Palm Bay Secures $2.4M Federal Grant to Boost Pedestrian Safety on Emerson Drive

City to Build Sidewalks, Enhance Crossings Near Schools

Palm Bay, FL -- In a significant stride towards enhancing pedestrian safety, the City of Palm Bay has been awarded a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. The funding will facilitate the construction of a sidewalk and other safety improvements along Emerson Drive, a corridor heavily traversed by students and pedestrians, particularly during school hours.

Data-Driven Approach

The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) spearheaded the effort to secure this crucial grant, leveraging its Vision Zero initiative and data from the High Injury Network to pinpoint areas in need of safety enhancements. The SCTPO's comprehensive analysis of school routes and identification of high-risk corridors played a pivotal role in justifying the project's necessity.

Project Details

The comprehensive project encompasses:

• Sidewalk Construction: A new 6-foot sidewalk will be built along the east side of Emerson Drive, providing a safe and accessible path for pedestrians.

• Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon: This innovative traffic control device will help pedestrians safely cross the busy road.

• Lane Removal: Eliminating a merge lane will streamline traffic flow and reduce potential conflict points.

• Enhanced Crosswalks: Crosswalks equipped with rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) will increase driver awareness and yielding, bolstering pedestrian safety.  

Community Impact

These enhancements will significantly improve safety for students, pedestrians, and cyclists along Emerson Drive, which serves two local schools and experiences heavy foot traffic. The project aligns with Palm Bay's broader commitment to creating a more walkable and pedestrian-friendly community.

Collaborative Effort

Mayor Rob Medina lauded the collaborative effort that secured the grant, stating, "This project underscores Palm Bay's commitment to creating a safer, more pedestrian-friendly community. I want to thank our partners at the Space Coast TPO and the USDOT for their support in making this vision a reality for Emerson Drive and beyond. Together, we are taking important steps to build safer streets for everyone in our community."

About the SS4A Program

The Safe Streets and Roads for All program equips local governments with the resources to mitigate traffic-related injuries and fatalities through infrastructure improvements. Palm Bay's project is a testament to the program's effectiveness in fostering safer communities nationwide.  

The Emerson Drive project, funded by the SS4A grant, represents a crucial step towards preventing such tragedies and creating a safer environment for all who use Palm Bay's roads.  

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