Metroplan, the long-range planning organization for central Arkansas, on Thursday announced it has been awarded a $913,690 federal grant to support road safety upgrades.
The funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program will be used to conduct “demonstration activities” to determine the benefits of emerging technologies, the organization said in a news release. Those include enhancements at high-speed signalized intersections, EMS vehicle safety alert technology and high-visibility crossings for the regional trail system.
The tests will help Metroplan address safety issues identified in the organization’s Central Arkansas Safety Action Plan.
“Our data shows that rural high-speed signalized intersections are a challenge throughout the region and we are excited to implement technology that is vital to saving lives and keeping Central Arkansas residents safe,” Faulkner County Judge and Metroplan Vice President Allen Dodson said.
The award is a result of collaboration between Metropolitan Emergency Medical Systems (MEMS), the Arkansas Department of Transportation, Faulkner County and Pulaski County.
“MEMS is committed to providing high-quality emergency medical services to our community,” said Greg Thompson, executive director of MEMS, said in the release. “These funds secured by Metroplan will improve safety for our crews and community while we are en route to or on the scene of emergencies by providing automated messages to nearby motorists alerting them to our presence.”
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