Shapiro Administration invests over $49.5M to enhance public accessibility

Nico Rossi
·3 min read

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced on Thursday that the Shaprio Administration is investigating over $49.5 million in 55 projects throughout the Commonwealth that will improve and enhance the public’s access to community resources.

The administration was able to invest through the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, “Set-Aside,” in projects that improve the accessibility of biking and walking paths, pedestrian access to public transportation, community improvement activities, trails, and “Safe Routes to School” (SRTS) projects designed to create or improve further access to schools.

USPS staff to offer guidance on ‘Job Fair Day’

Some of the projects awarded are as follows:

  • $734,871 to the Borough of Chambersburg in Franklin County to shut down two street blocks to vehicle traffic next to the former Southgate Shopping Center to create a pedestrian and bicycle-only route. The project will give pedestrians access from the neighboring senior housing and residential blocks to a new medical facility, and create greater bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to the Southgate neighborhood and the Rail Trail.

  • $1,184,767 to Lower Paxton Township in Dauphin County to extend the Township’s sidewalk network for connections between neighborhoods and key destinations such as the Lower Paxton Township Municipal Center, and Central Dauphin Middle School. The new sidewalk connections will include the necessary signage, ADA-accessible ramps, and crosswalks, and also narrow the width of the roadway, which will act as a traffic calming feature on Prince Street to improve pedestrian safety.

  • $1,500,000 to the City of York in York County for an array of improvements to safe routes to 12 schools including: (1) Upgrade existing 15 mph school zone signage to flashing signals.  (2) Install new 15 mph school zone flashing signals, signs, and pavement markings. (3) Replace old overhead 15 mph school zone flashing signals, signs, and pavement markings.  (4) Re-mark and re-sign adjacent intersection school crosswalks. (5) Construct missing sidewalk gaps along school walking routes. (6) Construct a new traffic signal with pedestrian/school crossing amenities at the North Beaver Street/West North Street all-way intersection.

  • $1,400,000 to the City of Erie in Erie County to install ADA-compliant sidewalks and ramps in locations where there are currently missing sections, within the 1.5-mile walking radius of City of Erie schools. It will also include the installation of a high-visibility crosswalk and signage.

  • $834,176 to the Anthracite Scenic Trails Association in Luzerne County for a trail connection from the Creekside Trail portion of the Back Mountain Trail in Luzerne Borough to the end of the Susquehanna River levee trail in Edwardsville. The project will be a multi-use trail intended for bicycle and pedestrian use, with the potential for equestrian use.

A diverse transportation network that is both accessible and safe is the cornerstone of healthy, connected communities. I am excited to see the investment in communities around the state to improve access to critical services.”

PennDOT Secretary, Mike Carroll

For a full list of awards for the Transportation Alternative Set-Aside Projects visit the program’s website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.