The City of Raleigh’s efforts to improve the safety of its streets got a boost with more than $10 million in federal grants. The funds, part of a 2021 federal infrastructure project, will require $2.5 million in matching local funds. The grant will be used to build new sidewalks and crosswalks, reconfigure intersections and upgrade traffic lights. The City will also receive $1 million to determine where its most serious crashes occur and develop mitigating strategies.
In 2025, there were more than 17,000 vehicular crashes that resulted in 6,226 injuries and 38 fatalities.
Some of the improvements will include:
- High-visibility crosswalks, flashing beacons, and accessible curb ramps aimed at improving pedestrian safety;
- Reflectors for traffic lights including designs for roadway improvements and better lighting and reflectivity; and,
- Emergency response support.
The City used traffic data and identified two of the highest-risk intersections, Poole Road at Rock Quarry Road and Rock Quarry Road at Vardaman Street. The grants will support improved vehicular safety measures for local schools. The Safe Routes to School Improvements include five projects at six local schools. This will fund four years of a Safe Routes to School coordinator, preliminary engineering and design, and targeted public education campaigns to reduce speeding, impairment, distraction, and seat belt non-use.