Multimodal Transportation Funds Requested from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for City Avenue Improvements; Transportation Funds Will Help Ensure Citizens’ Safety by Repairing, Replacing, Updating North Section of City Avenue
Washington, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter of support to the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation supporting the City Avenue Special Services District (CASSD) of Philadelphia & Lower Merion application for funds that will be used to make improvements on City Avenue (US 1). The funds will be used to improve infrastructure along the north end of City Avenue in order to increase pedestrian, vehicle, and cyclist safety in the area.
“Every day thousands of residents and visitors travel on foot, bicycle, bus and train to attend classes, work and shop along this section of City Avenue,” said Senator Casey. “Without improvements to this corridor, the safety of pedestrians and drivers will continue to be put at risk. The allocation of these funds towards the revitalization of City Avenue is crucial in terms of ensuring the safety of all of Philadelphia’s residents and visitors.”
The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below:
Dear Secretary Schoch:
It is my understanding that the City Avenue Special Services District (CASSD) of Philadelphia & Lower Merion has submitted an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for Multimodal Transportation Funds for improvements on City Avenue (US 1) between 50th and 63rd Streets. The purpose of this letter is to urge you to give full and fair consideration to this proposal.
Every day thousands of residents and visitors travel on foot, bicycle, bus and train to attend classes, work and shop along this section of City Avenue. Moreover, I have been advised that, without timely revitalization of this corridor, the lives of pedestrians and drivers will continue to be put at risk. In recent years, vehicles traveling at high speeds have hit pedestrians, cyclists and buildings at the two major intersections of 54th Street and City Avenue and at Cardinal Avenue. During times of moderate to heavy rain, outdated or nonexistent drainage systems cause flooding, putting cars at risk of hydroplaning and forcing pedestrians to wade through inches of water. I understand that pedestrians continue to find it difficult to cross the street due to poorly conceived crosswalks and signals that do not allow enough time to cross. Furthermore, I am told that lighting along certain stretches of this corridor is poor and thereby presents a safety hazard.
I have been told that this funding will help move forward a long planned project to install new drainage system on the north side of City Avenue from Berwick Road to Orchard Road. It will also permit the City to create new turning lanes in intersections, and eliminate unnecessary left turns through the installation of concrete mountable curb grass medians. Pedestrian safety will also improve as funding will allow this project to reconstruct crosswalks, install asphalt crosswalks, and upgrade signals. I understand that funding will also be put towards improved roadway and sidewalk lighting through the installation of street lights.
Thank you in advance for the consideration of my views. Please include this letter in the official record of the application. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application. Finally, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
