Want to tell Leland how to fix traffic and improve roads? Here's how to weigh in

The town of Leland is looking to address problem areas among its streets and roads, with help from grant dollars from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

This spring, the town received an $80,000 grant through the department’s Safe Streets for All (SS4F) Grant Program. The funds will allow the town to create a Safe Streets and Roads for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan , which will identify problem crash areas in the town before ultimately recommending a set of projects and strategies to address traffic and road problems.

According to Jessica Jewell, communications manager for the town, the grant required a $20,000 match from the town. Jewell said a team will study existing conditions, as well as historic trends, regarding motorist, pedestrian and bicycle crash locations, severity and types.

Following the data analysis and public outreach this summer, the team hopes to have a draft plan ready for review and public feedback this fall.

The plan will recommend policy changes and roadway improvements, such as better lighting at intersections or the installation of crosswalks, Jewel said.

By the end of this year, the plan will be adopted by the town, if the project remains on the estimated timeline.

How you can weigh in

There are several ways for residents and motorists in Leland to share their perspectives on the town’s existing road safety conditions and thoughts for future planning.

Through an online survey on the town’s website , motorists can confidentially share how safe they feel on Leland’s roads and outline their thoughts on transportation safety in the town. Additionally, on an interactive virtual map , the public can comment on locations in town where they have transportation concerns or have experienced a crash or “close call.”

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“We will be using public input to assist in developing a list of projects or improvements to address safety concerns because crash data tells one story, but user experience tells another,” Jewel said in an email.

The interactive map has already seen some public participation. Members of the public have already expressed their concerns about Lanvale Road, Ocean Gate Plaza, N.C. 133 and Brunswick Forest Parkway.

One user suggested the construction of a pedestrian crossing bridge over U.S. 17 near Leland Town Center. Many of the identified areas are already undergoing improvements.

Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter/X @jameybcross.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Want to tell Leland how to fix traffic and improve roads? Here's how to weigh in