Hailey
The City of Overland Park, Kansas, has unveiled its Safe Streets Plan, a major initiative aimed at reducing traffic crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities.
This comprehensive program is designed to make roads safer for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders, using data analysis, engineering improvements, and active community involvement.
What Is the Safe Streets Plan?
The Safe Streets Plan is a data-driven approach to traffic safety. City planners are examining patterns of crashes and injuries across the city to identify high-risk areas.
The plan will target streets and intersections where accidents occur most frequently, while also addressing factors like speeding, distracted driving, and unsafe road designs.
The program focuses on both short-term interventions and long-term improvements to ensure sustained road safety for all residents.
Key Components of the Plan
The Safe Streets Plan has several important components:
- Crash Analysis – Identifying streets and intersections with the highest number of crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities.
- Traffic-Calming Measures – Installing devices like speed cushions and improving crosswalks to slow vehicles in high-risk areas.
- Policy Improvements – Updating speed limits, school zone regulations, and pedestrian safety guidelines.
- Community Engagement – Encouraging residents to report unsafe locations, participate in surveys, and attend public events to share feedback.
Pilot Projects and Timeline
Pilot projects will begin in April 2026, focusing on four key intersections where traffic incidents are most common. These pilot programs will include the installation of speed cushions, enhanced crosswalk markings, and other low-cost safety improvements.
The final Safe Streets Plan is expected to be completed by early 2027, with community input guiding the prioritization of projects and safety measures.
Safe Streets Plan Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Plan Name | Safe Streets Plan |
| Location | Overland Park, Kansas |
| Primary Goal | Reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities |
| Approach | Data-driven safety planning and community involvement |
| Crash Analysis | High-risk streets and intersections |
| Safety Improvements | Traffic-calming devices, crosswalks, speed management |
| Public Input | Surveys, interactive maps, community events |
| Pilot Project Start | April 2026 |
| Final Plan Completion | Early 2027 |
| Target Road Users | Drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders |
Community Participation
Residents play a crucial role in the success of the plan. Through surveys, interactive maps, and engagement events, the community can identify problem areas and offer suggestions for improvements. City officials will consider this feedback when prioritizing projects and implementing safety measures.
The Overland Park Safe Streets Plan represents a proactive and comprehensive effort to make city roads safer for everyone. By combining data analysis, infrastructure improvements, policy changes, and public participation, Overland Park aims to significantly reduce traffic injuries and deaths, creating safer streets for all residents and visitors.