City of Jackson seeks input on Safety Action Plan

JACKSON, Tenn. — Community members were invited to share their opinion regarding traffic and road safety in the Hub City.

A transportation planner with the City of Jackson was able to speak on the grant that the city received and how residents’ input will help.

“So we received a ‘Safe Street for All‘ grant that funds a study which looks at all the transportation reality safety issues in the area. Upon completion, we will be eligible for implementation money from the federal government to actually start projects that will correct some of these issues” said Hannah Mathis, transportation planner with the City of Jackson.

One study was available online, however, residents that visited in person were able to categorize the needs around the city.

“So we cant be all places all the time. So we don’t see all the safety issues, so it’s very important to have lots of public input. Receive input from people on the safety issues that they see,” said Mathis.

Along with the online survey, the in person survey will then be studied for the next step.

“Our consultant Neil Shaffer will analyze all of the data and help put it together into a plan and a study. That will be something that will all consolidate it together. Once we have that we will publish that,” said Mathis.

If the research shows there is a need, then the next step could lead to improvements around the city.

“We’ll be eligible to apply for federal funding so that takes another year or so, to actually receive any kind of grants from that. Then once we get that we’ll hit the ground running” said Mathis.

One resident who lives in west Jackson says that an increase in children in the neighborhood should mean an increase in safety from drivers.

“It would be really nice to slow the traffic down because they come through there. There’s been a couple occasions where I honestly thought that the children would be hit by the oncoming vehicle” said Doug Young, resident.

Nonetheless, he appreciates the city for having this opportunity.

“No way for the people that we have elected to know what we need without the voice of the people. Fortunately they get out and visit the community regularly and live right here,” said Young.

If you weren’t able to attend, click here to fill out the survey.

For more news in the Jackson area, click here.