HARRISBURG, PA — A sweeping $27 million traffic safety investment announced by the Shapiro Administration will bring targeted improvements to busy intersections and pedestrian corridors in Chester County, as PennDOT rolls out the latest round of Automated Red-Light Enforcement grants.
PennDOT said the funding will support 51 safety projects in 44 municipalities statewide, with Chester County slated to receive more than $417,000 across three projects in Downingtown Borough and East Caln Township. The grants are part of a broader effort to reduce crashes, improve traffic flow, and protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers at signalized intersections.
In Downingtown Borough, PennDOT awarded $65,469.49 for lane configuration and vehicle detection upgrades at the intersection of Wallace Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, along with detection improvements at two nearby intersections. A separate $94,812.42 grant will enhance an existing midblock pedestrian crossing along Pennsylvania Avenue near Kerr Park, an area that sees steady foot traffic tied to recreation and downtown activity.
East Caln Township will receive $257,187 to modernize traffic signals by replacing outdated signal heads at all signalized intersections. The project also includes upgrading left-turn signals to flashing yellow arrow heads, a change intended to improve clarity for drivers and reduce turning-related crashes.
Statewide, the $27 million investment brings PennDOT’s total Automated Red-Light Enforcement spending to more than $60 million since 2023, funding 121 projects during the Shapiro Administration. The program is financed through fines collected from red-light violations at intersections in Philadelphia, with state law directing the money toward projects that improve safety, mobility, and congestion.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said the program allows the department to invest directly in communities where data shows red-light running and intersection safety are persistent concerns. Projects are selected by an eight-member committee based on safety benefits, cost effectiveness, and local and regional impact.
Municipalities submitted 113 applications totaling more than $67 million in requests, underscoring demand for intersection upgrades across the Commonwealth.
PennDOT officials said the Chester County projects reflect the program’s focus on targeted, data-driven improvements that can deliver measurable safety gains, particularly in areas with a mix of vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic.
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