Longmont transportation staff identify 19 priority crash locations in Vision Zero analysis

Longmont transportation staff and consultants presented results from a cleaned 2022–2024 crash dataset and a first‑step Vision Zero analysis on April 28. The analysis identified a high injury network (a small share of roadway miles that account for a large share of fatal and serious injury crashes) and a high‑risk network that extrapolates characteristics to predict likely future crash locations.

Consultants described a prioritized list of 19 locations where countermeasures—ranging from signage and visibility improvements to geometry changes and new signal timing—are expected to yield the highest crash‑reduction return on investment. Staff also described decision trees and cost‑benefit analysis tools to help choose countermeasures tuned to specific crash types (for example, protected lefts for broadside crashes, bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure for right‑hook crashes).

Council questioned the team about speed management, Main Street drive‑through conflicts, and the roles of CDOT for state highways. Staff said 9 of the priority locations fall within Longmont’s jurisdiction; 11 would require CDOT coordination. Staff also said the city has been replacing outdated signal controllers and installing detection cameras to get better multimodal counts and diagnostics.

Public‑safety benefits and grant leverage were repeatedly cited; staff warned that construction projects take several years while lower‑cost changes (signal timing, signage) can be implemented sooner. Staff will return with an action plan and proposed budget asks to support the highest‑priority countermeasures.