HARRISBURG, PA — Communities across Pennsylvania will receive more than $74 million for new sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, trail upgrades, and pedestrian safety projects under a statewide transportation funding initiative announced by PennDOT.
What This Means for You
- PennDOT awarded funding to 72 transportation improvement projects across 38 counties.
- Projects include sidewalks, bike trails, school access improvements, and pedestrian safety upgrades.
- The investments are funded through a federal transportation grant program focused on nonmotorized travel and accessibility.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said the projects are being funded through the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program, part of the Federal Highway Administration’s Surface Transportation Block Grant Program.
Transportation Alternatives funding supports projects designed to improve walking, biking, trail access, and transportation safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said the funding is intended to improve transportation options beyond traditional vehicle travel.
“Communities around the Commonwealth are creating and improving options for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users,” Carroll said in a statement.
Projects Span Urban and Rural Areas
The state highlighted several major projects receiving funding in this round.
In Allegheny County, the Regional Trail Corporation will receive $1.5 million to address landslides near milepost 137 of the Great Allegheny Passage trail.
In Erie County, Fairview Township and the Fairview School District will receive $1.2 million to build new sidewalks along McCray Road and reconstruct sidewalks on school property.
Philadelphia received two separate awards.
The City of Philadelphia will receive $1 million to construct 1.3 miles of Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible trail connections linking Fairmount Park in West Philadelphia to the Bala Rail Station in Montgomery County through the Cynwyd Heritage Trail corridor.
ADA-accessible infrastructure is designed to comply with federal disability access standards established under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Philadelphia also received $450,000 for a two-year bicycle safety pilot program aimed at elementary school students in underserved neighborhoods.
The program is intended to provide children with bicycle safety instruction and riding skills training.
Trail and Crossing Improvements Planned
In Susquehanna County, the Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania will receive nearly $1.49 million for improvements along a four-mile section of the D&H Rail Trail spanning Ararat Township, Thompson Township, and Thompson Borough.
The project includes resurfacing, drainage upgrades, signage, access control features, and a new trailhead connection.
In Union County, the Union County Trail Authority will receive $1.8 million to install a signalized pedestrian crossing along U.S. Route 15 at the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail.
The project will also include a raised pedestrian center island intended to improve crossing safety.
Demand Exceeded Available Funding
PennDOT said it received 152 applications requesting more than $173 million during the funding cycle, more than double the amount ultimately awarded.
State officials said projects were evaluated using criteria including safety benefits, cost effectiveness, project readiness, impact on low-income and minority communities, regional significance, land-use integration, and collaboration with local stakeholders.
Applications were reviewed by representatives from PennDOT, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and regional planning organizations.
According to PennDOT, the Shapiro administration has invested more than $123.6 million through the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program since taking office.
A full list of funded projects is available on PennDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program Page.
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