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A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Application with the United States Department of Transportation for an Implementation Grant to Implement Recommendations from the Vision Zero Plan for Traffic Signal Improvements
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Introduction
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The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently released a call for grant applications for the 2026 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. The purpose of the grant program is to support planning, infrastructural, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injuries on roads and streets for all users. With the Vision Zero Action Plan (VZAP), staff recommends applying for an implementation grant for traffic signal improvements for accessible pedestrian signals and video detection. SS4A grant funds cover 80% of the costs for the work, which would likely be in 2028 or 2029, pending award of the grants.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior actions:
• The Village Board approved the Oak Park Vision Zero Action Plan with a goal to achieve zero traffic-related deaths or serious injuries in Oak Park by 2035 on February 18, 2025 (RES 25-145).
• The Village Board authorized the submission of a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) application with the USDOT for a Planning and Demonstration Project Grant to implement recommendations from the Vision Zero Plan on May 7, 2024 (RES. 24-199).
Background
The USDOT recently released a call for grant applications for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program to improve roadway safety for all users. The SS4A program has two options for grant applications: implementation grants, planning and demonstration grants. The Village is eligible to apply for both types of grants with the recent adoption of the VZAP.
Staff proposes submitting an application for an implementation grant to upgrade the Village-owned and maintained traffic signals so that recommendations from the VZAP and Bike Plan for: upgrading traffic signals to accessible pedestrian signals so that leading pedestrian intervals can be implemented; upgrading to include current video detection equipment so bikes can be detected and accounted for in signal timing, traffic data and pedestrian movements captured, and signals will be compatible with emerging software technology for near-miss detection and analysis.
Grant application materials are still being developed at this time, and grant applications are due May 26, 2026.
Timing Considerations
Adoption of the Resolution at this time will allow for the Village to submit the grant application by the May 26, 2026, deadline.
Financial Impact
Since the grant application is currently being developed, exact costs are not yet known, but are estimated at approximately $7,500,000 for all the proposed work, including engineering design and construction management. SS4A grants cover 80% of the costs for these projects. As a result, the Village’s share would be roughly $1,500,000. Should the Village receive notice of award of the grant, future years' budgets will be adjusted to match the Village’s local share of the grant.
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery. Staff spent approximately two hours preparing this item.
DEI Impact
Historically underserved communities have experienced a disproportionate share of fatal crashes. The Vision Zero Plan recognizes that getting to zero requires an intentional commitment to understanding these disparities and addressing them. One of the guiding principles of Vision Zero is the equitable implementation of infrastructure investments. Equity considerations are central to the Vision Zero Plan and are woven throughout the crash assessment, engagement, project prioritization, and strategies.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends adopting the Resolution, which will allow for potential grant funds to cover the cost associated with the implementation of portions of the Vision Zero Plan.
Advantages:
• This Resolution will allow for the submission of the grant application.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this recommendation.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can vote down the item.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this alternative.
Disadvantages:
• This action is in misalignment with the Vision Zero Plan, Climate Action Plan, and Bike Plan.
Anticipated Future Actions
Should the Village of Oak Park receive SS4A funds for this project, the Village will be required to enter into an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration, and future years’ budgets will include funds for the Village’s share of the project.
Prepared By: Bill McKenna, Village Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director
Reviewed By: Rob Sproule, Public Works Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution