Council Takes a Step Toward Pedestrian, Driver Safety

Photo: royharryman from Pixabay

By Renée Morin

The City Council accepted a plan on June 18 that aims to improve the safety of Sanford’s streets and sidewalks. Improvements will include the installation of new crosswalk signs and strategies for getting drivers to obey speed limits.

Director of Public Works Matthew Hill presented the safety action plan, Sanford Safe Streets for All (SS4A), to the council, explaining that his department has worked with consultants to develop it over the past six months. The project is funded by grants from the US Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Hill said the plan should serve as a “living document” that the city can adapt as needed through a monthly review by the Property & Public Safety Subcommittee. It can be used as a guide for future construction projects.

According to the executive summary of SS4A, the plan “aims to improve roadway safety by identifying and prioritizing local roadway safety improvements. This effort is aligned with the goals of Maine’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan … and adopts a Safe System Approach to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.” Aims of this plan include enhancing crosswalk visibility, pedestrian safety, and other engineering solutions to make the transportation system in the city safer for all users.

Driving speed has been identified by the department as a significant factor regarding public safety, and, as a result, it has been identified as one of the main focuses of the plan.