On January 14, 2026, Garrett Zimmer and Jade Sage from WWC Engineering presented their findings from the Afton Corridor Study, conducted in July 2025. The community gathered last Wednesday at the Afton Civic Center to learn about this initiative aimed at improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety in the town. Zimmer, the Branch Manager, shared key insights and recommendations derived from comprehensive traffic and pedestrian data. “This study is really a collaboration between the Town of Afton and the Wyoming Department of Transportation,” he noted. “The goal is to enhance overall vehicle movements and pedestrian safety through Afton, particularly between Fourth Avenue and Fifth Avenue in the downtown hub.”
The study included extensive vehicle and pedestrian counts from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in July 2025, providing essential data regarding daily corridor usage. Zimmer highlighted that adjustments were made for seasonal variations, such as increased tourist traffic, ensuring the recommendations would remain relevant year-round.
The analysis revealed critical statistics regarding crash incidents from 2020 to 2023. A total of 14 crashes were documented, with nine occurring at the intersections of Fourth and Fifth Avenues. Among these incidents, three resulted in injuries, while fortunately, no fatalities were reported. The data indicated that eight crashes involved vehicles moving straight, three were linked to left turns, and one incident was related to a DUI.
Furthermore, the signal warrant analysis indicated that Afton did not meet any of the nine required conditions for the installation of traffic signals. These conditions consider factors such as traffic volume and proximity to schools. For a signal to be justified, approximately 750 vehicles must be present during peak four-hour periods or 1,200 vehicles during peak one-hour periods—criteria that Afton has not yet fulfilled. Despite the lack of warrant for traffic signals, the presenters acknowledged that future studies should be conducted as community growth continues, with the potential for resident interest to instigate changes. Zimmer emphasized, “Unfortunately, we noted that none of the criteria were met for a traffic signal, but it doesn’t mean we can’t improve.”
To enhance safety and mitigate risks, Zimmer proposed several key recommendations. These include implementing pedestrian bump-outs that shorten crossing distances and improve visibility by extending sidewalks into the parking lane. He also recommended the installation of pedestrian-actuated flashing beacons at mid-block locations, like the Elkhorn Arch. “Currently, the beacon is flashing 24 hours a day, which can cause motorists to become numb to it,” he explained. “Making it pedestrian-actuated would alert drivers only when someone intends to cross.”
The Afton Civic Center meeting served as a crucial forum for understanding the study’s findings and upcoming actions. As town officials prepare to incorporate these insights into budgeting and planning processes, there is optimism for improved traffic flow and pedestrian safety in Afton. Moving forward, the town council will contemplate the recommendations as part of their budget discussions, especially as Afton faces increasing traffic demands. While immediate changes may not be feasible, the groundwork laid by this study holds potential for future infrastructure enhancements, promoting safety and accessibility for all Afton residents.
