Exciting Changes Coming to San Antonio’s Streets!
San Antonio, a city known for its rich culture and vibrant community, is gearing up for some big changes in how its streets are designed and used. With nearly 500 square miles of area to cover, the city has been busy putting plans into action that not only improve the roads but also enhance safety for everyone.
Investing in Safer Roadway Infrastructure
Over the past year, the city has made strides to utilize bond dollars to enhance roadway infrastructure. These improvements won’t just help the roads themselves but will also affect private commercial and land developers who create new roadways as part of their projects. It’s truly a collaborative effort to transform how people navigate the city.
A Focus on Public Transit and Safety
One key initiative San Antonio is pursuing is its transit-oriented development plans. This strategy encourages the growth of communities near VIA transit lines, San Antonio’s public transportation system. The goal is to make it easier for residents to access public transit, reducing reliance on cars and promoting a more walkable environment.
Another significant program is the Vision Zero Action Plan, aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries. With 171 fatal car crashes and 581 serious injuries reported last year, the urgency for this plan is clear. The current version of the Vision Zero plan builds on previous efforts since its initial adoption in 2016, incorporating enhanced safety measures for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
Identifying Danger Zones
The city’s plan has pinpointed several dangerous roadways needing urgent attention. Places such as Culebra Road, Military Drive, and Bandera Road are among the streets where safety improvements are especially crucial. The city aims to redesign these areas, introduce safe speed limits, and incorporate innovative technologies to improve safety measures.
Complete Streets Policy Revamped
This September, the city updated its Complete Streets policy, which aims to create well-rounded road designs for all users, not just vehicles. Historically, the focus was on cars, but this new approach treats streets as shared spaces. The revised policy echoes best practices from organizations like Smart Growth America, which studies urban environments.
Based on data, San Antonio currently holds the 25th spot for most vehicular fatalities in the U.S., with a rate of 2.95 deaths per 100,000 residents — the highest in Texas. Advocates like Joey Pawlik from ActivateSA stress the importance of prioritizing the safety of vulnerable users in road design, pushing for infrastructure that not only makes driving easier but also safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Future Goals and Collaborations
One of the largest challenges in reshaping San Antonio’s streets is finding the right design guidelines. Stakeholders like Tom Carter talk about the complexity of implementing every desired feature due to limited space. However, alternatives, such as building bike lanes on adjacent streets like Avenue B, show that creative solutions are possible.
As developers also must align with these new policies, there are discussions about how these changes may affect costs and regulations. Although compliance may increase expenses, the development community is generally supportive of the policy updates, seeing the long-term benefits of safer streets for all.
Looking Ahead
With a clearer vision for the city’s streets and ongoing evaluation, San Antonio is on the right path to reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities. The ambitious plans aim not just to change the landscape of the roads but to foster a community where everyone can feel safe and connected.
As these initiatives unfold, residents can look forward to a future where their streets are not only more attractive but also tailored for the safety and comfort of all users. It’s all part of working towards a safer, more pedestrian-friendly San Antonio!
