Takac: Nearly $450,000 awarded to bolster traffic safety
Rep. Paul Takac January 30, 2024 | 12:52 PM
HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – Multiple projects geared toward enhancing traffic safety in both College and Harris townships received two grant awards totaling $444,669, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, announced today. The grants are funded by the Automated Red Light Enforcement program.
$298,349 was awarded to Harris Township to designate, design and install a bike/pedestrian crossing point on Boal Avenue and the intersection of the Pennsylvania Military Museum entrance and Old Boalsburg Road.
$146,320 was awarded to College Township for signal upgrades on the Route 26 corridor, including advanced radar units, new signal heads with reflective back plates, and new pavement markings and alignment at the Route 26 and U.S. 322 ramps.
“Pedestrian and traffic safety is one of the most basic, and critical, responsibilities of state and local governments,” Takac said. “Therefore, I am delighted that these significant ARLE grants will be directed toward projects along two of the most important and well-traveled thoroughfares in our region.
“The Route 26 and 322 interchange sees some of the highest volume of traffic in our region and the enhanced visibility and signage funded by this grant will be a huge benefit for both local residents as well as those visiting State College and Penn State.
“Likewise, the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum and the Boal Mansion, Boal City Brewing, and other residential and commercial areas in Boalsburg has witnessed a tremendous increase in both special event and regular, daily usage. The ability of pedestrians and bicyclists to more safely navigate this intersection across Boal Avenue will be a tremendous and much-needed improvement for our community,” Takac said.
Funding for ARLE grants comes from fines for red light violations at 34 intersections in Philadelphia. The funding can be used for projects that improve safety, enhance mobility or reduce congestion. Since 2010, ARLE has awarded $141.5 million, funding 576 transportation enhancement projects.
More information about this round of funding through the ARLE program is available here.