Vision Zero

Why do we need Vision Zero?

​​​​​​Raleigh is the second-fastest growing large metro area in the United States. As we grow, an orchestrated effort to improve roadway safety is vitally important. North Carolina saw a record 1,755 traffic deaths in 2021, topping the previous mark set in 2007 and exceeding 2020’s death rate by five percent.

• According to the NTSA, speeding is a major contributing factor in 30% of fatal crashes nationwide.
• In the US, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 1 to 34 years.
• Distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and speeding are the top causes of car crashes in the US.

Vision Zero Presentations to City Council

Watch the video recording of the Vision Zero presentation to Raleigh City Council on February 14, 2023.

Watch the video recording of Vision Zero Presentation to the Transportation & Transit Committee on February 27, 2025.

Watch the video recording of Vision Zero Presentation to the BPAC on April  21, 2025.

The slide deck presented to Raleigh City Council in the video can also be viewed as a pdf:
Vision Zero presentation slide deck

What Work Has Already Been Completed?

• At the February 14, 2023 Council Works Session, staff notified Council that Raleigh had been selected to receive a $1 million SS4A grant. The grant award was for Raleigh to hire an engineering firm to help develop a Vision Zero Comprehensive Safety Action plan. The FHWA Grant Agreement was signed and executed on July 25,2023. The anticipated completion date of the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan is Fall 2025.
• Flatwork, signage, and pavement marking upgrades at West Millbrook Magnet High School, Broughton Magnet High School, Wiley Elementary School, RISE SE Raleigh Charter School, Lacy Elementary School, Sycamore Creek Elementary, Oberlin Middle School, Hilburn Elementary School, Fuller Elementary School, and Joyner Magnet Elementary.
• Two raised crosswalks were installed on St. Mary's St. near Broughton High School as a part of the street resurfacing project in early 2025.
• City of Raleigh submitted multiple projects to NCDOT for competitive funding. NCDOT acquired funding for 6 safety improvement projects totaling $1.5M in the last 12 months.
• Updated school zone and school area signage across the City.
• Assisted in the development of multiple Neighborhood Traffic Management projects
• Improved Streetlights in 10 key locations. providing enhanced lighting for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in areas with high traffic volumes. Sites included: 
  • Capital Boulevard, from Millbrook to Trust — completed April 2025.
  • Leesville Road, from Westgate to I-540 — completed February 2025.
  • New Hope Road, from Poole to Rock Quarry — completed January 2025.
  • New Bern Avenue, from Corporation to the Neuse River — completed July 2024.
  • Rock Quarry Road, from New Hope to Barwell — completed December 2024.
  • Perry Creek Road, from Beardall to Success Way — completed October 2024
  • Sunnybrook Road, from Rock Quarry to Rivermist — completed September 2024.
  • Spring Forest Road at Hollenden Drive, crosswalk lighting improvement — completed September 2024.
  • Carl Sandburg Court and Michael J. Smith Lane — completed August 2024.

What's Next for Vision Zero in Raleigh?

• Complete installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) during 2025 at 11 different locations, including Wilmington Street at One Exchange Plaza and Blount Street at Moore Square..
• Complete comprehensive Safety Action Plan within 18-24 months of the SS4A grant award. 
• Downtown Pedestrian Safety Improvements (Phase II) project will start construction in Fall 2026.
• Signalized intersection improvements projects at Wakefield Middle & High School will begin construction Summer 2025.
• Riverbend Elementary School, signalized intersection will completed Summer 2025.   
•  Dillard Middle School, and Harris Creek Elementary to begin construction in 2026.
• Traffic calming and sidewalk extension project at Wildwood Forest Elementary School will be completed in Summer 2025.

What's Next for Vision Zero in Raleigh?

• Complete installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) during 2025 at 11 different locations, including Wilmington Street at One Exchange Plaza and Blount Street at Moore Square..
• Complete comprehensive Safety Action Plan within 18-24 months of the SS4A grant award. 
• Complete Downtown Pedestrian Safety Improvements (Phase II) Fall 2026.
• Signalized intersection improvements projects at Wakefield Middle & High School will begin construction Summer 2025.
• Riverbend Elementary School, signalized intersection will completed Summer 2025.   
•  Dillard Middle School, and Harris Creek Elementary to begin construction in 2026.
• Traffic calming and sidewalk extension project at Wildwood Forest Elementary School will be completed in Summer 2025.

Intersection improvements are currently underway at five locations across the city. These enhancements include the installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), implementation of Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPI), and upgrades to signal heads, with specific improvements tailored to each site. All construction is expected to be completed by Summer 2025.

The five locations are:

• Gorman Street & Marcom Street
• Creedmoor Road, Edward Mills Road, Mill Village Road & Parklake Road
• Colonnade Center Drive, Forum Drive & Six Forks Road
• The Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon south of Lead Mine Road & Shadyside Drive
• Navaho Drive & Wake Forest Road

Signal upgrades and pedestrian infrastructure upgrades with APS and LPI’s at Capital Blvd. and Calvary Dr. intersection in Fall 2025. Pedestrian Safety Upgrades and signal upgrades along MLK from Salisbury to Poole Rd will start design in fall 2025 with anticipation to start construction Fall 2026.

Share your Traffic Safety Concerns

 The City of Raleigh Transportation Department wants your feedback as they continue to implement Vision Zero. 

Please share your traffic safety concerns using our See,Click, Fix tool. 

Thank you for your feedback!