The Denton City Council has adopted the Vision Zero plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries within the city by 2050. The plan sets an interim goal of reducing traffic deaths by 50% by 2035.
Identifying High-Injury Roadways
City officials conducted a traffic safety study to pinpoint the most hazardous road segments. The study identified six critical corridors with a high frequency of traffic deaths and injuries:
- West University Drive from North Bonnie Brae Street to Old North Road
- North Carroll Boulevard from US 380 to West Highland Street
- East Sherman Drive from North Bell Avenue to East Windsor Drive
- Dallas Drive from Johnson Street to Rio Grande Boulevard
- Malone Street from US 380 to Panhandle Street
- East McKinney Street from Audra Lane to Loop 288
These areas will be the primary focus for implementing safety improvements.
Proposed Safety Measures
The Vision Zero plan outlines several countermeasures to enhance safety along these high-risk roadways. Proposed interventions include:
- Adding sidewalks to improve pedestrian safety
- Installing raised medians to manage traffic flow
- Constructing pedestrian bridges for safer crossings
- Implementing mid-block crosswalks to reduce jaywalking
These measures aim to create a safer environment for all road users.
Funding and Future Steps
With the plan’s adoption, Denton is now positioned to seek grant funding from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation to support these safety initiatives. The city has already submitted a grant application requesting $9.6 million to implement improvements on Hickory Street, Eagle Drive, and the identified high-injury network roadways.
By adopting the Vision Zero plan, Denton demonstrates its commitment to enhancing road safety and protecting the well-being of its residents and visitors.