A pedestrian waits in a median as traffic turns left.
Palm Desert has secured nearly $5.7 million in federal funding to design and build street safety improvements near schools and along high-risk corridors as part of a national effort to reduce serious traffic injuries and deaths.
The city was one of 67 jurisdictions selected nationwide to receive an implementation grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program, which supports Vision Zero strategies in communities across the country.
"This is one of the largest federal safety grants the city has received and a major investment in protecting people where they are most vulnerable," said Mayor Evan Trubee. "It allows us to move from planning to real, on-the-ground improvements that make streets safer for students, families and older adults."
The grant will fund both design and construction of safety projects identified through the city's existing transportation and safety plans. Improvements are expected to be visible beginning in 2027, with construction occurring in phases.
Streets and corridors serving Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Palm Desert Charter Middle School, George Washington Charter School, James Earl Carter Elementary School and Palm Desert High School will be among the planned improvement areas.
Proposed improvements include enhanced crosswalks, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps, pedestrian-scale lighting, sidewalk upgrades and speed management measures. Many projects will be located along Palm Desert's high-injury network, where the highest concentration of severe traffic collisions has been identified.
The grant supports implementation of Palm Desert's Vision Zero Strategy, part of a national and international movement focused on eliminating traffic-related deaths and serious injuries through safer street design and public education.
Funding will also support continued public safety education through the city's Very Important Pedestrian campaign, which promotes safe driving behaviors and pedestrian awareness.
Project design and public outreach are expected to begin in 2026, with construction following as designs are completed.
Details: For more information about Palm Desert's Vision Zero efforts, visit www.PalmDesert.gov/VisionZero.