Building Safer Streets Act

Increased Transparency in Traffic Design: The Secretary must publish documentation explaining specific prohibitions against certain devices or designs, including research and proof of compliance with Federal law (Section 3(a)(B)(i)).

Greater Support for Multimodal Access: The bill requires the Administrator to update regulations to include accepted methods for evaluating all modes of transportation, such as pedestrians and cyclists (Section 4(b)(1)(A)).

Improved Safety for Vulnerable Users: The Administrator will develop a list of categorical design exceptions specifically to improve safety for vulnerable road users (Section 4(c)(2)).

Enhanced Transit Infrastructure: New guidelines will be issued for the placement and design of bus stops, considering safety, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and proximity to key destinations (Section 4(f)(2)).

Support for Small Communities: At least 10 percent of the total amount available for the Safe Streets for All Communities program will be set aside for projects in small communities with costs under $1,000,000 (Section 6(c)(3)(A)).

Increased Federal Funding for Local Projects: For small community projects where a funding commitment exists, the Federal share of the cost may be increased up to 90 percent (Section 6(c)(3)(B)).

Increased Administrative Burdens: The bill requires the Secretary to publish documentation regarding the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and requests documentation from the National Committee on uniform traffic control devices (Section 3(a)).

New Application Requirements: For certain programs, applicants must include a process indicating whether they have considered multimodal infrastructure and concluded the design will not include nonmotorized facilities (Section 4(d)(1)).

State Compliance Requirements: States are required to notify the Secretary if they have updated their highway design manuals to reflect new federal guidance (Section 5(a)).