Dedham’s Engineering Department, with the support of the Transportation Safety Working Group (TSWG) applied for this grant with the goal of developing a LSRP to improve safety for all modes of transportation in Dedham (vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian) that will also include studies of major and minor collector roadways. With the technical assistance of a consultant, the TSWG will identify potential roadway hazard concerns, recommend safety improvements, and will provide a proactive approach to address and correct the safety concerns, through both short and long term implementation projects.

A key component in the development of these projects is public engagement. The TSWG will hold a series of public meetings to engage directly with residents and business owners to solicit comments, concerns, and considerations regarding existing roadway conditions that will be incorporated in the LSRP. Public meeting dates will be posted on the Town website, social media, and will be shared with local media when finalized. All are invited to attend and participate.

Over the next several weeks, the Town will work with the USDOT to finalize contracts that will allow the Town to hire a consultant and begin work on the development of the LSRP.

Dedham is one of just 510 communities across the country to receive grant funding through the USDOT Safe Streets and Roads Grant Program. The SS4A provided a total $800 million through this first round of funding.

About the Transportation Safety Working Group (TSWG)

The TSWG was established early in 2022 by the Select Board in response to local fatal pedestrian accidents. The TSWG envisioned the development of a LRSP to improve safety for all modes of transportation on our higher volume roadways with the ability for the Town to become a Vision Zero community. The TSWG is comprised of the following Town staff, elected, and appointed officials:

Town Manager Leon Goodwin, Assistant Town Manager Nancy Baker, Fire Chief William Spillane, Police Chief Michael d’Entremont, Director of Public Works Joseph Flanagan, Director of Engineering Jason Mammone, P.E., Select Board Member Dimitria Sullivan, Planning Board Chair John Bethoney, Finance and Warrant Committee Chair Dave Roberts, Active Transportation Working Group Member Bryan Plummer, and Director of Communications Amanda Smith.

About the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program

The SS4A program was first established in 2021 by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with a discretionary fund of $5 billion in appropriated funds over five years. The SS4A program supports Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and the United Stations Department’s goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways.