IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES

We are committed to eliminating deaths and serious injuries on our streets. The strategies outlined in this action plan were developed to help guide the implementation efforts of the City and its partners to improve safety in Knoxville. 


PRIORITY ACTIONS

The following immediate action items are intended to be the priority steps the City will take toward implementing the Vision Zero Action Plan. While this is an aggressive approach, we're committed to making Knoxville safer for all users, and we will update these action steps publicly based on performance and progress.

Apply for Safe Streets and Roads for All Implementation Grant for priority projects.

Support the Knoxville Vision Zero Steering Committee.

Collaborate with TDOT to prioritize, design, and fund safety projects on the HIN that are state maintained.

Implement safety improvements along the HIN prioritizing Tier 1 project segments.

Conduct demonstration projects to test new design ideas, engage the public, and implement safety improvements faster.

Evaluate success towards the goal of zero traffic deaths and severe injuries.

Launch a transparent data dashboard.

PRIORITY PROJECTS

Priority projects will be identified using the HIN and predictive analysis. These will be detailed with planning-level cost estimates, and implementation will be pursued over time in accordance with the Action Plan Framework and through other funding sources.


NORTH BROADWAY / WOODLAND AVENUE

Both Broadway and Woodland Avenue present opportunities for targeted investments in high-crash corridors. Improvements on N Broadway include adding a shared-use path. This would also provide a valuable connection to the First Creek Greenway trail. On E Woodland Avenue, improvements include a shared-use path, reducing travel lanes from four to two, an on-road bike lane, and a refuge island at Fulton High School. 


E. MAGNOLIA AVENUE

Improvements on E Magnolia Avenue are focused on two key intersections: Cherry Street and Hembree Street, although complete street improvements to benefit all roadway users are also recommended. Magnolia Ave is a 5-lane roadway with a wide outside shoulder. The intersection between Magnolia and Hembree Street was the site of a pedestrian fatality and currently there is no safe way to cross Hembree Street. The roadway here is above 70 feet wide. Crosswalks should be added to all legs of the intersection, with enhanced pedestrian protection through curb extensions, RRFBs or PHBs, and a pedestrian refuge island. 

	For complete information, visit the City's Vision Zero Action Plan

STRATEGIES

To comprehensively identify solutions for transportation safety challenges and organize recommended strategies, this action plan’s recommendations are organized into themes and Safe System categories.


DESIGN

1. Implement safety improvements on the High-Injury Network.
2. Use predictive analysis results to implement proactive safety improvements.
3. Improve left turn and U-turn safety.
4. Develop pedestrian and bicycle countermeasure guidance.
5. Improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and address gaps.
6. Expand the City's Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program.
7. Establish a city working group to coordinate regional Complete Streets efforts.
8. Improve roadway lighting, especially on the High-Injury Network.
9. Mitigate high speed fixed-object crashes on slopes and hill crests.
10. Address motorcycle safety issues.


LAND USE

1. Targeted reductions to off-street parking requirements.
2. Require new developments to consider bicycle and pedestrian impacts.
3. Expand bicycle parking requirements in appropriate locations.
4. Expand pedestrian- and transit-oriented design standards for developments.
5. Analyze regional barriers to compact development.


PLANS

1. Incorporate the High-Injury Network, crash profiles and predictive analysis results into future plan updates.
2. Update the City's Complete Streets policy and coordinate with the TPO.
3. Audit bus stops along the High-Injury Network to identify both quick build strategies and long-term improvements needed, including ADA compliance.


POLICIES

1. Advance Vision Zero policies and hire or appoint a Vision Zero coordinator.
2. Monitor and improve existing safety policies.
3. Diversify safety funding sources and identify dedicated funding for vulnerable road user safety improvements.
4. Develop/update access management policies to reduce driveway conflicts.
5. Examine opportunities for lowering speed limits on commercial arterials.
6. Provide for pedestrian and bicycle mobility in existing or new maintenance of traffic policies.


PROGRAMS

1. Develop targeted roadway safety education and enforcement programs.
2. Prioritize vulnerable road user facility maintenance.
3. Spread awareness of and participation in Smart Trips, the existing regional transportation demand management (TDM) program.
4. Expand automated enforcement programs.
5. Improve crash data and transparency.
6. Establish a citywide safety evaluation working group to monitor performance measures.