Feds to “Encourage” Complete Streets Design

The Federal Highway Administration is calling for any expansion of federal roadways to include planning for the safety of all users of the roadways, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders.

It cites a Complete Streets Design Model, and encourages states to design any improvements in federal roadways to be safe for all users.

Some have questioned whether the Administration’s focus on safety will color its allocation of funds, pressuring states to improve highway infrastructure accordingly.

On March 2, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg testified before Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. In his opening remarks, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chair, said states are “encouraged” to design projects according to the national priorities enumerated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

In response, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg acknowledged that the DOT will indeed consider safety in its process of awarding discretionary grants.

Watch the testimony on CSPAN.