Metroplan Secures Over $900,000 for Road Safety Initiatives in Central Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In response to the increasing population and traffic in Central Arkansas, Metroplan, a local nonprofit, has been awarded a grant exceeding $900,000 from the federal government as part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All Initiative. This funding aims to enhance roadway safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities.
Metroplan’s Executive Director, Casey Convington, expressed enthusiasm about the grant, emphasizing its role in the organization’s ambitious "40 by 40 plan," which aims to decrease fatalities and serious injuries on Central Arkansas roads by 40% by the year 2040. Currently, about 100 fatalities occur on these roadways annually, prompting a targeted approach to improve safety.
The available funds will support three primary projects. The first involves collaboration with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Systems (MEMS) to introduce alert technology that notifies drivers when emergency vehicles are nearby, thereby increasing awareness and reducing accidents. This technology is expected to protect both drivers and emergency responders, as highlighted by MEMS Media Coordinator Aaron Gilkey.
Additional projects include enhancing traffic signal systems along Highway 65 and improving pedestrian safety on the southwest trail in Pulaski County. Convington detailed plans for a system that alerts drivers of upcoming traffic light changes, alongside measures to enhance visibility and safety at major roadway crossings.
Metroplan anticipates rolling out these initiatives over the coming years, with plans to collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts in promoting safer roadways for all Arkansans.
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