The City of Tacoma was recently awarded $2.25 million in federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds to improve safety at the intersections of South 21st Street and South Yakima Avenue, and South 21st Street and Tacoma Avenue South. Both intersections are listed on the City’s Vision Zero High-Risk Network.
“Your zip code should not determine your safety,” said Mayor Anders Ibsen. “I am so grateful to our hardworking City staff for the work they do, and for winning these competitive grant dollars to make our Hilltop and downtown neighborhoods even more livable.”
“Concern for community safety continues to be top of mind for the Council,” said District 2 Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh. “That is why we supported Vision Zero. These two intersections have been the scene of many crashes, one of which occurred while I was at our dispatch center. It involved two cars and one fatality at the crash site. My hope is this grant can help improve these intersections, so we have safer streets for those who live, work, and visit Tacoma.”
To enhance safety and predictability at these intersections, new traffic signals will be installed featuring accessible pedestrian signals and leading pedestrian intervals to give those walking or rolling a head start on crossing before any vehicle traffic begins to turn. These signals will connect to the City’s existing network for better flow.
The project will also include utility work, pavement markings, and ADA accessibility work.
Design and community outreach will continue into early 2028, and construction is anticipated to be finished by the end of 2028.