In a coordinated effort to improve road safety, Lee County, the City of Sanford, the Town of Broadway, and the Central Pines Regional Council (CPRC) are partnering to develop a regional Safety Action Plan as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program.
The initiative aims to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by combining data analysis with community input. Once complete, the Safety Action Plan will identify high-crash areas, evaluate contributing factors, and recommend projects, policies, and programs to improve safety for all road users, including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transit riders.
"This plan is a crucial step toward improving traffic safety in our community,” said David Montgomery, Transportation and Long-Range Planner. “By identifying high-risk areas and listening to community input, we can make informed decisions that help save lives and make our streets safer for everyone."
The program is part of a broader regional initiative led by the CPRC, which received a $250,000 federal grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to develop two pilot safety plans: a rural plan for Lee County, Sanford, and Broadway; and a suburban plan for the Town of Morrisville.
Local contributions from Sanford ($11,500), Lee County ($12,000), and Broadway ($500) will support the plan’s development.
Community Input Needed
As part of this initiative, the public is invited to complete a survey that includes an interactive map where participants can highlight areas that feel unsafe or need improvement.
In addition to the online survey, there will be several in-person engagement events, including community pop-ups and a public open house. These events will give residents the chance to learn more, speak with staff, and share feedback.
The first public input session will be held on July 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Sanford Farmers’ Market, located in the Chatham Street Parking Lot in Downtown Sanford. Additional dates and locations will be announced soon.
The Safety Action Plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and will serve as a model for other rural counties in the CPRC region. Once adopted, Lee County, the City of Sanford, and the Town of Broadway will be well-positioned to apply for federal funding for infrastructure improvements.
Stay updated on the Safety Action Plan progress at www.sanfordnc.net/safe-streets. For more information about the initiative, contact David Montgomery at 919-718-4657 ext. 5392 or david.montgomery@sanfordnc.net.