Erin Hut, Communications Director, ehut@spokanecity.org
Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 11:12 a.m.
The City of Spokane is launching its new Emergency Streets pilot program; an initiative that provides a rapid-response approach to traffic safety by installing temporary traffic-calming measures within 48–72 hours after a fatal crash.
Following a fatal crash, City crews will install temporary traffic-calming measures designed to reduce vehicle speeds and increase driver awareness. Depending on roadway conditions, installations may include highly visible traffic cones, pink Emergency Streets signs, and speed feedback signs. The temporary treatments will remain in place for approximately two weeks while staff monitor traffic conditions, collect speed data, and gather community feedback.
While no temporary installation can undo the loss experienced by families, friends, and the community, Emergency Streets is designed to encourage safer driving behaviors during the critical period immediately following a fatal crash while the City evaluates longer-term safety improvements and conducts community outreach and education around street safety.
Speed is one of the most significant factors influencing the severity of traffic crashes. Research consistently shows that even modest reductions in vehicle speeds can substantially reduce the likelihood of death or serious injury. Emergency Streets combines engineering, education, and community engagement to support a culture of shared responsibility for roadway safety.
Led by the City's Division of Transportation & Sustainability in collaboration with multiple City departments and community partners, the pilot reflects Spokane's commitment to reducing traffic fatalities through a proactive, data-informed approach consistent with the City's Vision Zero goals and Complete Streets policies.
“As a society we are really good at responding to crashes and returning the streets to normal. But we are missing opportunities to inform the public about the prevalence of fatal crashes,” said Jon Snyder, Director of Transportation & Sustainability. “The goal of Emergency Streets is to get folks to slow down and understand how safety is a shared responsibility, while we at the City of Spokane look for ways to improve design and other strategies to stop fatal crashes.”
The pilot program is funded by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Speed Management Advisory Cooperative and the Cooper Jones Active Transportation Safety Council, with additional support from the Spokane Regional Health District and other partners.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about the program, follow deployment updates, and provide feedback by visiting https://my.spokanecity.org/streets/emergency-streets/.
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