Lehigh Valley projects get more than $2 million for roadway safety

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — More roadway safety projects are coming to the Lehigh Valley.

On Monday, state Reps. Robert Freeman, Jeanne McNeill, Ann Flood and Senators Nick Miller Lisa Boscola announced state funding for local projects.

All four projects total to $2,143,817 in state funding.

More than $463,000 will go toward roadway upgrades in Hellertown and Wilson through the Multimodal Transportation Fund, a release from Freeman said.

PD Hellertown LLC will get $300,000 for "an interchange improvement project at Main Street and I-78 interchange."

And $163,257 will go to the Skyline Investment Group Easton LLC for a sidewalk improvement project in Wilson. The release said it's "part of a proposed pedestrian and bicycle trail connector at the Dixie Cup site."

Freeman, D-Northampton, referred to the state grants as "the latest state investment that I am glad to see returned to our area."

'Critically needed improvements'

Also in Northampton County, Boscola announced the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved funding for two more projects in Forks Township and Bethlehem.

Northside Alive Streetscape Development will get$250,000 for a project in Bethlehem and $1,000,000 will go to Phase II of the Frutchey Hill Road Repair Project in Forks Township.

"State investment in these multimodal projects will allow these critically needed roadway improvements and pedestrian safety enhancements to move forward.” Boscola said in a release.

“I am particularly pleased that $1 million in state funding was approved to assist Forks Township in their efforts to repair extensive damage to Frutchey Hill Road caused by the flooding of July 2023.

"Working with my legislative colleagues of both parties and both chambers made bringing this funding back to Northampton County a reality.”

'Lasting positive impact'

A release from Flood, R-Northampton, said Phase II "will build on previous improvements, helping to create a safer and more efficient roadway" in the township.

In the release, Flood said the grant money will help ensure safety and reliability for the residents that use Frutchey Hill Road.

"By improving our infrastructure, we’re not only enhancing daily commutes, but also supporting local businesses and enabling quicker responses for emergency services," Flood said.

"These improvements will have a lasting positive impact on the 138th District."

The Multimodal Transportation Fund also awarded $430,560 to Whitehall Township for curb ramp improvements.

McNeill, D-Lehigh, said the project will "provide better access between the sidewalk and roadway for people using wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, hand carts, bicycle, and for pedestrians with mobility problems who have trouble stepping up and down high curbs."

"These types of investments are vital to our residents as we strive to enhance our streets and improve mobility for all," Miller, D-Lehigh, said in a release.

"The installation of curb ramps will provide a visible and tangible signal, serving the needs of all residents, particularly those with limited mobility or vision.”