The Situation
Growing traffic in the Fox Cities has increased concerns about roadway safety for people driving, walking, and biking. Local officials and the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (ECWRPC), the region’s metropolitan planning organization, have identified corridors and intersections where crashes and safety risks are a concern but have lacked dedicated funding to study potential improvements.

What is the “fix,” and how does it benefit the community and the state?
The project will fund two coordinated safety studies to improve transportation safety in the region. One study will examine the County Highway KK corridor, which runs through Appleton, Kaukauna, the Town of Buchanan, and the Village of Harrison, to analyze traffic patterns, safety concerns, and potential improvements. A second effort will evaluate bicycle and pedestrian conditions across the region to identify opportunities to improve connectivity and safety for people walking and biking. Together, the studies will provide recommendations to guide future safety improvements and help reduce serious crashes.

What makes the investment possible?
A nearly $843,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will support the work, along with about $211,000 in local matching funds from participating counties and municipalities in the Fox Cities area. ECWRPC will lead the studies in coordination with local governments. The federal SS4A program supports community efforts to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on roadways through planning and safety improvements.

Next Steps
Once the federal grant agreement is finalized, ECWRPC and its local partners will begin the safety studies. The work will include analyzing traffic and crash data, engaging the public and stakeholders, and identifying potential strategies to improve safety along key corridors. The findings are expected to help guide future transportation investments and safety improvements across the Fox Cities region.