If you are a Springfield resident or intend to relocate there, you may be pleased to hear that efforts to improve street safety in the city recently received a shot in the arm in the form of a $15 million federal grant aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries, particularly among cyclists and pedestrians.
The funding will go towards road safety initiatives like traffic signal upgrades, improved crosswalks and bike lane expansion. These measures are expected to make Springfield’s streets safer and more accessible while reducing traffic congestion.
What projects will the grant fund?
The grant is a significant win for the city, which has been grappling with increased road accidents in recent times. It’s expected to significantly impact Springfield’s streets’ safety and livability.
One of the primary goals of the grant is to improve pedestrian safety, especially in areas where pedestrian accidents are more prevalent. New crosswalks and pedestrian signals will be installed at key intersections, and additional sidewalks and paths will be added to encourage walking and cycling. ADA compliance to make the safety features usable even for all, is also a top priority.
Additionally, the city intends to implement new speed limit enforcement measures and improve driver education programs to raise awareness about the importance of safe driving.
The grant will also fund improvements to public transit infrastructure, including new bus shelters, bike racks and pedestrian access to transit stops. This will help make public transportation more accessible and attractive to residents, which can help reduce the number of cars on the city streets and improve air quality.
It still helps to be prepared for any eventuality
While the grant will go a long way in improving Springfield’s road safety record, accidents will still happen. The initiatives and measures taken by city officials to reduce accidents can only do so much to prevent crashes caused by reckless drivers.
As such, it is best to be prepared for such possibilities and ensure you take appropriate action to hold a negligent party liable and protect your legal rights in the event that you are ever injured in a preventable crash that is either not your fault or is only partially your fault.