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Later this year, the Dallas City Council is anticipated to seek voter approval for over $1 billion in bonds, with approximately $500 million designated for streets and transportation. However, the latest bond package proposal from city staff allots only about $9 million for the city’s “Vision Zero” plan to mitigate traffic injuries and fatalities — less than 2% of the total transportation bond.
In 2022, the council committed to a ‘Vision Zero’ pledge, aiming to eliminate traffic deaths and decrease serious injuries by 50% by 2030.
The $9 million bond funding earmarked for Vision Zero pales in comparison to the investment made by the City of Austin, despite Dallas being larger. Since 2016, Austin has allocated approximately $95 million for Vision Zero efforts, resulting in significant improvements and reduced fatalities and serious injuries at hazardous intersections.
Austin’s investments encompass various safety measures such as speed management, traffic calming projects, improved street lighting, major intersection enhancements, pedestrian crossings, and the installation of safety beacons.
Safety advocates assert that Dallas may need to allocate substantially more funds to achieve meaningful reductions in injuries and deaths compared to Austin’s efforts.
In Dallas, most of the $9 million would be allocated for new streetlights at six high-injury locations, focusing on enhancing pedestrian safety at night. However, addressing the primary cause of deadly crashes — speeding — remains a challenge, especially on older streets designed to accommodate higher speeds.
Dallas City Council members, including Chad West, have requested a briefing on Vision Zero to gain insight into funding allocation and progress. Concerns have been raised about the lack of progress in implementing the Vision Zero plan.
City Transportation Director Gus Khankarli declined an interview until after briefing the council, emphasizing that the current project list is subject to refinement based on ongoing corridor studies and council input.
Under the current plan, only two locations would undergo physical changes using Vision Zero bond funds. Additionally, about $50 million is allocated for “complete streets” projects, incorporating Vision Zero-style modifications in some cases.
Council members are scheduled to convene again to discuss the bond package on Wednesday.