The mission of the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) to provide the safe and efficient movement of all modes of traffic in the City of Lincoln. Safe Streets Lincoln is a local initiative, which is part of the national Vision Zero campaign to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The Safe Streets Lincoln initiative and national Vision Zero concept prioritize traffic safety and consider it a public health issue. The Vision Zero strategy acknowledges that many factors contribute to safe mobility – including street design, speeds, behaviors, technology, and policies – and that traffic safety is a shared responsibility. Safe Streets Lincoln is a community-driven initiative committed to greater traffic safety, using a comprehensive approach to identify strategies and projects that keep all road users safe.
The Safe Streets Lincoln goal is to eliminate all roadway fatalities and reduce suspected serious injuries by 60% by 2045.
In pursuit of this goal, the City of Lincoln is developing a Vision Zero Action Plan. Learn more about the project here: Lincoln’s Vision Zero Action Plan
Pursuing the Safe Streets Lincoln and Vision Zero concept offers a positive and proactive shift in thinking from traffic crashes happen, to traffic crashes resulting in street fatalities and serious injuries are preventable. The table below provides an overview.
Safety improvements in transportation take many forms. Several safety measures have already been implemented within the city of Lincoln to enhance safety for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Here are a few examples of the safety improvements already in place across the city.
In 2022, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) implemented safety improvements in the Saratoga Elementary school zone. Key changes included shortening pedestrian crossing distances, extending bike lanes south from South Street, lowering speed limit, adding ADA-compliant curb ramps, and enhancing crosswalk visibility with new signage and pavement markings. These upgrades aim to slow traffic and improve safety for students and pedestrians near the school. Extended bike lanes and additional pavement markings on 13th Street near South Street to shorten crossing distance at the pedestrian signal.
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A pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) is a type of traffic signal used to stop vehicles and allows pedestrians and bicyclists to cross streets safely. The pedestrian hybrid beacon remains dark to drivers on the street until activated by a pedestrian or bicyclist until it’s by pressing a button.
PHB enhances safety at midblock and uncontrolled crossings by providing clear right-of-way and increasing driver compliance. It reduces pedestrian crash risk while minimizing vehicle delays, offering a cost-effective alternative to full traffic signals.
13th and F Streets(, 0B)
In 2018, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) reconfigured South 13th Street, from South Street to Lincoln Mall, to improve safety, efficiency, and mobility for all users along this segment of roadway.
Key improvements included converting the road from four lanes to three with a center two-way left-turn lane, enhancing pedestrian crosswalks with the installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at “D” Street and “F” Street, and adding bike lanes in both directions.
Learn More(, 0B)
More information: Proven Safety Countermeasures (FHWA Website)