Austin Completes First Round of Vision Zero Projects

The city of Austin has completed its first round of bond-funded street safety projects as part of its Vision Zero initiative, reports Kelsey Thompson for KXAN.

The projects followed a $15 million Vision Zero allocation as part of a mobility bond passed in 2016. “Through the program, Meyer said Vision Zero has taken a more holistic approach toward transportation improvements, focusing on investments that not only benefit drivers but pedestrians, cyclists and other forms of commuters.”

The funds were focused on safety improvements such as crosswalks, shared-use paths, signal timing, and street lighting. City officials say low-cost, quick-build improvements have shown impressive effectiveness at reducing crashes, deaths, and serious injuries. 

“Some of those with the most bang for their buck include traffic signal timing changes, leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) and protected left-turn lanes,” Thompson adds. “Over the next three years, Vision Zero will be tackling a dozen more intersection safety projects courtesy of the city’s 2018 and 2020 mobility bonds.”