Vision Zero Plan & Timeline
Merrimack Valley Vision Zero
The regional safety action plan, MV Vision Zero, was designed in collaboration with the 15 cities and towns that make up the Merrimack Valley. This plan is intended to guide the region to a safer, more equitable place to enjoy all modes of transportation. Additionally, the inclusion of projects in this plan renders communities in the region eligible for Safe Streets and Roads for All Implementation Funding.
MV Vision Zero is guided by the following questions:
Where have fatal and injury crashes occured?
The Trend-Based High Injury Network maps crash data to illuminate trends for fatal and severe crashes across the region. Crashes are also weighted by severity to emphasize critical areas in which to focus countermeasures. For example, a fatal injury is weighted higher than a severe injury. Meanwhile, a crash that resulted only in property damage does not show up at all. Crashes in equity emphasis areas were also weighted more heavily.
Where are fatal and injury crashes likely to occur?
The Risk-Based High Injury Network uses a predictive analysis to determine which roads and intersections are the most likely to have a fatal or injury crash occur. Variables such as road width, volume of cars per day, and speed are some of the top contributors to crash likelihood. The image at left shows an intersection in Amesbury that did not appear on the Trend-Based High Injury Network, but was rated very highly on the Risk-Based High Injury Network.
How can future fatal and injury crashes be eliminated?
A redundant system is a safe system. This means that if one part of the system fails, other measures are in place to prevent crashes and mitigate the severity of injuries. This is where community input is essential to create the most context-sensitive safety countermeasures possible. If you would like to get involved, please visit the engagement page here.
Summer 2024
- Vision Zero Plan finalized and released for review.
- Regional and municipal FFY24 SS4A Implementation, Demonstration, and Supplemental Planning Grant applications submitted.
Autumn 2024
- MV Vision Zero adopted by MVMPO Board.
- Supplemental planning and demonstration grants awarded to Newburyport, Andover and Lawrence. Demonstration grant awarded to Haverhill. Grant contract negotiations ongoing.
Summer 2025
- Regional and municipal FFY25 SS4A Implementation, Demonstration, and Supplemental Planning Grant applications submitted for projects in Methuen/Lawrence, Amesbury and Haverhill.
Autumn 2025
- FFY25 SS4A Grant award announcements expected for applications submitted in Summer 2025.