On Sept. 5, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced over $5 million in funding for road improvements across Utah. This funding is part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All initiative led by DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg. 

“The SS4A program gives local and tribal governments the resources to plan and implement the safety improvements that will make the most difference in their communities,” said U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg in a statement. “They know what is best, and this program leverages that local expertise to save lives.” 

A significant portion—$2.94 million—will go toward enhancing safety along a 6.4-mile stretch of Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, between 2300 North and State Route 201. According to a statement from the USDOT, the lack of safe crossing points has resulted in more people making unmarked crossings, posing risks to both pedestrians and cyclists.

“We should be energized by the fact that together we’ve reduced traffic fatalities for more than two years in a row now—but so much work remains to fully address the crisis on our roads,” said Buttigieg.  

The city's plan to address these issues includes several cost-effective measures such as adjusting traffic signals, installing high-intensity crosswalk beacons, and expanding sidewalks along Redwood Road.

This $5.03-million allocation to Utah is part of a larger $1 billion in grants distributed nationwide. Salt Lake City is set to receive nearly 60% of the state's funding, with the remainder spread across various other locations. The Jordan River Commission will receive $1.08 million, while $400,000 each will go to the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District and Cottonwood Heights. Additionally, Heber City will get $120,000, and Alpine City will receive $87,744.

In Southern Utah, the Navajo Nation Division of Transportation has been awarded more than $1 million as part of the initiative.