Implementation Grants - SS4A

On This Page

• Overview of SS4A Implementation Grants
• Eligible Implementation Grant Activities
• Non-Eligible Implementation Grant Activities
• Required Level of Detail

Overview of SS4A Implementation Grants

Implementation Grants are one of two available grant types under the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program.

Implementation Grants provide Federal funds to implement projects and strategies identified in a comprehensive safety action plan (referred to as an “Action Plan”) to address a roadway safety problem. Applicants must have an eligible Action Plan to apply for an Implementation Grant.

All applications must address safety problems by implementing the projects and strategies (e.g., construction) in the Action Plan within 5 years of executing a grant agreement. Eligible projects and strategies can be infrastructural, behavioral, and/or operational activities.

Implementation Grants may also include:

• Demonstration activities to inform an existing Action Plan
• Supplemental planning to inform an existing Action Plan
• Project-level planning, design, and development activities for projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan

Project-level planning, design, and development activities must be directly connected to the completion of projects and strategies funded through an Implementation Grant.

Learn more about Implementation Grant requirements in the SS4A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

See Project Readiness Checklist for DOT Discretionary Grant Applicants for factors to consider for project readiness.

If you do not have an eligible Action Plan, review the Planning and Demonstration Activities page and consider applying for an SS4A Planning and Demonstration Grant.

Eligible Implementation Grant Activities

Below are illustrative examples of projects and strategies that could be conducted as part of an Implementation Grant. The below list is not intended to be exhaustive in nature and could include infrastructure, behavioral, and operational safety activities identified in an Action Plan:

Low-Cost Safety Treatments

Applying low-cost roadway safety treatments system-wide, such as left- and right-turn lanes at intersections, centerline and shoulder rumble strips/stripes, wider edge lines, high-friction surface treatments, road diets, and enhanced delineation of curves through better signage along high-crash urban and rural corridors, are eligible Implementation Grant activities.

Network Risk Reduction

Identifying and correcting common risks across a network, such as improving pedestrian crosswalks by adding high-visibility pavement markings, lighting, and signage at transit stops, in a designated neighborhood, or along a busy public transportation route, are eligible Implementation Grant activities.

Complete Streets

Transforming a roadway corridor on a high-injury network into a Complete Street with safety improvements to control speed, separate users, and improve visibility, along with other measures that improve safety for all users, is an eligible Implementation Grant activity. 

In addition, SS4A grants can be used to develop Complete Streets policies, processes, plans, and manuals as a supplemental planning activity.

Pedestrian Safety Enhancements

Installing pedestrian safety enhancements and closing network gaps with sidewalks, crosswalk visibility enhancements, rectangular rapid-flashing beacons, pedestrian hybrid beacons, refuge islands, road diets, raised crosswalks, signal improvements including leading pedestrian intervals, and audible pedestrian signals for people walking, rolling, or using mobility-assisted devices are eligible Implementation Grant activities.

Bike Network Development

Supporting the development of bikeway networks with bicycle lanes for different roadway volumes and speeds that are safe for people of all ages and abilities is an eligible Implementation Grant activity.

A project to build off-road bicyclist and pedestrian facilities, including trails, would also be eligible if the separation of mode users from the existing road network is identified in an existing, eligible Action Plan as a project to address a safety need.

Be sure to include any relevant right-of-way acquisition needs in the “Project Readiness” portion of your narrative.

Speed Management

Carrying out speed management strategies such as implementing traffic-calming road design changes; addressing speed along key corridors through infrastructure; conducting education, enforcement activities, and outreach; setting appropriate speed limits; and making strategic use of speed safety cameras are eligible Implementation Grant activities. 

Safe Routes to School and Transit

Creating safe routes to school and public transit services through multiple activities that lead to people safely walking, biking, and rolling in underserved communities are eligible Implementation Grant activities. 

Safety Technologies and Strategies

Promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and strategies to promote safety and protect vulnerable road users in high-traffic areas where commercial motor vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists interact are eligible Implementation Grant activities. 

Education Initiatives

Conducting education campaigns to accompany new or innovative infrastructure, such as roundabouts, pedestrian hybrid beacons, or pedestrian-only zones, is an eligible Implementation Grant activity.  

Roadway Departure Reduction

Reducing roadway departure crashes through enhanced delineation, shoulder widening, rumble strips, and roadside safety improvements is an eligible Implementation Grant activity.

Intersection Improvements

Evaluating and improving the safety of intersections by considering innovative design changes, improved delineation, and advanced warning are eligible Implementation Grant activities.

Safety Strategies Identified in Other Plans

If an applicant has an existing Action Plan and is eligible to apply for an Implementation Grant, it is allowed to include projects and strategies identified in a safety report, study, or plan other than the Action Plan as long as the projects and strategies meet all of the following conditions:

• They are within the jurisdiction covered by the Action Plan
• They are identified at a high level or are consistent with safety recommendations from the Action Plan
• They address an identified roadway safety problem
• They provide safety benefits 

See more eligible planning activities and demonstration activities.

Non-Eligible Implementation Grant Activities

The following activities are not eligible for funding under an SS4A Implementation Grant:

• Projects and strategies whose primary purpose is not roadway safety.
• Projects and strategies not identified in an existing, eligible Action Plan.
• Maintenance activities for an existing roadway primarily to maintain a state of good repair.
• Capital projects to construct new roadways used for motor vehicles.
• Development or implementation of a public transportation agency safety plan (PTASP).

The SS4A program has received numerous questions about project eligibility. The categories below address some of these specific questions.

Street Widening for More Traffic Lanes

A project to widen a street to increase the number of lanes would not be eligible for SS4A funding. Projects primarily intended to expand capacity or improve Levels of Service for motorists, such as additional lanes, are ineligible.

Roadway Repaving

A project to repave a roadway to address potholes would not be eligible for SS4A funding. Projects and strategies deemed maintenance-related are ineligible.

However, roadway modifications on an existing roadway in support of specific safety-related projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan are eligible.

Required Level of Detail

For an Implementation Grant application, DOT expects Action Plans to include the following level of detail:

• The locations/areas where safety risks have been identified. These should be primarily on the plan’s high-injury network.
• A list of the types of projects and strategies to address the safety issue(s).

The safety problem(s), location(s) of interest, and the list of the types of projects/strategies within the Action Plan should have a logical connection to each other and be articulated in the Action Plan. 

Applicants may apply to fund projects and strategies through Implementation Grants that address broad, programmatic safety recommendations and goals from Action Plans.

For example, if an Action Plan has an action item to review and address left-turn crashes that are resulting in fatalities throughout the jurisdiction, an appropriate Implementation Grant could be to study access restriction throughout the jurisdiction (or even a particular problem corridor) and install medians or make signal modifications that address the identified safety issue.