Barnstable County awarded FHWA planning grant to develop Vision Zero safety action plan

The Cape Cod MPO heard an update on development of a county‑wide Vision Zero safety action plan funded through the USDOT/FHWA Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) planning grant.

Colleen reported the region was awarded $240,000 from FHWA and that MassDOT provided a $60,000 match, for approximately $300,000 total to develop a comprehensive safety action plan for Barnstable County. “We were awarded a $240,000 grant from Federal Highway Administration. MassDOT provided the grant match, which was $60,000,” she said.

Staff plan to use the grant to hire a consultant to lead the Vision Zero plan development: a request for proposals was issued and proposals were due at the time of the meeting. Colleen said the team hoped to onboard a consultant early in the summer, reach a draft plan by early winter, and complete a final action plan next spring. The process will include safety analysis, public outreach, equity considerations, and a set of recommended infrastructure and non‑infrastructure countermeasures (from signal timing and crosswalk improvements to roundabouts and road diets).

Colleen described the plan governance and community engagement approach: the MPO and county commissioners will be asked to provide leadership commitment, and staff will convene an advisory committee composed of MPO and Joint Transportation Committee members, public safety representatives (police, fire), and at‑large community representatives from disability, seniors, youth, bicycle/pedestrian and equity organizations. The MPO indicated interest in participating and noted some members may serve on the advisory committee; staff said modest compensation for at‑large members could be provided if needed.

Next steps: consultant selection and kickoff this summer, public outreach and technical analysis through the coming months, a draft action plan by early winter and a final plan expected in the following spring; staff will post project information on a project website and solicit advisory committee members.