HARRISBURG, Pa. — Investments totaling more than $49.5 million in 55 projects that will improve community resources and enhance public accessibility across the Commonwealth have been announced by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll.
The administration awarded projects that improve the accessibility of biking and walking paths and amenities, pedestrian access to public transportation, community improvement activities, environmental mitigation projects and trails. Additionally, awards include safe routes to school projects designed to create and improve alternative access to schools via new crosswalks, sidewalks and walking paths.
“A diverse transportation network that is both accessible and safe is the cornerstone of healthy, connected communities,” said Carroll. “I am excited to see the investment in communities around the state to improve access to critical services.”
Notable awarded projects include $734,871 to the Borough of Chambersburg in Franklin County to permanently close two street blocks to vehicular traffic adjacent to the former Southgate Shopping Center to create a pedestrian and bicycle-only route.
The project will create direct pedestrian access from the neighboring senior housing and residential blocks to a new medical facility, create greater bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to the Southgate neighborhood and the existing Rail Trail.
A list of awards is available on the program web page.
PennDOT received 137 applications this round, requesting over $165 million. Selections were made based on established criteria such as safety benefits, cost effectiveness, readiness for implementation, impact on low-income or minority communities, statewide or regional significance, integration of land use and transportation decision making, collaboration with stakeholders and leveraging of other projects or funding. Applications were reviewed by representatives from PennDOT, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Metropolitan and Rural Planning Organizations.
