When the Fayette-Raleigh Metropolitan Planning Organization (FRMPO) received a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Planning Grant to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP), B&N was selected to lead the effort after assisting with the grant application. Serving communities throughout southern West Virginia, including Beckley and the area surrounding New River Gorge National Park, the FRMPO needed a data-driven approach to identify safety priorities and guide future investments.
B&N combined transportation planning, safety engineering and Geographic Data Services (GDS) expertise to develop a comprehensive strategy centered on the Safe System Approach. Through advanced GIS analysis and mapping, the team evaluated safety conditions across the region and identified locations with the greatest potential for improvement.
Key services included:
- Analysis of historical crash trends and safety performance with a dataset of nearly 10,000 crashes
- Spatial prioritization of over 70 intersections using Equivalent Property Damage Only factors
- Systemic network screening of over 2,000 miles to identify roadway segments with elevated potential for vulnerable road user crashes
- Integration of roadway characteristics, land use data and trail connectivity into the safety analysis
- Development of maps and visual tools to support stakeholder understanding and decision-making
- Conceptual improvement layouts and preliminary construction cost estimates for priority locations
- Implementation planning that combined infrastructure, education and enforcement strategies
A major focus of the project was improving safety for vulnerable road users. The region's growing recreational activity associated with New River Gorge National Park has increased demand for walking and bicycling facilities. B&N's team incorporated existing and planned trailheads, surrounding land uses and roadway characteristics into the analysis to identify locations where safety enhancements could have the greatest impact.
Public and stakeholder engagement played an important role throughout the process. Input gathered through an online survey and stakeholder meetings helped inform priorities and ensure recommendations reflected local needs and community goals.
Adopted in February 2025, the CSAP provides FRMPO and its member communities with a clear roadmap for future safety improvements. By combining geospatial analysis, planning, safety, engineering expertise and community input, the plan helps regional leaders prioritize investments and advance long-term transportation safety objectives.