Provided by Town of Dumfries
The Town of Dumfries has been awarded $240,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program. The award will support a planning and feasibility initiative aimed at strengthening sidewalk accessibility and improving pedestrian safety across the Town.
The project, titled “The Town of Dumfries’ Safe and Walkable Streets: Assessing ADA Compliance in Sidewalk Infrastructure,” will help the Town create a Sidewalk Accessibility and Walkability Action Plan and conduct a townwide evaluation of sidewalk conditions to identify and address gaps in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
“This award is an important step in building a safer, more connected, and more accessible Dumfries,” said Tangela Innis, Town Manager. “With this funding, we will assess sidewalk conditions across the community, engage residents and stakeholders, and create a clear roadmap for improvements that support mobility for everyone, especially seniors, families with children, and individuals with disabilities.”
Mayor Derrick Wood added, “This grant strengthens our ability to plan strategically and pursue future investments that make Dumfries safer and easier to navigate. We appreciate USDOT’s partnership as we work to improve walkability and accessibility throughout our Town.”
What the Grant Will Support
The SS4A grant will fund a comprehensive effort that includes:
A townwide sidewalk accessibility audit to identify ADA barriers and compliance needs Connectivity mapping to highlight missing sidewalk links and priority routes Community engagement to incorporate feedback from residents, businesses, and stakeholder groups
ADA assessments and feasibility-level concepts for potential improvements Installation and six-month evaluation of up to three (3) quick-build safety pilots, designed to test improvements before long-term implementation
A final Action Plan appendix with:
- Prioritized project recommendations
- Cost estimates
- Pilot evaluation results
- A rollout strategy to guide future implementation
The project’s estimated total cost is $300,000, including required non-federal matching funds.
Engaging the Community
Community participation will be a key component of the study. The Town expects to host engagement opportunities throughout the planning process to gather input and ensure the final plan reflects how residents move through and experience Dumfries on a daily basis.
About the SS4A Program
The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program is a national USDOT initiative that supports local governments in developing and implementing strategies aimed at reducing roadway deaths and serious injuries. The program prioritizes safety improvements for all road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and individuals with mobility challenges.
USDOT publicly announced this award on Dec. 23, 2025.
About the Town of Dumfries
The Town of Dumfries is Virginia’s oldest continuously chartered town and is committed to delivering high-quality municipal services while investing in long-term community sustainability, public safety, and economic vitality.
