2026 5 11 Work Session Packet

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PUBLIC WORKS 
 
 
 
TO:  Dr. Randall Dowling, City Manager 
 
FROM:  Kevin L. Helms, Project Manager 
 
Cc:  Ben Burchfield, Public Works Director 
 
DATE:  May 5, 2026 
 
SUBJECT: Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Implementation Grant 
 
Summary 
The City of Athens utilized a SS4A grant to develop a Traffic Safety Action Plan (TSAP), which was formally 
adopted as city policy in March 2025. This plan analyzed traffic data from 2019 – 2023 and incorporated 
public input collected  in 2024 to identify areas within the transportation network with high rate s of 
crashes involving serious injuries and fatalities. These areas were designated as part of the High Injury 
Network (HIN).   
 
Crash density analysis identified  two intersections with significantly higher crash rates than others. The 
intersection of Decatur Pike and Congress Parkway  recorded the highest number of crashes (99) . When 
adjusted for traffic volume  (27,162 TEV), it ranks fourth highest in the city with a crash rate of 2.0 . This 
intersection lies at the convergence of two roadway segments ranked as the second and fourth highest 
priority corridors in the HIN.   
 
A set of targeted safety recommendations was developed for the five highest priority locations. As a result, 
the intersection of Congress Parkway and Decatur Pike has been identified as a  prime candidate for an 
SS4A Implementation Grant, which would allow for full design and construction of proposed safety 
improvements outlined in the TSAP, including: 
• Replacement of traffic signal equipment to Improve visibility of the traffic signals 
• Realignment of left-turn lanes to eliminate negative offset and improve sight lines 
• Improved signal timing and coordination through: 
o Increased vehicle storage 
o Expanded turning lane capacity 
o Implementation of time-of-day signal plans 
o Fiber-based coordination with nearby signals 
• Installation of pedestrian crossings 
• Addition of emergency vehicle signal preemption to enhance safety and reduce response times 
 
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Work Session 
May 11, 2026