The need
Located along the Ohio River in southwest Indiana, the Town of Newburgh resides in one of the fastest growing regions in the state. Drawn to amenities such as the historic riverfront downtown, the Rivertown Trail, and the Allen Family Amphitheater, the town has become a vibrant hub for travelers across the tri-state area.
A combination of old, aging infrastructure and a heavy increase in pedestrian traffic has drawn attention to safety risks throughout the community. Faded crosswalks, non-ADA compliant sidewalks, and inadequate traffic signage along a main pedestrian route for elementary-age students are top areas of concern.
Furthermore, a new I-69 bridge breaking ground in 2027 in nearby Evansville is projected to push more traffic onto local roads over the next five years. Already, cars headed between Evansville and Owensboro, Ky., cut through Newburgh to avoid traffic lights on State Road 66.
The opportunity
In 2024, Newburgh leaders partnered with the Indiana Resilience Funding Hub (IRFH) to pursue a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Planning and Demonstration Grant. The proposal was led by former town manager Christy Powell along with town engineer Drew Flamion from Commonwealth Engineers, Inc.
The SS4A grant program is a US Department of Transportation program that distributes $1 billion in funding to communities across the country for planning, infrastructure, and other initiatives that work to prevent death and serious injury on roadways.
Although Newburgh was a part of the Evansville Metropolitan Planning Organization’s regional safety action plan, leaders recognized the need for a more detailed, community-specific strategy focused on improving the town’s infrastructure,
The original grant application included both a planning study and a demonstration project near Old Lock and Dam Park. Currently, the town is undergoing a study period where they are measuring streets with consistently high traffic volumes, speeding issues, and pedestrian concerns.
Support and resources
The Indiana Resilience Funding Hub provided technical assistance and grant development support throughout Newburgh’s application and planning process.
IRFH staff aided in the development of the proposal by helping frame the project narrative in clear, neutral language that aligned with federal objectives. Specifically, the team helped articulate how Newburgh’s transportation and accessibility challenges made the town an effective SS4A candidate because of vulnerable road users and ADA accessibility.
The award
Awarded in late 2024, Newburgh was one of 157 applicants that were selected. The $153,960 Partial Planning and Demonstration Grant will fund a safety action plan covering several high-priority areas, including the Rivertown Trail, downtown crosswalks, and local school crossings. The award also qualifies Newburgh to apply for a second phase of SS4A funds to carry out plan recommendations.
In April 2026, the town held a kickoff meeting with Commonwealth Engineers, and GHA Associates collected traffic counts at nine locations as a CEI subconsultant. The plan is on track for a public meeting in December 2026 and a final report in January 2027.
At present, the most pressing issue is already being addressed. The State Street crossing at Newburgh Elementary serves around 600 students, as well as Castle South Middle School students who are dropped off at the elementary school by bus and walk home from there.
The town secured a separate $10,000 Indiana Department of Health Tactical Urbanism Grant to install curb bump-outs, signage, and high-visibility crosswalk markings this summer.
"If one person has a safer experience, I'll call this a success," said Chris Cooke, Newburgh's Town Administrative Manager. "But I have a feeling thousands of people will benefit daily once this program is in motion."
About the Environmental Resilience Institute
Indiana University's Environmental Resilience Institute bridges academia, applied research, and community resilience to deliver the science-informed, equity-centered solutions needed to flourish in a changing climate. Through community partnerships, transformative research, and immersive learning, ERI is creating a more sustainable and prosperous future. Learn more at eri.iu.edu.
