The Regional Transportation Authority Plan includes $180 million dedicated to safety improvements throughout the region. But the true investment in safety for our community over the course of the 20-year plan is far more than that, as every major roadway corridor project incorporates safety improvements.
Some of the safety projects and goals include:
- Bus pullouts – reduce rear-end and sideswipe collisions.
- Wildlife crossings – reduce collisions with wildlife.
- Upgraded traffic signal technology – maintain reliable, predictable traffic network.
- Signalized pedestrian crossings – provide added protection for pedestrians.
- Bike lanes – help buffer the space between bicyclists and vehicles.
- Sidewalks – improve safety and mobility for pedestrians.
- Grade-separated railroad crossings – eliminate potential crash areas by separating trains and traffic.
On every roadway corridor, a number of safety features are built-in to the designs, such as:
- Drainage improvements – keep streets from flooding.
- Curb cuts – ensure people of all abilities can safely cross streets and access sidewalks or pathways.
- Upgraded intersection lighting – increase visibility for all modes of transportation.
Before construction, every RTA roadway corridor project undergoes a safety assessment, according to RTA policy. The assessments examine the project through the lens of maximizing safety for the traveling public. A team evaluates the plans and designs, then makes recommendations to the jurisdiction responsible for the roadway, highlighting any potential applicable safety improvements.
The Regional Transportation Authority is committed to improving transportation reliability for all modes of transportation the Tucson metro area, which includes making it safer to get around no matter which mode you’re using.