$873K Allotted To Pedestrian Safety In Newtown

NEWTOWN, PA — Newtown representatives announced $873,000 in state funds for to improve pedestrian safety and access to the Newtown Business Commons.

The project includes construction of 0.5 mile of five-foot wide concrete sidewalks, stormwater management improvements, construction of ADA curb ramps, improved striping and signage, installation of benches, and landscaping.

“State investments in our transportation keep our community connected and our economy thriving,” State Senator Steve Santarsiero said. “This project will help the Newtown Business Commons close existing trail and sidewalk gaps and improve pedestrian access while better connecting the Business Commons to the community."

The issue is personal for Santarsiero, too.

"My Newtown office is on the edge of the Commons, so I have seen firsthand how bustling the area is and the need for these improvements,” he said.

Warren feels similarly.

“Like many of our residents I regularly walk and run in the Newtown Business Commons,” State Representative Perry Warren said. “This project will improve pedestrian safety and expand connectivity in and between our communities. It will close existing trail and sidewalk gaps and will help residents and visitors experience all Newtown has to offer.”

The Newtown Business Commons sits on 300 acres in Newtown Township, just off the Newtown Bypass, and is home to more than 200 companies, including aeronautical, biomed, biotech, engineering, medical and general office organizations. It also includes a hotel and conference center, the Newtown Post office, and restaurants.

“We are excited and thrilled to learn the township was awarded this multimodal grant from PennDOT,” said Dennis Fisher, Newtown Township Board of Supervisors Chairman. “It will not only help us provide interconnections and link neighborhoods together, but it will also provide us with sidewalks and other infrastructure improvements to revitalize our Business Commons.”

Multimodal transportation fund grants encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth.

More information about PennDOT's Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants is available online.

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