Better Intersections

The Better Intersections initiative grew from our work at the Vermont/Ewing intersection where students walking home from school were navigating an intersection that lacked a marked crosswalk, had extremely wide travel lanes, limited pedestrian infrastructure, and inconsistent driver behavior.

In response, we implemented a temporary redesign including painted curb extensions, a striped crosswalk, bollards, a centerline, and a ground mural designed to reinforce the intersection as a shared, people-first space.

Over the following months, driver behavior began to change. Twenty-three percent more drivers actually stopped at the stop sign, vehicle speeds decreased by 13.6%, and community support grew over time. The pilot ultimately informed permanent City improvements, including a permanent crosswalk, sidewalks, extended bumpouts, and a four-way stop.

Rather than waiting years for permanent capital projects, Better Intersections allows neighborhoods to quickly pilot and evaluate ideas that improve safety, visibility, walkability, and comfort at selected intersections. Better Intersections is rooted in the principles of Vision Zero - the idea that traffic deaths and serious injuries are preventable, not inevitable.

By testing low-cost, community-informed interventions in real-world conditions, the program helps neighborhoods move from conversation to demonstration while giving the City valuable insight into what works prior to long-term investments.

We need your help to bring these projects to life! Help us reach our goal of 30 donors for Better Intersections this North Texas Giving Day and pave the way for a new way to create safer streets in Dallas.