Lancaster Vision Zero Action Plan and Implementation On-Call
Lancaster, PA
Project Summary
Since 2020, Toole Design has partnered with the City of Lancaster to move the needle on Vision Zero. Our work began with the development of the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan and has continued through on-call implementation support, culminating in a successful $12.7 million federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant award. Learn more about three key phases of our safety work in Lancaster.
Expertise Applied
Lancaster Vision Zero Action Plan
In 2020, the City of Lancaster set a goal to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on its streets by 2030. To support this vision, Toole Design partnered with the City to develop a comprehensive Vision Zero Action Plan. Working within a seven-month timeline, our project team collaborated with City staff to lead a data-driven, community-centered planning process.
We analyzed crash data from 2014 to 2018 to identify high crash locations and the populations most impacted, such as people walking and biking. We also helped the City facilitate conversations with PennDOT to identify recommendations for safety improvements along state-owned roadways.
Similarly, we facilitated community engagement through both in-person and digital formats, pivoting quickly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A resident advisory committee and digital forums ensured that residents’ voices remained at the center of the planning process.
The resulting Vision Zero Action Plan outlined priority recommendations for quick-build safety projects, street redesigns, communications campaigns, and long-term infrastructure improvements. It also identified key implementation partners, such as PennDOT, Lancaster General Hospital, and the Lancaster School District.
Lancaster Vision Zero Implementation On-Call
Following adoption of the Plan in late 2020, we continued to support the City of Lancaster through an implementation-focused on-call contract. As one of the tasks, our project team provided guidance and review of the City of Lancaster’s winning SS4A application. In Spring 2023, the City was awarded $12.7 million, the largest federal competitive grant award in City history. Other technical assistance included:
Project Prioritization and Concept Design
We developed a year-by-year work plan to guide implementation, coordinating with the City’s paving schedule and ongoing projects. We also produced concept designs and cost estimates for several high-priority intersections.
Vision Zero Education Campaign and Toolkit
To build public awareness and buy-in, our project team developed a local Vision Zero Education Campaign. Through in-person and virtual focus groups, we gathered input on which messages and tactics resonated most with residents across Lancaster’s diverse neighborhoods. The final campaign toolkit included branded social media graphics, yard signs, sidewalk decals, radio scripts, pop-up kits, and more. We hosted an implementation workshop to help City’s staff launch the campaigns effectively.
Lancaster Vision Zero Design Guidelines
With strong community support and SS4A funding, the City of Lancaster is putting its safety goals into action. Our project team is now working to develop a set of Vision Zero design guidelines. This resource will unify existing local active transportation and Complete Streets guidelines, while incorporating national best practices. It will also address safety-focused design improvements, such as intersection treatments, signal timing, and crosswalks, to help eliminate severe and fatal traffic collisions.
