Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)

The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a federally authorized initiative administered in California by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to support infrastructure projects that reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on public roadways. The Local HSIP component focuses specifically on locally owned roads and is designed to provide funding to local public agencies for safety improvements that align with statewide and national transportation safety goals. The program is grounded in federal law and emphasizes data driven, cost effective solutions that address demonstrated safety concerns. The Local HSIP Cycle 13 Call for Projects represents one of the periodic funding rounds through which eligible agencies may apply for financial assistance. The call was officially announced on July 1, 2026, and provides a structured opportunity for local agencies to submit proposals for safety improvement projects. The application deadline is November 2, 2026, and all submissions must be completed electronically through the designated submission portal. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances, reinforcing the importance of adherence to the stated timeline. Funding through the HSIP is intended to support projects that directly address identified safety issues on public roads, including bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Eligible project costs may include preliminary engineering, environmental studies, right of way acquisition within defined limits, and construction activities. Projects must be capable of being implemented efficiently, with minimal right of way acquisition and limited environmental complexity. Additionally, projects must demonstrate a clear connection between the identified safety problem and the proposed countermeasure, often supported by benefit cost ratio analysis using the required HSIP Analyzer tool. Eligibility is restricted to Local Public Agencies, which include cities, counties, and federally recognized tribal governments within California. Applicants must have an approved Local Roadway Safety Plan or an equivalent safety planning document in place prior to applying. This requirement ensures that proposed projects are grounded in a systematic assessment of roadway safety needs. Agencies that have not met prior program delivery requirements or have delayed projects may be restricted from applying until compliance issues are resolved. The application process requires completion of a standardized application form along with multiple supporting documents. These include the HSIP Analyzer output, an Engineer Checklist, and certification of the Local Roadway Safety Plan. Applicants are expected to follow detailed application instructions and utilize guidance materials such as the HSIP Guidelines and Local Roadway Safety Manual. A webinar is also provided to assist applicants in preparing competitive submissions, highlighting the program's emphasis on quality and completeness. Project evaluation is conducted through a structured review process that screens applications for completeness and technical validity before ranking them based on benefit cost ratios and other criteria. Projects with higher demonstrated safety benefits relative to cost are prioritized for funding. Additional considerations may include set asides for specific safety improvements and compliance with programmatic requirements. Final project selections are typically announced several months after the application deadline. Overall, the Local HSIP Cycle 13 Call for Projects provides a significant opportunity for local agencies in California to secure funding for impactful roadway safety improvements. By requiring rigorous analysis, adherence to established safety planning frameworks, and timely submission of comprehensive applications, the program ensures that funds are allocated to projects with the greatest potential to reduce injuries and fatalities across the state’s transportation network.

Ensure strong benefit cost ratio and alignment with Local Roadway Safety Plan; follow application instructions precisely; use HSIP Analyzer accurately