Sullivan County Launches Safety Action Plan, Seeks Public Input

Sullivan County is moving to formalize a county level approach to road safety by participating in the Federal Highway Administration Safe Streets and Roads for All program, known as SS4A. The effort centers on development of a comprehensive Safety Action Plan intended to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries across the county. County planners say the plan will identify and prioritize high risk locations and projects, bring local practices into alignment with federal safety standards, and help towns and the county pursue implementation funding.

The Safety Action Plan is being framed as a collaborative planning process. The county webpage for the program sets out goals and answers common questions, and it encourages residents to complete surveys and take part in planning discussions. That public input will be used to shape which locations and interventions move forward and to ensure that the plan reflects the experiences of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and public transit users throughout Sullivan County.

For local governments the initiative provides a policy and project selection framework that can streamline grant applications and project coordination. By documenting priority streets and interventions at the county level, towns will be better positioned to seek federal implementation funds that often require alignment with an approved safety plan. The work also creates an evidentiary basis for prioritizing limited local transportation dollars toward the most dangerous corridors and intersections.

The plan has direct community implications. Residents can expect a formal process for raising safety concerns, proposing solutions and tracking which projects are recommended for funding and construction. Successful prioritization could lead to investments in roadway design changes, signage, crossings and other safety measures that benefit a range of users.

County officials urge civic participation, noting that survey responses and attendance at planning sessions will influence which projects receive priority. The Safety Action Plan is intended to be a living blueprint that guides future project selection and funding applications, and sustained public engagement will determine how effectively it reduces serious crashes across Sullivan County.