HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.3 Transportation Program UpdateSTAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
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Agenda Item 8.3
DATE:May 4, 2021
TO:Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM:Linda Smith, City Manager
SUBJECT:Transportation Program Update
Prepared by: Pratyush Bhatia, Transportation and Operations Manager and
Sai Midididdi, Associate Civil Engineer (Traffic)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will receive a report on transportation planning projects, traffic operations, and
ongoing efforts to improve and enhance the City of Dublin transportation network.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
DESCRIPTION:
This report describes some of the major on-going and upcoming transportation projects to
enhance the transportation network and traffic operations in the City.
Ongoing Projects
Shared Autonomous Vehicle (SAV) Project
The SAV project provides for improvements to the City’s transportation system using emerging
technologies to support deployment of autonomous vehicles. The Livermore Amador Valley
Transit Authority (LAVTA) received a $966,000 grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management
District to develop, evaluate, and deploy SAV technology. The City received a total of $385,000 of
combined funds from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Innovative Deployment
to Enhanced Arterials (IDEA) grant and from the Alameda County Transportation Commission
(ACTC) Measure BB discretionary grant to support SAV testing on City of Dublin public streets. In
November 2019, Dublin added LAVTA as an additional recipient of the IDEA grant to streamline
administration of the MTC grant funds for the project and expedite project delivery. A major goal
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of the project is to improve mobility by providing first- and last-mile solutions for passengers
between the BART Station and nearby locations. City costs are budgeted in the Capital
Improvement Program project, Intelligent Transportation System Upgrade –
Connected/Autonomous Vehicle and Safety Improvements, CIP No. ST0519 (Attachment 1).
Working collaboratively with the City and MTC, LAVTA started SAV testing in the vicinity of the
East Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station in July 2020. The testing phase was intended to identify and
resolve any issues based on field observations of SAV performance. Some key issues that were
addressed during testing include unnecessary stops related to the SAV identifying roadside
objects, such as landscaping, as obstacles and necessary modification of signal timing to enable the
SAV to safely make a U-turn at the intersection of Arnold Road and Martinelli Way. Several other
elements of SAV operation were reviewed during testing. These included keeping the SAV on
schedule, SAV speed, battery consumption and mileage, reaction to various obstacles,
environmental factors requiring manual override of the SAV, and SAV performance under
different weather conditions.
After completing a comprehensive testing process, LAVTA started providing SAV passenger rides
on November 16, 2020. Although there was a brief pause in the services due to Alameda County’s
Stay-at-Home Order, services resumed on January 27, 2021. Reservations are needed at this time
to ride the SAV due to COVID-19 safety protocols. The public can learn more about the SAV service
by contacting LAVTA directly, or by visiting their SAV webpage at
https://www.wheelsbus.com/sav/.
Dublin and LAVTA staff will continue analyzing the vehicle, route, and service to better
understand the SAV technology and improve customer service. Dublin, MTC, and LAVTA are
continuing to collaborate on this project as LAVTA anticipates receiving additional grant funding
to expand the SAV service in Dublin to connect to commercial centers north of Dublin Boulevard
as a second phase of the project.
Citywide Signal Communications, Advanced Traffic Management System, and Traffic
Adaptive System
The City has a total of 98 signalized intersections. Currently, 70 signalized intersections are
connected to the City’s Traffic Operations Center (TOC) in City Hall. The TOC allows Staff to
remotely control and monitor signal timing at connected intersections. In 2018, the fiber optic
communications network was expanded, and an adaptive traffic signal system was installed on
Dougherty Road as part of the Dougherty Road Improvements construction project. In Fiscal Year
2019-20, a new fiber optic communication network was installed on Dublin Boulevard between
Tassajara Road and Fallon Road as part of the Kaiser Development project. This connected 15 of
the 70 signalized intersections to the TOC.
In addition to incorporating new infrastructure and upgrading existing infrastructure as part of
Capital Improvement Program and private development projects, the City funds ongoing upgrades
to the traffic signal communications system through the Citywide Signal Communications Upgrade
Project, CIP No. ST0713 (Attachment 2). Staff is currently working on improving the traffic signal
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communications system on Dublin Boulevard by upgrading copper communication cables to fiber
optic cables along two major segments of Dublin Boulevard:
1. Dublin Boulevard between San Ramon Road and Sierra Court
2.Dublin Boulevard between Hacienda Drive and Tassajara Road
Fiber optic cables provide higher bandwidth communication necessary to support newer traffic
signal technologies such as video detection, traffic monitoring cameras with high-definition video
streams, adaptive signal systems, and transit signal priority. It will also allow expansion of future
signal operation needs.
This project will also expand the existing adaptive traffic signal system (Synchrogreen) on Dublin
Boulevard to include the intersections from Hacienda Drive to Fallon Road. The adaptive traffic
signal system gathers real-time traffic data and automatically adjusts the timing of traffic signals
along Dublin Boulevard to reduce delay and increase safety. The current system has performed
well in providing signal coordination and progression along Dublin Boulevard between San
Ramon Road and Hacienda Drive, prioritizing transit, and reducing travel time and delays.
This project also includes installation of battery backup units at 28 traffic signals. A battery
backup system keeps a traffic signal active, and therefore enhances safety, in the event of a power
outage. The project is currently in the design phase with construction anticipated to complete in
summer 2022.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update
An update of the City of Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan began in Fiscal Year 2019-20.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is a critical planning, policy, and implementation
document that supports Dublin’s efforts in improving the safety of biking and walking and to
promote them as a preferred mode of transportation. Periodic updates to the Plan are necessary
to ensure alignment with industry standards, incorporate the latest best practices, meet current
community needs, and inform investments in biking and walking infrastructure. The last update
to the Plan occurred in 2014. The Plan update is funded through the Citywide Bicycle and
Pedestrian Improvements Project, CIP No. ST0517, which also funds other activities to improve
bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the City (Attachment 3).
For the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan update, Staff has completed the existing conditions
analysis, demographic analysis, collision analysis, and level of traffic stress analysis. A project
website has also been launched to inform the public about the Plan update and to gather feedback.
In addition, Staff conducted a virtual workshop, two technical advisory committee meetings,
benchmark interviews with representatives of seven City departments and the Dublin Unified
School District, an Alameda County Transportation Commission Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee meeting, and a Chamber of Commerce meeting to introduce and solicit comments on
the Plan update.
Staff is currently working on scheduling focus group listening sessions, drafting non-
infrastructure recommendations, developing the prioritization framework to determine what
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factors will be used to prioritize locations of improvements, and conducting demand analysis to
evaluate the mode shift potential of infrastructure recommendations.
Dublin Boulevard Extension Project
The City of Dublin is the lead agency in a project to extend Dublin Boulevard approximately 1.5
miles from Fallon Road in the City of Dublin, through an unincorporated portion of Alameda
County, to North Canyons Parkway in the City of Livermore. The extension is planned to have four
to six travel lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, traffic signals, streetlights, utilities, and landscaping. The
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project was completed in August 2019. The National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project was completed
in February 2021 with a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). NEPA approval makes the
project eligible to receive Federal funding. The project is funded through the design phase with
the Dublin Boulevard Extension – Fallon Road to North Canyons Parkway Project, CIP No. ST0216
(Attachment 4).
The Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) is the implementing agency for the final
design phase in cooperation with the Dublin, Livermore, and Alameda County. The final design is
anticipated to begin in spring 2021 and be completed in 24 months. Staff continues to work on the
project to support the design phase.
Citywide Travel Demand Model (TDM) Update
The City’s TDM is used to forecast future year traffic volumes on arterial and collector roadways,
as well as analyze future land use development proposals and transportation network changes in
the City. The last comprehensive update was done in 2013 and was based on the 2011 ACTC
countywide model. The updated City of Dublin TDM will be based on the 2018 version of the
ACTC countywide model. The base year for the updated model will be 2020. The update to the
TDM is anticipated to be completed in May 2021. Benefits of updating the citywide model include:
•Better resolution and accuracy for land use and trip generation in Dublin.
•Ensure land use assumptions include recently completed projects such as the Boulevard
Development, Kaiser, Zeiss Innovation Center, approved projects such as IKEA Retail
Center, and future projects like the Dublin Boulevard Extension.
•Improved calibration for traffic conditions in Dublin.
•Customized geographic detail based on proximity to transit and other factors.
•More precise citywide Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) averages for each land use type.
•Consistence with the current ACTC Countywide model.
The TDM update is funded as part of the Citywide Signal Communications Upgrade Project, CIP No.
ST0713 (Attachment 2).
Traffic Signal Resiliency and Disaster Preparedness
In recent years, Dublin has experienced several temporary power outages due to Pacific Gas &
Electric Company Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events and other unplanned events. During
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these power outages, signalized intersections are impacted due to loss of power. Although 70
percent of the intersections are equipped with battery backup units, the batteries only provide
power for up to six hours. The length of time a signal can function on battery power depends on
the age and size of the batteries, electrical load need of the intersection, and the type of
intersection. For intersections without permanent backup units, Public Works has used
temporary generators to provide electricity to traffic signals during power outages.
Lack of power to traffic signals can significantly impact the community and emergency service
providers, especially along major transportation corridors and at large, multi-lane intersections
closer to freeway ramps, such as the intersection of Dublin Boulevard and Dougherty Road. To
prepare for future PSPS events and other unforeseen emergencies, and to minimize the impacts to
traffic flow on arterials and collectors when a signal loses power, Staff is working on a traffic
signal resiliency project to provide or upgrade backup power and maintain signal operations at
the 23 signalized intersections listed below.
1. Dublin Boulevard at Dougherty Road
2. Dougherty Road at Amador Valley
Boulevard
3. Dublin Boulevard at Hacienda Drive
4. Hacienda Drive at Martinelli Way
5. Dublin Boulevard at Tassajara Road
6. Dublin Boulevard at Fallon Road
7. Fallon Road at Fallon Gateway
8. Dublin Boulevard at Village Parkway
9. Dublin Boulevard at Amador Plaza
10.Dublin Boulevard at San Ramon Road
11.San Ramon Road at Amador Valley
Boulevard
12.Village Parkway at Amador Valley
Boulevard
13.Tassajara Road at Fallon Road
14.San Ramon Rd at Alcosta Boulevard
15.Dublin Boulevard at Scarlett Drive
16.Dougherty Rd at Scarlett Drive
17.Hacienda Dr at Gleason Drive
18.Gleason Drive at Fallon Road
19.Gleason Drive at Tassajara Road
20.Amador Valley Boulevard at Amador
Plaza Road
21.Dublin Boulevard at Arnold Road
22.Horizon Parkway at Arnold Road
23.Horizon Parkway at Scarlett Drive
Most of these locations will be equipped with battery backup units, however at the largest and
most critical intersections, Staff is considering the use of hydrogen fuel cells to provide
uninterrupted power to the traffic signal. Hydrogen fuel cells can provide electricity for up to
three days, which is 12 times longer than a battery backup unit.
Upcoming Projects
Tassajara Road Arterial Management Project
The City of Dublin received a Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) grant in Fiscal Year 2020-
21 to coordinate 11 traffic signals along the Tassajara Road corridor. The project is anticipated to
start in fall 2021. Signal coordination provides a means by which a sequence of green lights is
established along a series of traffic signals to minimize the interruptions to traffic flow between
these signals. The benefits of signal timing include reducing greenhouse emissions by improving
traffic flow, reducing the number of stops, minimizing traffic congestion, and decreasing fuel
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consumption. The project will also upgrade traffic signal controllers, hardware, and battery
backup units at four intersections along the corridor. This effort is funded as part of the Citywide
Signal Communications Upgrade Project, CIP No. ST0713 (Attachment 2).
Safe Routes to School Improvements
This project will include installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and other intersection
improvements such as bulb-outs or median extensions, and upgrade of curb ramps to be
compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards at three locations:
1. Central Parkway and Aspen Street
2. Amador Valley Boulevard and Burton Street
3. Grafton Street and Antone Way
The proposed improvements were selected based upon recommendations resulting from walk
audits performed by Staff, representatives from the Dublin Unified School District, parents in the
community, Police Services, traffic engineering consultants, and transportation planning
consultants. Staff has applied for a Safe Routes to School mini-grant and Transportation
Development Act Article 3 funds to partially fund design and construction. These grants are
discretionary and allocated to the City by ACTC and MTC. If awarded, Staff will return to the City
Council to approve the grant funding agreements. Available funding for this work comes from the
Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements project, CIP No. ST0517 (Attachment 3).
Local Roadway Safety Plan
On March 16, 2021, the City Council approved a funding agreement with the State for the
development of a Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP). Federal regulations require that each State
have a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). While the SHSP is used as a statewide approach for
improving roadway safety, an LRSP can be a means for providing local and rural road owners with
an opportunity to address unique highway safety needs in their jurisdictions while contributing to
the success of the SHSP.
The LRSP creates a framework to systematically identify and analyze safety problems and
recommend safety improvements. Preparing an LRSP facilitates the development of local agency
partnerships and collaboration, resulting in a prioritized list of improvements and actions that can
demonstrate a defined need and contribute to the statewide SHSP. The LRSP can be tailored to
local protocols, needs, and issues.
Starting in 2022, the Federal Aid Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) will require an
LRSP for an agency to be eligible to apply for HSIP funds. A City of Dublin LRSP, in conjunction
with an updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, will provide a framework to develop and
improve a transportation system that promotes multi-modal transportation options and
addresses community safety needs. Development of the LRSP is proposed to be funded with a
new Capital Improvement Program project, Local Roadway Safety Plan, which was introduced to
City Council on April 20, 2021, and will be presented to City Council for approval on June 1, 2021,
as part of the update to the five-year Capital Improvement Program.
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STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
The City Council Agenda was posted.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Intelligent Transportation System Upgrade – Connected/Autonomous Vehicle and Safety
Improvements Project, CIP No. ST0519
2) Citywide Signal Communications Upgrade Project, CIP No. ST0713
3) Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Project, CIP No. ST0517
4) Dublin Boulevard Extension – Fallon Road to North Canyons Parkway Project, CIP No. ST0216
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Number ST0519 Program STREETS
PRIOR
YEARS
2020-2021
BUDGET 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025
FUTURE
YEARS TOTALS
9100 $8,987 $14,353 $23,340
9200 $21,260 $45,108 $66,368
9400 $5,013 $605,161 $610,174
$35,260 $664,622 $699,882
Salaries & Benefits
Contract Services
Improvements
INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM UPGRADE –
CONNECTED/AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
ESTIMATED COSTS
TOTAL
2020-2025 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project provides for improvements to the City's transportation system using emerging technologies, such as support for connected and
autonomous vehicles, and is a collaborative effort between the City of Dublin, Livermore Amador Valley Transportation Authority (LAVTA), and the
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). System improvements will be completed both by the City and MTC. MTC's work is funded with a
$385,000 federal grant through MTC's Innovative Deployments to Enhance Arterials (IDEA) Challenge Grant Program. To streamline administration
of grant funds for the project and to expedite project delivery,MTC Resolution No. 4202 was revised on September 25, 2019 to add LAVTA as co-
recipient of the IDEA II grant, which provides direct access to LAVTA to the grant funds, while also allowing MTC, LAVTA, and the City to
cooperatively implement different elements of the project. The funding source for the MTC/LAVTA led work is shown as "Other" because MTC
project costs will be funded directly by MTC. The City and LAVTA have a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines the roles and responsibilities
of each agency regarding the project implementation.The local match for the IDEA II grant will be paid by Alameda CTC’s Measure BB grant to the
City, for project elements implemented by MTC, LAVTA, and the City of Dublin.
Transportation system improvements will include: Connected Vehicle Software that will integrate with the City's central traffic management system to
broadcast real-time traffic signal information to transit vehicles and other motorists; Shared Autonomous Vehicle (SAV) Communications that will
provide for the integration of SAV with the City's traffic signal controllers. LAVTA's testing of SAVs on public streets in the City in the vicinity of the
Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station, and this project will allow for the SAVs to communicate and interface with the City's traffic signal controllers.
The project will also evaluate vulnerable road user protection systems at 3 to 4 signalized intersections on Dublin Boulevard in the vicinity of the BART
station to see if it can effectively detect pedestrians and bicyclists in or near the intersections. The Iron Horse Trail crossing at the intersection of
Dublin Boulevard and Scarlett Drive will have passive bicycle and pedestrian detection allowing trail users to be detected before reaching the
intersection in order to reduce the wait time at the signalized crossing.
ANNUAL OPERATING IMPACT: None
MANAGING DEPARTMENT: Public Works
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PRIOR
YEARS
2020-2021
BUDGET 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025
FUTURE
YEARS TOTALS
2201 $11,895 $113,105 $125,000
2212 $23,365 $87,835 $111,200
2217 $78,682 $78,682
9997 $385,000 $385,000
$35,260 $664,622 $699,882
ANNUAL OPERATING IMPACT
State Gas Tax
FUNDING SOURCE
TOTAL
Vehicle Registration
Fee (ACTC)
Measure BB Grants
Other
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Attachment 2293
294
Attachment 3295
296
Attachment 4297
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Item 8.3
Transportation
Informational Report
City Council Meeting
5/4/2021
Report on On-Going and Upcoming
Projects
Ongoing Projects
Shared Autonomous Vehicle Testing
Signal Communication/Traffic Adaptive Signal System Upgrades
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
Dublin Blvd Extension
Traffic Signal Resiliency
Upcoming Projects
Tassajara Road Arterial Management
Safe Routes to School Access and Safety Improvements
Local Roadway Safety Plan
•October 19, 2016 –LAVTA
receives BAAQMD grant ($966,000)
•February 2018 –City of Dublin receives
MTC Grant
•February 28, 2018 –AB 1444
(extension)permits operation of an
autonomous vehicle on public roads for
testing purposes
•June 22, 2018 –DMV registration of EZ-10
•December 12, 2019 –NHTSA Approval
•Goal: First and Last Mile Connectivity to
the Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station
•Testing started in July 2020 on Altamirano
Avenue and Arnold Road
Shared Autonomous Vehicle Pilot
Timeline
Shared Autonomous Vehicle Pilot
•The testing phase has provided insight about SAV operations on public streets with pedestrian, bicycles, and vehicles
•LAVTA started providing SAV passenger rides on November 16, 2020.
Next Steps
•Goal: Extend the route north of Dublin Boulevard.
•Upgrade the SAV to increase speed.
•Test communication :SAV and traffic signals using C-V2X
Draft
Signal Communication and Adaptive Signal
System Upgrades
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update
Vision & Goals
Plan Vision
The City of Dublin is a vibrant place where walking and biking are safe, comfortable, and convenient ways to travel and connect individuals, inclusive of all ages and abilities, to local and regional destinations.
Plan Goals
1.Enhance and prioritize safety in design and implementation
2.Increase Walking and Biking by making them more attractive modes
3.Improve Connectivity by developing a well-connected network
4.Enhance accessibility using design principles
5.Prioritize Investments and funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update
Project Overview
Project
Initiation
Baseline
Inventory &
Needs Analysis
Network
Recommendations
& Implementation
Plan
Plan
Documentation &
Environmental
Review
Updated
Bicycle &
Pedestrian Plan
Public Participation
In-Person Event (as County health conditions allow)
Community Workshop
Technical Advisory Committee Meeting
Early 2022Late 2021Mid/Late 2021Fall 2020
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update
Project Engagement
•Technology and Virtual Meetings
•Project Website
–http://dublinbikeped.org/
•BPAC meeting: September 17, 2020
•Chamber of Commerce: March 9, 2021
•Five Technical Advisory Committee(TAC)
Meetings at Key Stages
Future Events
•Public Event at Dublin Farmers Market and a
virtual BPAC: May 27, 2021
•May: Bike Month and Activities
Dublin Boulevard Extension Project
•1.5-mile extension from Fallon
Road to North Canyons Parkway
•EIR completed in 2019
•NEPA completed February 2021
•ACTC is the lead on Final Design
–Anticipated to start May 2021, 24
months to complete
–Design Review,Developer
Coordination, Mitigation Strategy
and Economic Development Zone
Traffic Signal Resiliency and Disaster
Preparedness
•Planning for PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events
•Impacts at major arterial and roadway signals.
•Battery Backup Units: 6 hours of power
•Backup power upgrades at 23 intersections.
•Improvements options: battery backups units, hydrogen fuel cells
Draft: Intersections
Upcoming Projects
•Tassajara Road Arterial Management Project
•Safe Routes to School Access and Safety
Improvements
–Crosswalk improvements
•Local Roadway Safety Plan
–City Council Approved Funding Agreement
with State on 3/16/2021
–Proactive Approach to Safety
Questions?
Travel Demand Model Update
•Models forecast future year traffic volumes on roadways
•Analyze land use development proposals and roadway capacity
•Benefits
–Improved accuracy of land use and trips
–Improved calibration for Dublin traffic
–Consistency with ACTC Countywide Model
•Anticipated completion is May 2021
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update
Progress to Date
•Existing Network: Review maps, include recent projects
•Demographic Analysis: Summarize population, job, travel patterns
•Collision Analysis : Review, analyze six-year collision history
•Level of Traffic Stress Analysis: amount of discomfort that
people feel when they bicycle close to traffic.
•Programs and Policies (on-going)
•Demand Analysis (on-going)
Next Steps
•Policy and Infrastructure recommendations
•Cost Estimates and Revenue Sources
•Implementation Plan
Tassajara Road Arterial Management
Project
•Synchronize 11 traffic
signals along Tassajara
Road Corridor.
•Upgrade 4 controllers
and traffic signal
accessories.
•Funded by TFCA
Safe Routes to School Access & Safety
Improvements
•Rectangular Rapid
Flashing Beacons
•Median/Bulb-outs
•Curb ramp upgrades
Central Pkwy at Aspen St
AVB at Burton St
Antone Way at Grafton St
Local Roadway Safety Plan
•What is an LRSP?
–Tool to improve safety on local roads
–LRSPs Provide a framework to identify analyze, and
prioritize roadway safety improvements on local
roads
–Strategies for overcoming barriers and obstacles to
implementation
–Integrate 4E solutions and FHWA proven safety
countermeasure
–Reduce fatalities and serious injuries