More than $540K awarded for pedestrian safety projects in Centre County
Pedestrians and cyclists in Happy Valley can expect to see safety improvements at several busy intersections after Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration awarded the projects more than $540,000.
Nearly $338,000 will go toward pedestrian crossing upgrades at the intersections of Science Park Road at Martin Street and Park Crest Lane, Martin Street at Park Crest Terrace Apartments, and the Circleville bikeway in Ferguson Township.
State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, said in a statement Tuesday that a township study recommended infrastructure, accessibility and visibility improvements at the Science Park Road and Martin Street intersections.
“Ferguson Township identified these intersections as high priority for pedestrian safety and determined they would benefit from enhancements such as rectangular rapid flashing beacons, which significantly reduce the risk of pedestrian crashes,” Conklin said. “This funding ensures the township can move forward with these improvements so pedestrians and cyclists can travel more safely.”
A message left Tuesday afternoon with the township was not returned. The safety improvements are in the same area of a fatal pedestrian crash in October 2023.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation also awarded more than $203,000 for safety, technology and coordination upgrades on state Route 26 and its intersections at Squirrel Drive, Elmwood Street and U.S. Route 322.
“Keeping people safe on our roads is a top priority,” state Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township, said in a statement. “These targeted improvements along Route 26 will enhance signal coordination and visibility, reduce the risk of crashes, and make travel safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists throughout our community.”
PennDOT said the projects were selected by a committee based on criteria such as safety benefits and effectiveness, cost and local impact.
“We’re making important investments in communities across the Commonwealth that make a real difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said in a statement.