Complete Streets Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Edward Markey
Introduced
Summary
Establishes a national 'complete streets' framework that would require States to set up programs, adopt design standards, and fund projects to make roads safer and accessible for people walking, biking, using transit, and driving. It would set deadlines, require accessibility and equity benchmarks, and phase in design rules for many Federal-aid projects.
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- Families and everyday road users would see more sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, signal guidance, and protected bike lanes in many projects to improve safety and mobility.
- People with disabilities and underserved communities would get stronger accessibility protections that cover vision, hearing, cognitive needs, and language access, and projects would prioritize low-income communities and communities of color.
- States, local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations would need to adopt approved complete streets policies, and each State would create a competitive program that must obligate 5 percent of certain Federal highway apportioned funds. Grants would be tied to State certification and many Federal-aid projects costing more than $10 million would have to meet the new design standards.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
National complete streets design standards
The bill would require the Secretary of Transportation to publish national complete streets design standards within 180 days and publish benchmarks and guidance within one year. Guidance for State and MPO policy review would be due by Oct 1 of the first full fiscal year after enactment. The standards and guidance would cover protected bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, and traffic signals.
State Complete Streets grant program
This bill would require each State to set up a competitive Complete Streets program by Oct 1 of the second full fiscal year after enactment. States would begin giving design and construction grants by Oct 1 of the third full fiscal year after enactment. The program would provide technical help and prioritize underserved, rural, and Tribal areas. Local and regional groups could apply if the State finds them eligible; State agencies would be excluded.
Design rules for large projects
If enacted, covered new projects would need to meet the Secretary's complete streets design standards starting two years after enactment. The rule would apply to Federal‑aid highway projects in metropolitan planning areas with scheduled transit service that use section 104(b) funds and are new construction, reconstruction, or cost more than $10,000,000. Listed exemptions include limited‑access highways, certain industrial arterials, facilities with no documented need, ongoing complying projects, and emergency repairs (which must include temporary accommodations when practicable).
Local complete streets policy rules
The bill would require any local or regional entity that wants State technical help or grants to adopt a complete streets policy approved by the State or an MPO. The policy would have to cover planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operations, follow public right‑of‑way accessibility guidelines, and include measurable performance standards. Project‑level exemptions would be allowed in limited cases, such as legal limits, excessive disproportionate cost, very low density, or an adequate nearby alternative corridor.
State reporting and inventory rules
If enacted, State transportation departments would have to report to the Secretary about how they are using complete streets principles when the Secretary requires it. Each State would publish an inventory within two years showing which highway sections have ongoing or completed projects that meet the design standards and update it every two years. The Secretary would also publish and update a chart showing costs of complete streets design elements.
MPO appeals to federal review
The bill would let a metropolitan planning organization appeal to the regional Federal Highway Administration office if a State denies its proposal to meet the design standards. An MPO could also request a second review by FHWA headquarters. This appeals process would take effect upon enactment.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Edward Markey
MA • D
Cosponsors
Richard Blumenthal
CT • D
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Raphael Warnock
GA • D
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Martin Heinrich
NM • D
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Brian Schatz
HI • D
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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