Greater Madison MPO Secures $1 Million to Enhance Roadway Safety Across Dane County

The Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has been awarded $1 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to enhance safety for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians throughout Dane County.

This funding will assist the City of Fitchburg, the Village of Shorewood Hills, and Dane County in creating targeted safety action plans. Additionally, it will support the Village of Cottage Grove’s Active Transportation Plan and the City of Verona’s Safe Routes to School Plan—each a critical step towards making local roadways, sidewalks, and bike paths safer for all residents.

Since 2017, Wisconsin roadways have seen over 250 lives lost and more than 1,400 serious injuries. These figures underscore the critical need for proactive safety measures to protect all road users.

“This funding will allow us to make continued advancements toward our goal of zero roadway fatalities and injuries by 2040,” said Alex Andros, Director of the Greater Madison MPO. “By supporting thoughtful, community-driven solutions, we can address the challenges on our roadways and enrich public safety for all who live, work, and travel in Dane County.”

According to KABCO data, while 23% of vehicular crashes result in injury, more than 90% of crashes involving a bicyclist or pedestrian lead to injury. With these statistics in mind, the new funding will prioritize pedestrian and bicyclist safety, supporting plans that address high-risk areas and foster safer streets for all road users.

This grant builds on the MPO’s Regional Safety Action Plan, adopted earlier this year, which outlines strategies to achieve the organization’s goal of zero roadway fatalities and injuries by 2040. By focusing on safety improvements in areas with diverse transit needs, this funding brings the MPO and Dane County communities one step closer to a safer, more connected transportation network.