Safety roadmaps in EL paso: a data-driven approach to safeguard vulnerable road users amidst urban growth and increasing traffic

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) received a $663,376 Project Grant award on September 18, 2025, from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program (CFDA 20.939). The project, titled "Safety Roadmaps in El Paso: A Data-Driven Approach to Safeguard Vulnerable Road Users Amidst Urban Growth and Increasing Traffic," will operate through September 30, 2028, and is being conducted in El Paso County, Texas. The award supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive, data-driven safety initiative designed to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries among vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders, in response to challenges posed by urban growth and increasing traffic volume.

Under this SS4A grant, UTEP will deliver planning, design, and development activities focused on creating a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan for the El Paso region. The project will leverage UTEP's research capabilities and technical expertise to conduct stakeholder engagement, perform data analysis, and develop targeted infrastructure and behavioral safety strategies. As a Carnegie Classification R1 doctoral research institution and Hispanic-serving university, UTEP brings specialized competency in research and development to support this regional safety initiative serving the U.S.-Mexico border region.