Schweyer, Miller, Tuerk applaud funding for Allentown street redesign
Rep. Peter G. Schweyer February 27, 2025 | 10:48 AM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, in tandem with state Sen. Nick Miller and Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, announced today new state funding totaling $1.9 million for a project in the 134th Legislative District.
The state Transportation Department funding will be used to redesign a 1.2-mile stretch of South Jefferson Street between Elm and Lehigh streets, to reduce it to two lanes with a central turning lane and install dedicated bike lanes.
“This stretch of road is one of the major thoroughfares for workers and visitors traveling in and out of downtown Allentown,” said Schweyer. “This redesign will improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and especially residents who live along the roadway. I am pleased to see PennDOT recognize the importance of this project and to have the continued collaboration with Mayor Tuerk and Senator Miller to make these important improvements within Allentown.”
“Today’s investment of $1.9 million in traffic safety improvements in the City of Allentown represents a substantial advancement in our efforts to improve infrastructure for all residents and guests to safely travel,” said Miller.
“With the assistance of state and local partnerships that include working alongside Representative Peter Schweyer, we can all work together for the significant progression of our region. Pennsylvania’s ARLE Program is designed to improve safety at signalized intersections by providing automated enforcement at locations where data has shown red-light running has been a recurring issue,” said Miller. “I look forward to supporting Governor Shapiro’s commitment to creating safer and connected communities by continuing to champion for the improvements to our infrastructure for all residents and their families.”
“Safety is my administration’s top priority, and making it easier for people to move safely through Allentown is key to building a healthy city,” said Tuerk. “This funding will improve the connection between our downtown and the beautiful Lehigh Parkway by updating traffic patterns, adding bicycle infrastructure, and finally fixing what I consider to be the worst intersection in the known universe.”
This funding is provided through PennDOT’s Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program. Funding for the program is generated from the net revenue of fines collected through Automated Red Light Enforcement Systems and Automated Speed Enforcement Systems.
Grant applications for this program are accepted annually in June.