For years, Newtown Township residents and officials have been working to improve pedestrian safety. On Monday, they were able to celebrate some victories.
State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, State Rep. Perry Warren, township supervisors Dennis Fisher and John Mack, and police Lt. Christian Joseph joined residents Monday to mark the upgrades at the intersections of Tara Boulevard and Newtown-Yardley Road, and Sycamore Street and Silo Drive.
Both locations now feature lighted pedestrian crossing signs and signals with multiple safety measures.
The new crossing on Newtown-Yardley Road also includes a raised pedestrian island in the center of the road.
The projects were funded by a $50,000 legislative grant in 2022 for planning and a $326,931 grant from the PennDOT Automated Red Light Enforcement program for installation costs more recently.
The two projects received strong support from the township, supervisors, police, and the two Democratic lawmakers, with PennDOT signing off on the work.
Santarsiero spoke of the intersection of Silo Drive and Sycamore Street in the commercial heart of Newtown Township as a particular concern.
Officials stated the area has been the site of several pedestrian injuries and a pedestrian fatality in 2021.
“As the area continues to boom with more shops and restaurants, it is critical that our roadways are safe for pedestrians and drivers,” Santarsiero said. “The crosswalks, signage and flashing lights are eye-catching for drivers, but ultimately the pedestrians have to make smart choices and wait until it is safe to cross.”
Santarsiero credited Newtown Township police Chief John Hearn for his advocacy for new pedestrian safety measures and the crossing systems.
Warren said Sycamore Street safety improvements have been on officials’ radar for years.
“These crosswalks will make it more safe, and it’s good for the business district, too,” he said.
PennDOT determined a traditional traffic light wouldn’t work at Silo Drive and Sycamore Street due to its proximity to other lights, and improved pedestrian crossing the best alternative, Santarsiero said.
Advertisements
The project at Tara Boulevard and Newtown-Yardley Road will not only enhance pedestrian safety but also improve connectivity for the local trail network and sidewalks, according to officials.
Warren, who lives near the Newtown-Yardley Road crossing, noted the improvements will benefit both local residents and those walking to and from Newtown Borough.
The state representative said the area can be tough because drivers and pedestrians can struggle with visibility.
Last year, Newtown Township and PennDOT reduced the speed limit on Newtown-Yardley Road from 35 mph to 25 mph as a safety measure.
Santarsiero recognized the advocacy of Newtown Walk residents in bringing the Newtown-Yardley Road crossing to fruition.
“We worked through several improvements before getting here today,” said Newtown Township Board of Supervisors Vice Chairperson Dennis Fisher. “This was a long time coming and everyone involved should be happy that it is complete.”
Supervisor John Mack thanked residents for their proactive approach to pedestrian safety and keeping the issue at the forefront.
“Walkability is a big thing,” Mack said.
Valerie Mihalek, a Newtown Walk resident and candidate for township supervisor, said the Newtown-Yardley Road project was the culmination of three years of work.
Mihalek recounted how a father whose children were nearly struck by a car discovered the driver couldn’t see them due to the road’s layout.
“They weren’t trying to plow anyone down,” Mihalek said of the driver. “They couldn’t see them because of the line of sight issue.”
She believes the new lit signal and safety devices will help resolve this problem and thanked the state lawmakers for securing funding.
Santarsiero and Warren both said more pedestrian safety projects are in the works and state grants may fund them.
Advertisement
Meet Your Canna Coach: Personalized Guidance, Free for You!
