Middletown adopts Vision Zero resolution, pursues USDOT safety-action funding with RIPTA plan
January 06, 2025 | Town of Middletown, Newport County, Rhode Island
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The Town Council voted to adopt a Vision Zero resolution and heard a presentation on a state-backed safety action planning effort that will help Middletown apply for federal implementation funds.
What the council heard
Tool Design planners presented work carried out under a RIPTA Safe Streets for All (SS4A) planning grant. The firm described a data-driven process that combines crash records and community input to identify the town’s high-injury network and propose prioritized safety strategies. Presentation highlights included: over the last five years Middletown recorded 25 crashes resulting in death or serious injury; community feedback emphasized safety concerns on East and West Main Roads, demand for sidewalks and lighting, and a desire for protected bike facilities.
Why it matters
Completion and adoption of a town safety action plan and a formal Vision Zero commitment are prerequisites to apply for USDOT SS4A implementation funds. Town staff said adoption will help the town seek federal funding for identified projects and strengthen applications for implementation grants.
Council action
After the presentation, the council unanimously approved a Vision Zero resolution that places the town on record supporting goals to reduce fatal and serious-injury crashes over the next ten years and to pursue implementation funding through the SS4A program.
Who said what (selected)
Shauna Kitzman — senior transportation planner, Tool Design (presented data and plan scope).Town planner Ron (name not fully stated in transcript) — outlined task force membership and next steps for adoption.
Next steps
Planners said they will finalize goals, strategies, and performance measures; present a final safety action plan to council in late winter; and help prepare the town’s competitive application for implementation funds. The council and staff will continue task force meetings and outreach to local stakeholders.
Clarifying detail: presenters emphasized that the SS4A process targets high-injury locations — not minor fender-benders — and that speed management is a central factor in reducing serious crashes.
What the council heard
Tool Design planners presented work carried out under a RIPTA Safe Streets for All (SS4A) planning grant. The firm described a data-driven process that combines crash records and community input to identify the town’s high-injury network and propose prioritized safety strategies. Presentation highlights included: over the last five years Middletown recorded 25 crashes resulting in death or serious injury; community feedback emphasized safety concerns on East and West Main Roads, demand for sidewalks and lighting, and a desire for protected bike facilities.
Why it matters
Completion and adoption of a town safety action plan and a formal Vision Zero commitment are prerequisites to apply for USDOT SS4A implementation funds. Town staff said adoption will help the town seek federal funding for identified projects and strengthen applications for implementation grants.
Council action
After the presentation, the council unanimously approved a Vision Zero resolution that places the town on record supporting goals to reduce fatal and serious-injury crashes over the next ten years and to pursue implementation funding through the SS4A program.
Who said what (selected)
Shauna Kitzman — senior transportation planner, Tool Design (presented data and plan scope).Town planner Ron (name not fully stated in transcript) — outlined task force membership and next steps for adoption.
Next steps
Planners said they will finalize goals, strategies, and performance measures; present a final safety action plan to council in late winter; and help prepare the town’s competitive application for implementation funds. The council and staff will continue task force meetings and outreach to local stakeholders.
Clarifying detail: presenters emphasized that the SS4A process targets high-injury locations — not minor fender-benders — and that speed management is a central factor in reducing serious crashes.
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