The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 17-111 is a comprehensive research initiative in partnership with Safe Streets Research & Consulting, LLC. The project focuses on developing speed management strategies that improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety on arterials and higher-speed roadways.
Why This Matters
The U.S. is facing a traffic safety crisis. Between 2010 and 2021, nearly 77,100 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed, with fatalities increasing by 71% for pedestrians and 58% for bicyclists. High-speed roadways are a major contributor to these alarming trends, and this project aims to reverse them through innovative, context-driven solutions.
Our Approach
The research explores a range of strategies to reduce speeds and enhance safety, including:
- Design treatments that influence driver behavior.
- Signal system strategies for speed control.
- Incremental changes to roadway design.
- Supportive land-use policies that encourage safer environments.
- Enforcement opportunities and speed limit adjustments.
To understand real-world impacts, the team evaluated 12 case studies across diverse contexts, analyzing speed and crash data for each implemented strategy.
Deliverables
The project will produce:
- A comprehensive guide with a decision-making framework for implementing context-sensitive speed management.
- A final report summarizing research findings.
- Outreach materials to support adoption.
- A project implementation plan with graphical guidance and clear recommendations for state DOTs, counties, and cities.
These resources will help agencies transition high-speed roadways to lower-speed arterials or provide appropriate pedestrian and bicyclist facilities where high speeds remain necessary.
Impact
By combining research, practical strategies, and actionable guidance, NCHRP 17-111 empowers transportation agencies to create safer, more livable communities, where streets serve everyone, not just vehicles.