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Montgomery Prioritizes People Community Forum Focuseson Pedestrian Safetyand Infrastructure

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, August 19th 2025 at 14:53 GMT by Aaron Neefham, WSFA
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Montgomery, Alabama – A packed community forum held this week underscored a growing commitment from city leaders to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility across the municipality. The event, hosted by Mayor Earl Dilliard and City Council members, centered around proposed infrastructure improvements aimed at making Montgomery more walkable and safer for residents of all ages and abilities.

The forum, held at the Carver High School auditorium, was a direct response to increasing concerns voiced by community members regarding pedestrian safety risks, particularly in historically underserved areas. Recent data (as presented during the forum – see related link below) reveals a concerning trend of pedestrian-involved accidents, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures.

Addressing Key Concerns: A Multi-Pronged Approach

The discussion revolved around several key initiatives outlined in the city’s recently updated Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (available at [https://www.montgomeryal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pedestrian-Safety-Action-Plan_Final.pdf]). These plans aren't just about adding sidewalks; they represent a holistic approach to creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

One of the most significant proposals involves expanding and improving sidewalk networks, particularly in areas identified as “priority zones.” These zones include neighborhoods surrounding schools, community centers, and commercial districts – places where foot traffic is consistently high. The plan calls for not just constructing new sidewalks but also repairing existing ones that are cracked, uneven, or otherwise hazardous.

Beyond simply providing walkways, the forum emphasized the importance of incorporating safety features into pedestrian infrastructure. This includes:

• High-Visibility Crosswalks: Installation of brightly colored crosswalks at intersections with high pedestrian volume, along with flashing beacons to alert drivers.
• Raised Crosswalks & Speed Humps: Implementing these traffic calming measures in areas near schools and parks to reduce vehicle speeds and increase driver awareness.
• Pedestrian Refuge Islands: Creating small islands in the middle of wider streets to allow pedestrians a safe place to pause while crossing, breaking down the journey into smaller, more manageable segments.
• Improved Lighting: Enhancing street lighting along pedestrian routes to improve visibility for both walkers and drivers, particularly during nighttime hours.
• Accessible Design: Ensuring all new infrastructure adheres to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines, including ramps, curb cuts, and tactile paving for visually impaired individuals.

Community Input: A Vital Component of the Process

Mayor Dilliard stressed that community input is crucial to the success of these initiatives. The forum was designed as a platform for residents to voice their concerns, offer suggestions, and provide feedback on proposed projects. Several attendees shared personal experiences related to pedestrian safety challenges in their neighborhoods, highlighting specific areas where improvements are desperately needed.

“We want this to be a collaborative effort,” Mayor Dilliard stated during the forum. “These aren’t just our plans; they're your plans. We need your help to identify the most critical needs and ensure that these investments truly benefit everyone in Montgomery.”

The city has established several avenues for ongoing community engagement, including online surveys (accessible at [https://www.montgomeryal.gov/pedestrian-safety-survey/]), public comment periods during City Council meetings, and neighborhood workshops dedicated to specific infrastructure projects.

Funding & Timeline: A Phased Approach

The proposed improvements will be implemented in phases over the next five years, with funding sourced from a combination of local tax revenue, state grants, and federal transportation funds. The initial phase focuses on addressing the most urgent safety concerns in priority zones, while subsequent phases will expand the scope of improvements to other areas of the city.

The City Council has committed $15 million over the next five years specifically for pedestrian infrastructure projects. Securing additional grant funding remains a key priority, and city officials are actively pursuing opportunities at both the state and federal levels. (See related article on grant applications [https://www.montgomeryal.gov/pedestrian-safety-grant-applications/]).

Looking Ahead: A Vision for a More Walkable Montgomery

The community forum marked a significant step forward in Montgomery’s commitment to creating a safer, more accessible, and more walkable city. While challenges remain – including limited funding and logistical complexities – the collective effort of city leaders and engaged residents offers a promising vision for the future.

The ultimate goal is not simply to build sidewalks and crosswalks but to foster a sense of community and create an environment where walking is a safe, enjoyable, and convenient option for all Montgomery residents. The forum demonstrated that this vision resonates deeply with the community, and city officials are committed to working collaboratively to make it a reality.