Horrendous intersection of Routes 452 & 1 gets Pa. funds
Delaware County towns are on track to receive more than $4 million in transportation funding from the state for projects ranging from an overhaul of the routes 452 and 1 intersection to sidewalks to road construction.
Among the projects approved for Multimodal Transportation Funds by the Commonwealth Financing Authority include:
$2 million for construction of a loop road in Middletown Township in the vicinity of routes 452 and 1; $1.4 million to relocate a section of Tinicum Island Road at the Philadelphia International Airport; $500,000 to install sidewalks along 2 miles of Providence Road in Nether Providence; $250,000 for an intersection improvement in Millbourne;
$100,000 for Media Borough for crosswalk improvements and another $100,000 for Upper Providence for pedestrian-related improvements along North Providence and Sandybank roads.
These grants come from the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development to administer the state’s economic stimulus packages. The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable transportation system for residents.
“These grants will improve traffic congestion and make the affected roadways safer for drivers and pedestrians,” state Sen. Tom Killion, R-9 of Middletown, said. “I’m pleased the authority recognized the value of these projects to the local area and the commonwealth.”
Middletown Township will use its $2 million to build a loop road at the intersection of Routes 452 and 1 with two new signalized intersections and a pedestrian trail. The new loop road will also provide connections to the existing CVS and Chick-Fil-A and there will be a service road to a proposed Wawa and bank.
“This $2 million will be a significant help to bring the road to a reality,” Middletown Township Manager Andrew Haines said of the project expected to cost $3-4 million. “This is an immense help to move it along sooner.”
He explained that township officials have been working on the project for the last two years, allocating $713,000 into land acquisition and design.
“The design is a cut-through to move traffic in a safe way and complement the existing traffic on Baltimore Pike,” Haines said, adding that the design is being reviewed by PennDOT for final permit approval.
The construction portion of the project is anticipated to have minimal impact on traffic as much of it will be on the acquired land and open space. Haines said officials are optimistic that once the shovels hit the ground, the project can be completed in under 24 months.
State Rep. Chris Quinn, R-168, of Middletown, spoke of how this area had been an ongoing concern.
“That has been a congested area for over 20 years and it’s been a primary focus of mine since my time on Middletown Township Council,” he said. “This will not eliminate the problem, but it’s going to provide much-needed relief to the residents.”
Township officials were thankful for the grant approval.
“This type of funding is an investment to our community and the residents here to improve the public safety,” Haines said.
Tinicum plans to direct its
$1.4 million toward relocating a 1-mile stretch of Tinicum Island Road. The road currently bisects the airport property and the Philadelphia Division of Aviation will move it to enable the development of the 136-acre Henderson tract for air cargo use. That project is anticipated to cost
$20.7 million.
Of the road relocation, state Rep. Dave Delloso, D-162 of Ridley Park, said, “This construction project is just one small portion of a larger development project. Our region is capable of being a hub for the entire Northeast and this large development project will result in the expansion of air cargo facilities and ultimately, we hope, create a number of family-sustaining jobs in our district.”
State Rep. Leanne Krueger,
D-161, of Nether Providence, spoke of the $500,000 the township was awarded to install ADA-accessible sidewalks along two miles of Providence Road, replacing an existing incomplete asphalt walk.
“This project will make our community more walkable and improve pedestrian safety, including for students in our region,” the representative said. “State support is critical in helping municipalities with these kinds of projects and I’m pleased to see funding awarded to Nether Providence Township for this work.”
State Rep. Margo Davidson, D-164, of Upper Darby, announced that WRD Sears L.P. had been approved for a $250,000 grant to fund the installation of a new traffic signal, intersection and crosswalk at the corner of 63rd and Market streets as a former Sears department store is renovated into a new warehouse and office facility for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
“Children’s Hospital is a worldclass institution and a prestigious tenant,” she said. “After years of hard work together with Millbourne Borough and the developer, it is very exciting to see this project moving forward,” she said. “This development project will help enhance the borough’s economic vitality by bringing in new jobs. I’m very glad that this grant money was awarded to
— State Rep. Chris Quinn, R-168, of Middletown
ensure motorist and pedestrian safety at what will be a very busy intersection.”
Media Borough also was approved for a $100,000 grant to install pedestrian signals with audible, vibrotactile and visual features. New crosswalks, pedestrian signage and ADA-compliant curbs are also part of this project.
In Upper Providence, $100,000 of Multimodal funds will be sued for design and construction of crosswalks, ADA curb ramps, signage, pavement markings and pedestrian school flashing warning devices along North Providence Road and Sandybank Road.
Of the Middletown, Media and Upper Providence funding, state Rep. Chris Quinn, R-168, of Middletown, said, “I am pleased that communities in my district have been awarded these grants to improve our transportation and ensure pedestrian safety. These grants are incredible opportunities for our area and I’m eager to see how these projects will make our communities better.”