Transport Programs Management office (TPMO) expressed that the nation has marked the official launch of Safe Intersections Program (SIP). As to the press release, the program is an inter-agency initiative that aims to improve road safety through implementing new street designs at intersections around Addis.
The program that is led by the task force that includes the representatives of Addis Ababa City Road Authority (AACRA), Transport Programs Management office (TPMO), Addis Ababa City Road Management Agency (TMA), Addis Ababa City Administration Beautification and Parks Development Administration Agency and Addis Ababa Police Commissions is expected to transform ten intersections every year making each one safer and more efficient over the next three years.
According to the office, Sebategna is the first to be transformed under the program. Located near Merkato, the junction sees a large number of pedestrians per day, each of whom must dodge private vehicles, buses, and the LRT to cross the road. Over the past year, one pedestrian and one motorist have died at the intersection, while four people have been seriously injured.
TPMO mentioned that the Safe Intersection Program task forces has been studying traffic patterns and pedestrian use of the intersection for months, and has met with community members to take notice of local experiences and ideas for improvements.
Stressing that the city has started taking action currently, the office indicated that over the course of three nights, the SIP task forces used paint and painters to make pedestrian walkways more visible, reduce crossing distances, and create safe spaces for all street users. Following international best practice, the city used these materials to tighten corner radii and widen walkways design strategies that encourage slower turning speeds and pedestrian behavior.
According to TPMO, the effort is part of the city’s road safety strategy and action plan, which outlines strategies to reduce the number of death and injuries from road traffic crashes by 50% in 2023 and provide access to safe, affordable and sustainable transport for all by 2030.
Dr. Solomon Kidane, Head of AA city Road and Transport Bureau said: “We are committed to making the streets of Addis safe for all citizens. The Safe Intersections Program creates a change that people can see. Through the program, we are supporting inter-agency coordination, demonstrating our commitment to reducing road fatalities, and ultimately, making our streets safer.”
For her take on the issue, Janette Sadik Kahn, chair of NACTO- Global Designing Cities Initiatives stated that Street Design has proven to be an effective strategy for slowing traffic speeds and reducing road fatalities around the world.
She said: “What we have learned in New York and in cities around the world is that simple design interventions can go a long way toward making our streets safer and more inviting. The Safe Intersection Program uses interim materials and strategies that can dramatically improve road safety, but cost very little to implement.”
The Sebategna interim transformation will be in place for six months. The city will collect data throughout this period and use it to inform the permanent design. A similar phased approach will be used for future SIP transformations. In addition to this, the city has identified other intersections as candidates for future transformation.
The safe intersection program builds off the experience from LeGare intersection, which was transformed in December 2016. And permanent construction is currently underway.
