Raleigh unveils safe streets action plan to curb serious crashes, traffic deaths

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Raleigh officials have released a more than 500-page Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan outlining how the city aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2045.

The plan identifies high-risk intersections and corridors where upgrades could reduce severe crashes. At the intersection of Hillsborough Street and North Boylan Avenue - one of the top-ten locations slated for improvements - pedestrian Keith Moses said the changes are needed.

"I feel like there could be a lot more improvements," Moses said. "There are always accidents. There's always honking, arguments, and the traffic light is not long enough."

Although intersections make up a small share of Raleigh's road network, they account for nearly half of all fatal and serious-injury crashes, according to the city. High-traffic corridors, including New Bern Avenue, are also listed as priority areas.

City data shows crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists are more than four times as likely to result in serious injury or death. Between 2019 and 2023, nearly 1,100 such crashes were reported.

The plan calls for upgrades such as sidewalks, medians, high-visibility crosswalks, improved lighting and signal timing adjustments. Raleigh's goal is to reduce fatal and serious-injury crashes by 5% every five years through 2045.

The city is also launching a public campaign to encourage safer driving behaviors as part of the broader effort to make streets safer for everyone.

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