Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program



The City of Charleston’s

SAFETY ACTION PLAN


Charleston Safety Action Plan Img

Click the image above to download the Safety Action Plan 

or use this link: City of Charleston Safety Action Plan


ABOUT THE SS4A GRANT PROGRAM

From the U.S. Department of Transportation (click here):

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) established the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) competitive grant program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over 5 years, 2022-2026. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries. Approximately $1 billion is still available for the next funding round. 

The SS4A program supports the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Roadway Safety Strategy and our goal of zero roadway deaths using a Safe System Approach. 

Combining the FY22, FY23, FY24, and FY25 awards to date, SS4A has provided $3.9 billion in Federal funding to over 2,000 communities in all 50 States and Puerto Rico. Through this important funding source, USDOT is empowering Tribal, local, and regional efforts to save lives and reduce serious injuries on our roadways.”

Awarded December 2023

The City of Charleston was awarded $120,000 in federal funding to create the new Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.  

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program provides grants to local, regional, and Tribal communities for implementation, planning, and demonstration activities as part of a systematic approach to prevent deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways.

Click here to learn more about the USDOT SS4A Grant Program.

With $150,000 in funding ($120,000 in federal grant funds plus $30,000 in City matching funds), the City of Charleston will collaborate with a consultant to create the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (Safety Plan) to address the current safety problems associated with roadways in Charleston. To achieve this, the plan will adopt an evidence-based, systemic approach that will prioritize areas with the highest incidence of injuries, particularly those that overlap with the locations of disadvantaged communities. 

By focusing on these specific areas, the City aims to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities, particularly among the population residing in underserved communities. The Safety Plan's comprehensive approach will help identify and implement future demonstration activities to improve road safety in Charleston.

News and Updates:


July 13, 2023: The City applied for SS4A Planning Grant funds to create the Safety Action Plan.

December 13, 2023: The City was awarded $120,000 in federal funds via the SS4A Planning Grant to create the Safety Action Plan.

June 13, 2024: The SS4A Grant Agreement was signed and executed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

July 25, 2024: The Safety Action Plan RFP for prospective consulting firms was posted and advertised (click here to view the RFP).

November 2024: Charleston firm Kimley-Horn was selected to consult on the Grant, and the consulting agreement was finalized.

January 14, 2025: The City hosted the SS4A Safety Summit at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, where community leaders identified and discussed key safety issues throughout the city as potential focus areas of the Safety Action Plan.

February and March 2025: The City hosted two public engagement events.*

May 2025: The City hosted three public engagement opportunities.*

October 14, 2025: The City's Target Zero Resolution was formally passed to establish the citywide traffic safety goal of zero deaths and severe injuries.

December 16, 2025: City Council officially adopted the Safety Action Plan! 

December 23, 2025: The City was awarded an SS4A Demonstration Grant in the latest round of SS4A Grants. The Demonstration Grant provides funding to pilot targeted safety improvements recommended in the Safety Action Plan, the next step towards fully implementing the Plan citywide.

Next Steps: T&T will be creating our Target Zero webpage to track progress on the Safety Action Plan. In 2026 we will pilot recommendations from our Safety Action Plan via the SS4A Demonstration Grant and prepare to apply for funding for widespread implementation via the SS4A Implementation Grant.


*Couldn't make it to our public engagement events? 

You can view the research we shared at the events by clicking here.