Safety Performance Measures & TIP Analysis
The safety measures and the WisDOT targets for 2026, adopted by the MPO in April 2026, are identified in the table below.
Safety Performance Measures
| Performance Measure | 2019–2023 WisDOT Averages | 2020–2024 WisDOT Baseline Averages | WisDOT Trends | 2026 WisDOT Targets | Dane County 2019–2023 Averages | Dane County 2020–2024 Averages | Dane County Trends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Fatalities | 591.6 | 599.0 | Worsening | 587.0 or Less | 36.6 | 39.6 | Worsening |
| Fatality Rate | 0.922 | 0.930 | Worsening | 0.911 or Less | 0.72 | 0.77 | Worsening |
| Number of Serious Injuries | 3,145.0 | 3,227.6 | Worsening | 3,163.0 or Less | 185 | 182 | Improving |
| Serious Injury Rate* | 4.906 | 5.002 | Worsening | 4.902 or Less | 3.65 | 3.56 | Improving |
| Number of Non-Motorized Fatalities and Serious Injuries | 388.6 | 400.4 | Worsening | 392.4 or Less | 40.4 | 40.2 | Improving |
Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
HSIP Project Prioritization
WisDOT evaluates potential HSIP projects by comparing the estimated crash reduction benefits expected from the project with the cost of that project. Crash reduction benefits are estimated by multiplying up to two crash modification factors (CMFs) by five years of observed crash data.
CMFs and target crashes are identified by the Safety Analyst software and a spreadsheet tool developed by WisDOT to calculate the estimated crash reduction benefits.
The projects approved for HSIP funding are reviewed and prioritized based on their ability to reduce crashes and their achievement of the goals of the State's Strategic Highway Safety Plan. WisDOT is responsible for all HSIP project programming.
HSIP Project Analysis
Twelve (12) projects in the MPO Planning Area will receive Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding, including:
- S. Whitney Way and Odana Road intersection improvements
- Vinburn Road and N. Towne Road Intersection improvements in DeForest
- Install monotubes for signals and lighting at O'Keefe Avenue
- CTH I and Easy Street Intersection Improvements in the Town of Vienna/Town of Westport
- A new roundabout on STH 138 at the CTH A/Aaker Road Intersection
- John Nolen Drive EB Off Ramp Safety Improvements.
- Six Rail Crossing Improvement projects sponsored by WisDOT
Non-HSIP Projects
Safety is an important consideration in the scoping process of all projects included in the TIP. Resurfacing, recondition, and reconstruction projects can include elements that improve the safety performance of roadways, such as correcting geometric design deficiencies, improved pavement traction, improved traffic flow and improved pavement markings and signage. Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements help to separate vulnerable roadway users from automobile traffic. FHWA's Crash Modification Factors (CMF) Clearinghouse can provide a comprehensive overview of the potential safety benefit of any roadway improvement.
There are multiple other programmed roadway projects, which will improve safety through intersection improvements such as addition of turn lanes and signalization, addition of bike facilities, improved pedestrian crossings, and/or other safety enhancements.
The 2027–2031 TIP contains three federally funded pedestrian/bicycle education programs: Transportation Alternatives program funded Dane County Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program and separate City of Madison SRTS program and the STBG-Urban funded City of Madison Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Education program.
Safe Streets Madison/Safe Streets for All Grant Projects– Safe Streets Madison is a locally funded project sponsored by the City of Madison with the goal of eliminating fatal crashes. Madison was also awarded planning and implementation grants through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The Sun Prairie-funded Vision Zero Safety Improvements project is an ongoing project to incrementally address safety concerns through small annual projects.
Planning Analysis
The MPO adopted a Regional Safety Action Plan (RSAP) in 2024, which incorporates the results work previously done by the UW TOPS Lab, including intersection safety screening and regional High Injury Network. The plan provides a strategic blueprint using a data-driven approach for creating a safer environment for all roadway users.
It includes strategies such as prioritized infrastructure improvements, outreach and education campaigns, and policy changes aimed at reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. The MPO Policy Board officially adopted a goal of Zero roadway fatalities and serious injuries by 2040. The MPO also submitted a regional supplemental planning grant application through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program to help five local agencies develop supplemental safety plans, including active transportation plans and safe routes to school plans, to help further inform the RSAP.
The City of Madison completed a Vision Zero Action Plan, which includes multiple strategies and identifies safety projects. Project implementation has already begun, including reducing speed limits on arterial streets and improving pedestrian crossing facilities at select intersections.
The MPO awarded Transportation Alternatives program funding to the City of Sun Prairie to develop its own comprehensive Vision Zero Action Plan, which has been followed-up by the ongoing annual Vision Zero Safety Improvements project.
The MPO is an active member of the Dane County Traffic Safety Commission (TSC). The TSC meets quarterly to review traffic crash data in order to enhance the level of safety on all public roadways in Dane County for all roadway users.
The TSC is comprised of representatives including planners and engineers, law enforcement, medical professionals and other interested community participants to foster a coordinated effort to promote the Safe System Approach. The MPO assists with compiling crash statistics and facilitating the crash incidence review.