Two Centre Region townships will receive a combined $540,765 in state grant funding for transportation safety improvement projects, PennDOT announced on Tuesday.
College Township and Ferguson Township were among 44 municipalities statewide awarded funds from a PennDOT’s Transportation Enhancements Grant Program, which is funded by fines collected from automated red light enforcement intersections in Philadelphia.
Ferguson Township will receive pedestrian crossing upgrades at three intersections, according to state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township:
- Science Park Road at the Tudek/Circleville bike path
- Martin Street and Park Crest Lane
- Martin Street at Park Crest Terrace Apartments
“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 township mobility study recommended rectangular rapid flashing beacons with accessible buttons for the visually impaired, a refuge island, ADA-compliant curb ramps, improved lighting and enhanced signage at the Science Park Road intersection, according to Conklin.
The study also found that similar measures—including rectangular rapid flashing beacons, nighttime lighting upgrades and ADA accommodations—would improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists at the Martin Street intersections.
College Township will receive $203,061 for intersection safety along the East College Avenue/Route 26 corridor.
The funding will support safety, technology and signal coordination upgrades at four intersections on Route 26, according to state Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township:
- Squirrel Drive
- Elmwood Street/Millbrook Way
- U.S. 322 East
- U.S. 322 West
“Keeping people safe on our roads is a top priority,” Takac said. “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. I appreciate PennDOT’s continued investment in projects that deliver tangible safety benefits for Centre County residents.”
