Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Action Plan

Using a data-driven approach and adopting a “Vision Zero” strategy, Metro Consulting Associates (MCA) created a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan for the City of Highland Park. Based on historic crash analysis, this infrastructural, operational, and behavioral assessment and improvement strategy was completed through a $200,000 federal grant with a $50,000 local grant match.

The multi-year plan aims to achieve “Vision Zero,” eliminating all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2040. To support this goal, our team developed a High-Injury Network (HIN) by identifying critical intersections and corridors and incorporated the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Safe Systems Approach. The plan includes a comprehensive analysis of crash trends by type, severity, lighting, and other infrastructure conditions and demographics. Notably, it highlights the disproportionate impact on pedestrians and underserved communities. Throughout the project, we actively gathered community feedback and integrated it into the proposed solutions to ensure they reflect local needs and priorities.

Moving beyond road repairs, this project proactively linked road safety to social equity by demonstrating the disproportionate impact of poor infrastructure on vulnerable demographics. With over 60% of the population living in a Historically Disadvantaged Community and 100% living in an Area of Persistent Poverty, the plan created a concrete baseline for improving road safety.

This complex, multifaceted analysis and strategic plan provide community-focused initiatives addressing physical and social challenges. It also provides the City of Highland Park with a strategic framework to qualify for future federal grants, specifically the Safe Streets for All Implementation grants.

According to the Grant Agreement, the Action Plan has been made publicly available, through the City’s website: SS4A HP City Safety Action Plan