City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: FEBRUARY 7, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: TARRENCE MOORER, INTERIM DIRECTOR, T&ES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution to Support a Grant Application to the Regional Roadway Safety Program at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.[ROLL-CALL VOTE]
BODY
ISSUE: Should the City apply for the Regional Roadway Safety Program (RRSP) of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) to support Vision Zero safety initiatives.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council approve the attached resolution to:
1. Support the submission of a grant application by the March 3 due date for up to $80,000 in technical assistance to evaluate lighting needs in key areas to enhance pedestrian safety; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to apply for RRSP technical assistance through the MWCOG and enter into any agreements with MWCOG to accept and implement the grant.
BACKGROUND: MWCOG’s RRSP provides up to $80,000 in short-term consultant services for planning or preliminary engineering projects that address roadway safety issues and will lead to a reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes. If funded, project award would occur in Spring 2023, and projects would last from Fall 2023 to June 2024. Applications to the FY 2024 RRSP are due March 3.
In 2017, the City adopted a Vision Zero Policy and Action Plan with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2028. A 2022 Citywide Crash Analysis found that approximately 25% of pedestrian crashes that occur at night result in fatal or severe injury. Roadway lighting has been identified by the Federal Highway Administration as a proven safety countermeasure.
DISCUSSION: The City proposes to request technical assistance to study lighting needs in key areas, such as areas with high pedestrian generators and areas with a history of pedestrian crashes during hours of darkness. The project will evaluate roadway lighting best practices, identify and evaluate priority areas for lighting needs, and develop recommendations for lighting improvements. Recommendations are expected to be implemented through future safety projects.
This project supports the Vision Zero Action Plan, which was adopted by Council in 2017, and includes goals to build safer streets for everyone. This project also supports strategies in the Alexandria Mobility Plan and addresses Transportation Planning Board priorities.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact. RRSP projects do not require a local match, and MWCOG staff conduct procurement activities and manage the project consultant in collaboration with City staff. Once the study is complete, the City will leverage increased project readiness to implement recommendations through future competitive grant opportunities or through existing Complete Streets-Vision Zero CIP funds. Should the project not be awarded, the City would seek funding to conduct this study in the future.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Transportation Commission Letter of Support
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Hillary Orr, Deputy Director of Transportation, T&ES
Christopher Ziemann, Division Chief, Transportation Planning, T&ES
Alex Carroll, Complete Streets Program Manager, T&ES