Memphis streets are set for a substantial safety overhaul, as Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) has declared a major infusion of federal dollars targeting the city's most dangerous intersection. According to information from Cohen's office, Memphis will receive $13,188,000 from the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program to redesign the perilous crossroads of Lamar Avenue, Kimball Avenue, and Pendleton Street.
The funds are part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Cohen, a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, was the sole supporter among the current Tennessee Congressional delegation, the redesign comes as a testament to the city planner Tommy Pacello, whom Cohen recalled as being "totally committed to Complete Streets and a new way of looking at infrastructure based on the safety for all using our roadways"; these are the words Cohen shared while addressing the imminent changes to what is known as the city's top spot for crash frequency. Notably, Cohen also introduced a new version of his Complete Streets Act with Senator Ed Markey earlier in the year, showing continuous dedication to infrastructure rooted in safety.
It's not just Memphis that's getting a cut from the bipartisan SS4A program, which is dedicated to funding projects aimed at eliminating roadway casualties; under this round of the program, the Department of Transportation is dispensing $1 billion across 354 projects nationwide. Memphis's share of this national effort will target an intersection plagued with confusing signals, poor pedestrian pathways, and chaotic traffic movements, intending to enhance safety not only for drivers but also for those frequenting the adjoining Cherokee Park.
Concrete plans are in motion to simplify this complex intersection by closing one road, improving the traffic signal setup alongside constructing facilities for pedestrians so they can safely navigate the area, these steps are aimed at increasing the well-being of park visitors who enjoy the amenities like playgrounds, ball fields, and fitness trails and supplementing this structural makeover, Memphis has a broader scheme involving the deployment of quick-build projects and education campaigns with local schools, not forgetting a near-miss camera pilot to closely monitor traffic behavior and leverage crash data analytics to further prevent incidents. Just last year, the city garnered a $640,000 SS4A grant for the drafting of its comprehensive "Safe Streets for All" plan, marking a consistent stride toward eradicating traffic related tragedies.
