SEAGO/SVMPO to develop a Strategic Transportation Safety Plan, public feedback wanted

Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: Safford City Hall

Safford – The city of Safford is pleased to announce that the Southeast Arizona Governments Organization (SEAGO) and the Sierra Vista Metropolitan Planning Organization (SVMPO) are preparing a comprehensive Southeast Arizona Transportation Safety Action Plan (Safety Plan). This regional safety plan aims to develop strategies to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries across Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties.

The plan is based on a review of crash data from 2018-2022 within the SEAGO/SVMPO planning areas. The safety plan will focus on identifying regional trends in traffic incidents, high-crash locations, areas with fatal and serious injury crashes, and the primary contributing factors for these crashes.

A website has been created to serve as a central hub for project information, including maps, public input opportunities, study documents, and frequently asked questions. Click here to visit the website. An interactive map and survey are also available for the public to share feedback. Click here to view that.

Public Input Opportunities

The project team is seeking public feedback to ensure the safety plan reflects the needs and concerns of local communities. The plan includes two rounds of hybrid virtual and in-person public input activities:

Round 1 will present the results of an in-depth safety data analysis and initial recommendations for roadway improvement projects.

Round 2 will present the final recommendations, including both construction-related improvements and non-construction strategies such as policies and educational campaigns.

A series of open houses and community events will be held throughout the four-county area, allowing residents to participate in person.

Public participation is critical to the success of this safety plan, as it will help regional agencies apply for grant funding, such as the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. By building consensus and support from stakeholders, the plan will aim to reduce life-altering traffic incidents across the region.

Timeline

The findings and recommendations of the Southeast Arizona Transportation Safety Action Plan are expected to be completed by the end of this year. The city of Safford encourages residents to stay informed and participate in the process to help make our roads safer for all.

For more information and to receive updates, visit https://www.seazsafetyplan.org.

For more information about the city of Safford contact us at (928) 432-4000 or visit www.cityofsafford.us.