CLEVELAND — Cleveland Heights is working toward pedestrian and cyclist safety with the assistance of a new Safe Streets and Roads for All grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The city will match the $800,000 grant with $200,000 making an immediate use of the total $1 million for safety improvements identified in the city's 2024 SS4A Safe and Equitable Streets Action Plan. This study helps identify locations where a high number of crashes have occurred over the past 10 years and provides safety recommendations.

What You Need To Know

  • The city will match the $800,000 grant with $200,000 making an immediate use of the total $1 million for safety improvements 

  • In 2022, Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren prioritized safe streets by focusing on slowing traffic on neighborhood streets

  • Through the work, the city can address issues including corridor designs, more visible crosswalks, signal infrastructure and aim to reduce crossing distances for pedestrians

Through the work, the city can address issues including corridor designs, more visible crosswalks, signal infrastructure and aim to reduce crossing distances. Some of the projects include reducing the number of lanes on targeted streets, removing parking spaces near crosswalks to improve visibility, installing traffic calming devices and conducting neighborhood traffic studies.

In 2022, Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren prioritized safe streets by focusing on slowing traffic on neighborhood streets, finding a policy solution to reduce speed limit from 35 to 25 mph along residential sections. After two pedestrians were hit by cars and killed on Lee Road which led to the city applying for a $225,000 USDOT grant to complete the study.

"To apply for and win an implementation grant for safer streets before the Safe Streets for All Plan is officially released is exciting and exemplifies the 'doing while planning' approach I've emphasized at the City," said Seren. "This grant will enable a faster turnaround for our traffic calming program and getting demonstration projects in place that encourage sustainable forms of transportation in Cleveland Heights." 

The study was developed through community engagement and a technical advisory committee assisted in identifying high-risk streets and intersections. The committee also helped in sharing strategies to improve safety. In Oct. 2024, the city applied for the $800,000 demonstration projects grant. 

"Community and stakeholder engagement was central to the development of the CESAP," Cleveland Heights' Director of Planning, Neighborhoods & Development Eric Zamft said. "We're grateful this award will allow us to continue working with TAC and engaging with the community to implement transportation safety measures."

USDOT said it is exciting to see communities continue to improve roadway safety.