New York Construction Report staff writer
Local governments will share $90 million for projects designed to make New York’s highways safer.
“Safe highways save lives, and through the adoption of a ‘Safe System’ approach, we are holistically evaluating our highway systems to identify where safety investments can make the greatest impact,” Governor Kathy Hochul said, announcing the new funding. “The funding we are making available today will empower local governments to implement projects that enhance roadway safety and reduce the risk of accidents, helping drivers reach their destinations safely.”
The New York State Department of Transportation launched a program in 2024 to reduce fatalities and serious injuries that occur when vehicles veer off their lanes or roadways. The plan focuses on engineering improvements, public education, and coordinated law enforcement efforts.
Funding is available through the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). Local governments can use the funds to design and implement projects that address roadway departure risks, including countermeasures like enhanced striping, curve warning signs, rumble strips, and median barriers. The minimum available funds per local project are $250,000.
About $10 million will support the development of Local Road Safety Plans, which help municipalities identify high-risk areas and prioritize safety improvements.
Also, another $90 million is set aside for NYSDOT to implement safety enhancements on state highways. The initiatives form part of a broader multi-year, multi-agency effort to reduce fatalities and injuries on all of New York’s road systems.
Local governments interested in applying for funding can do so through the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program. Eligible entities include counties, towns, villages, Native Nations, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and counties that wish to sponsor projects on behalf of multiple municipalities.
For more information on how to apply, including the process for submitting projects and additional details about the funding, visit the official NYSDOT website.
