projects through grants, aiming to reduce fatalities and severe injuries on roadways. Notably, there is still over $3 billion accessible for upcoming funding rounds. To find out more information click on the button below.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Mountainland Association of Governments at 801-229-3800 or safestreets@mountainland.org.