The city of Austin has been awarded nearly $11 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to improve pedestrian safety. The funds come from the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program.
According to a September 9 press release attributed to the city, the grant will be used for the installation of crossings at nearly 50 locations and to further develop the state capital's Living Streets Program.
The city will contribute $2.5 million in accordance with the grant requirements.
According to the release, the funds will also pay for the implementation of proven safety countermeasures on a systemic, citywide scale to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes, especially those involving pedestrians.
A critically needed grade-separated crossing of Interstate 35 (I-35) will also be funded by the grant.
This marks the third time that Austin has received funding from the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. Previous awards included $22.9 million in 2022 and $288,000 in 2023 to pursue Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plans for urban trails and pedestrian crossings.