Auburn University to help create transportation safety plan for Selma

FILE – Welcome sign on U.S. Highway 80 in Selma, Alabama. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Auburn University will be helping city leaders in Selma develop a transportation safety plan to make traveling safer.

One problem to be addressed is the number of pedestrians who are hit and killed along Highland Avenue. The latest pedestrian death happened September 24.

The city says since 2018, thirteen people have been hit while walking along Highland Avenue. Three of them were killed.

Two years ago, Selma’s pedestrian crash rate was 3 ½ times the state average. Over the past two years, Selma has continued to upgrade sidewalks and crosswalks as funding allows, helping bring Selma down to 2.9 times the statewide average.  But city leaders say more needs to be done.

Today, Selma Mayor James Perkins, Jr., announced the partnership between the city and Auburn University on the transportation safety plan. Selma residents will get the chance to provide input. The focus will be on pedestrian safety.

“Safety is the primary concern and with this strategic partnership, we will continue improving the quality of life for all by making our streets safer,” Perkins said.

“We share Mayor Perkins’ concerns about transportation safety, especially for pedestrians. By providing safety technical assistance, Auburn University partners with localities, like Selma, who are committed to safer streets for all road users,” Rod Turochy, Associate Director for Outreach at the Auburn University Transportation Research Institute, said.

The Alabama Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration’s Alabama Division will also be working on the plan.