Challenge
Like many growing communities, the Town of Leland, North Carolina, has faced an increase in severe crashes on its streets. Community leaders recognized the need for a structured approach to make streets safer for everyone, and they sought to align their efforts with the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program.
Solution
Kittelson partnered with the Town of Leland to create a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. The team began with an in-depth crash data review to identify past safety hot spots before then conducting a systemic crash evaluation to locate current and potential high-risk locations. These efforts culminated in Leland’s High-Injury Network, which highlights where countermeasures could have the greatest impact.
Through a combination of in-person meetings, social media, surveys, web and paper surveys and materials, and lobby displays throughout the community, residents provided input on where they feel unsafe and what changes they would like to see. This equity-focused outreach ensured that the plan reflected the needs of all users. The team also worked with the Town to navigate projects such as quick-builds, requests to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and targeted enforcement efforts, all while laying the groundwork for longer-term strategies.
The Outcome
Putting Safety First in a Growing Community
The planning process has raised local engagement and reinforced the Town’s commitment to improving safety. By building a coalition around shared goals and prioritizing countermeasures that are both impactful and feasible, Leland is moving toward a future where fewer families experience the life-altering consequences of severe crashes. The final SS4A-compatible Safety Action Plan, scheduled for completion in late 2024, will guide ongoing efforts to create safer streets across the community.
