Case Study: West Hartford, Connecticut



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Vision Zero Adoption

2023

Vision Zero Target

2033

Population

64,000

Aerial view of the city of West Hartford, Connecticut at sunset

Community Description

  • West Hartford is a suburban town in Connecticut that combines retail and residential spaces uniquely, making it a popular local destination.
  • West Hartford features a well-planned road network with major routes such as Interstate 84 and Route 44, facilitating easy access to neighboring cities and attractions.
  • The town also has numerous public transportation options, including bus, bus rapid transit, and commuter rail.

Challenges

  • From 2018 to 2022, the number of fatal and serious crashes in West Hartford more than doubled. More than half of these crashes occurred on the same 17 miles of roadway.

Safe System Focus

  • Safety Culture
  • Safe Design

  • Safety Practices and Policies
  • Safety Data

Safe Street and Roads for All (SS4A) Implementation Grants

In the Vision Zero Action Plan, the City has a comprehensive list of Vision Zero projects and grants that will be used to fund each project.

  • Conduct Demonstration or Other Supplemental Planning Activities for Speed Management Pilot Program

Awarded in 2023

  • Applying actions from Vision Zero Plan

Grant pursued in 2024

Lessons Learned

  • Taking advantage of existing plans and policies related to Vision Zero helps build the foundation for a Vision Zero Action Plan.
  • Reviewing Vision Zero plans from peer communities is also helpful to build the framework of a new plan.
  • Getting started and planning ahead can be key for success when “right place, right time” funding opportunities become available.

A room with tables arranged in a conference layout with diverse individuals from a task force seated around and collaborating. People have name tents indicating they represent various organizations. The group have various documents and materials on the tables related to a Vision Zero Plan

  • It takes time to implement the Safe System approach. It is important to get the community on board and explain how the Safe System approach can have meaningful change.
  • Seeing change, especially in the first year of implementation of a Vision Zero Action Plan, is critical to gain community support. Quick build improvements are examples of implementing change visible to the community.

A person stands in front of an easel looking at a map displaying an infrastructure master plan. In the background, a group of people can be seen looking at other maps

A large room with rows of chairs occupied by people. At the front an individual is speaking while cameras mounted on the sides of the room films the presentation

  • The urgency in addressing safety concerns in West Hartford led to the adoption of Vision Zero prior to the development of an Action Plan.

A group of people holding signs with slogans like " Design safe streets now", "Design for safety". They stand together in a sidewalk expressing their demand for safer streets.

  • Although the Action Plan is finalized, members of the Vision Zero Task Force from the Town and community will continue meeting with a Vision Zero Advisory Committee to review and provide comments on Town’s efforts to complete the Action Plan’s recommendations.

A diagram of a process illustrating the planning process and the adjusting of strategies to reach a long-term safety goal.

A group of people standing around tables holding up green cards to show their vote


Additional Resources

Downloadables