Pedestrians and cyclists across the Commonwealth can soon safely traverse their communities with a little more ease, thanks to a hefty multi-million-dollar investment from the Shapiro administration. As announced by PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, over $49.5 million is being poured into various projects aimed at improving access to pedestrian and bicycle-friendly routes, as well as boosting safety around schools.
The cash injection, sourced from the Surface Transportation Block Grant program Set-Aside, is set to fundamentally alter not just how folk can get to and from public transit but also how kids can safely get their learn on. In his announcement, Carroll highlighted the intrinsic value of "a diverse transportation network that is both accessible and safe," an investment he believes is "the cornerstone of healthy, connected communities," as stated in the report.
Among the projects getting a financial leg up is the Borough of Chambersburg, bagging $734,871 to bid farewell to cars on two street blocks near the old Southgate Shopping Center. This move is set to carve out a direct pedestrian and bike path to a new medical facility and enhance links with the neighboring Rail Trail. Not to be outshone, Lower Paxton Township in Dauphin County will use its $1,184,767 grant to construct sidewalk connections complete with ADA ramps and road-narrowing to naturally slow down traffic on Prince Street.
York and Erie are cities also reaping benefits from the funding, with York earmarked a cool $1.5 million to majorly upgrade safety around 12 schools with flashier signs and revamped crosswalks -- moves sure to make the daily trek to school that bit safer for kids. Erie's not too far behind, nabbing $1.4 million to ensure sidewalks and ramps are up to ADA snuff within a mile-and-a-half radius of Erie schools, plans that include the addition of high-visibility crosswalks.
Last but not least, Luzerne County's Anthracite Scenic Trails Association is setting sights on a $834,176 boost to link up the Creekside and Susquehanna River levee trails with a path set to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and possibly horseback riders. With such extensive plans laid out across the board, these projects spell a substantial stride forward for community connectivity and public safety.
