USDOT offers $1.256 billion grants to boost roadway safety

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced a significant opportunity for communities nationwide to enhance roadway safety through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant programme. With $1.256 billion in funding available, the initiative, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to curb the alarming rate of traffic-related fatalities and injuries.

The SS4A grant programme is a pivotal component of USDOT’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, launched in 2022 to combat the pervasive issue of traffic deaths across the country. Its primary objective is to empower communities to plan and execute projects aimed at improving the safety of highways, streets and roads.

“Every community knows some intersection or stretch of road that is dangerous to approach – now we have an opportunity to make them safer,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The administration is proud to make over $1.2 billion available for projects that can save lives on our roads, from highway redesigns to protected bike lanes, and we invite communities of every size to apply.”

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In 2023, more than 1,000 communities benefited from $1.7 billion in SS4A grants, impacting roadway safety for approximately 70% of the nation’s population and addressing over 60% of traffic fatalities recorded between 2017 and 2021. With over $1 billion in funding available in 2024, USDOT encourages communities, especially those yet to apply, to seize this opportunity.

To streamline the application process and ensure accessibility, USDOT has introduced measures such as extended deadlines and pre-application reviews for planning proposals. These efforts are particularly beneficial for smaller communities, Tribal governments, as well as first-time federal funding recipients.

Eligible applicants include Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), counties, cities, towns, transit agencies and federally recognised Tribal governments. Implementation Grant applications close on 16 May 2024, while Planning and Demonstration Grant applicants have multiple opportunities to apply by 4 April, 16 May and 29 August 2024.