FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF)- The City of Fort Worth is implementing a policy to reduce traffic and pedestrian deaths in the city.
District 9 Councilwoman Ann Zadeh said traffic fatalities are a growing problem in Fort Worth. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) designated Fort Worth as a Focus City, one that has a high rate of pedestrian fatalities. “In 2017 Fort Worth had a pedestrian fatality rate of 3.66 fatalities per 100,000 in population and ranked 6th highest in the top 25 largest city’s in the U.S,” she said.
Through the Vision Zero Policy, the City collects crash data, gathers input from stakeholders, identifies safety improvements, and evaluates and implements programs. She says so far they have put contrasting crosswalks that are more visible for pedestrians, barriers for bikers on roads and worked on signal timing to allow pedestrians to get a jump start when crossing roads. They are also looking to redesign busy roadways, intersections and shopping centers with a history of traffic problems. “West 7th Street is one of the streets we are looking at, also University.. and I’m constantly on the look out for streets that can use some help,” Zadeh said.
She said improvements to West 7th could be as early as 2020.
