AGENDA ITEM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE*
title
Adopt Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (TWTPO) Vision Zero Action Plan
presenter
RESPONSIBLE STAFF, TITLE, DEPARTMENT*
Kurt Stolka, Vision Zero Coordinator, Planning Department
Bergen Watterson, Mobility and Greenways Manager, Planning Department
STAFF RECOMMENDATION*
Staff recommends that Council adopt the Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization Vision Zero Action Plan
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT*
The Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (TWTPO) was awarded funding in 2023 to develop a regional Vision Zero Action Plan. Town staff participated in the Plan’s development and will use this plan for the basis of a Safe Streets for All Implementation Grant application in June 2025. The Plan contains recommendations for programs and policies aimed at creating a culture of roadway safety in the region. The Plan also includes infrastructure recommendations targeting the most dangerous roads to eliminate serious injuries and deaths in Chapel Hill and throughout the region.
Town staff will use this Plan to guide decision-making and direct resources to the most dangerous roads and intersections, identified as the High Injury Network (HIN). Since most of the HIN is comprised of roads owned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), staff anticipate using this Plan to encourage NCDOT to invest in safety improvements on their roads and allow the Town to make incremental changes to improve conditions for the most vulnerable users.
The attached Executive Summary provides additional information about the Plan, and the full plan can be found at the link here: TWTPO Vision Zero Action Plan <https://www.dchcmpo.org/home/showpublisheddocument/4678/638815185815170000>.
The TWTPO Board adopted the Plan on April 22, 2025. Town staff anticipate submitting a SS4A Implementation Grant application by the June 26th deadline, and adoption of this Vision Zero Action Plan is required to submit.
ATTACHMENTS
Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization Vision Zero Action Plan_Executive Summary
Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization Vision Zero Action Plan_Full Plan
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TRIANGLE WEST TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION’S VISION ZERO ACTION PLAN (2025-06-11/R-8)
WHEREAS, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each year approximately 40,000 people are killed in traffic collisions in the United States; and
WHEREAS, from 2020 to 2024, six people died and fourteen suffered severe injuries from 222 crashes while walking or biking on streets in Chapel Hill; and
WHEREAS, one death on Town streets is one too many, and Town and departmental leadership are dedicated to strategies that aim to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on streets in Chapel Hill; and
WHEREAS, seniors, children, people of color, people with disabilities, people in low-income communities, and vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists face a disproportionate risk of traffic injuries and fatalities; and
WHEREAS, the Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization’s Vision Zero Action Plan recommends programs, policies, strategies, and infrastructure projects aimed at creating a culture of roadway safety and eliminating serious injuries and deaths in Chapel Hill and throughout the region; and
WHEREAS, an adopted Safety Action Plan is required by the Federal Highway Administration for a municipality to apply for Safe Streets for All implementation funding.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby adopts the Vision Zero Action Plan as described in the June 11, 2025, meeting materials, incorporating the plan’s recommendations, as appropriate.
This, the 11th day of June, 2025.
end