Pedestrian Crossing Warning Signals Debut At 2 Newtown Twp. Locations

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Two new pedestrian safety signals are officially in operation at Sycamore Street and Silo Drive and at the mid-block crossing at Tara Boulevard and Newtown-Yardley Road.

State Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Perry Warren were joined by Newtown Township Supervisors Dennis Fisher and John Mack on Monday to inaugurate the safety improvements, which include pedestrian activation controls, rapid flashing beacon lights to warn motorists that people are in the crosswalk, and improved signage.

The improvements were made possible by two state grants secured by Santarsiero and Warren - a $50,000 legislative grant for planning in 2022 and a $326,931 grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) program in 2024 for the installation of the crossing systems.

The intersection of Silo Drive and North Sycamore Street in the commercial heart of the township has been the site of several pedestrian injuries and a pedestrian fatality in 2021.

The crossing at Silo Drive and North Sycamore Street. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

“This safety improvement is part of a long-standing commitment to safety going back 16 years to when my first district office as a state representative was here on Sycamore Street,” said Senator Santarsiero. “As the area continues to boom with more shops and restaurants, it is critical that our roadways are safe for pedestrians and drivers. 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.”

Sen. Santarsiero praised the Newtown Township Supervisors and Police Chief John Hearn for their commitment to improving pedestrian safety, saying, “Chief Hearn has been a tireless advocate for pedestrian safety improvements, and I have great respect for his vision and commitment for
continued upgrades. I look forward to working with the township and Rep. Warren to secure state funding to support these initiatives.”

The project at Tara Blvd. and Newtown-Yardley Road will improve the connectivity of the local trail network and sidewalks, helping residents move naturally and safely to shops, restaurants, schools and parks in the area. It will also increase safety for pedestrians crossing at the mid-block crosswalk.

“Accessibility and connectivity are two key features that strengthen our sense of community and make Newtown Township a great place to live,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “I’d like to thank the residents of Newtown Walk for their collaboration with the township to make this crossing safer for residents. Rep. Warren and I look forward to continuing to work with the neighbors and the township for state funding to extend the sidewalks here to connect to Washington Ave. in the Borough.”

The residents of Newtown Walk approached the township three years ago, asking if something could be done to improve safety at the dangerous mid-block pedestrian crossing at Tara Boulevard.

After several residents were nearly struck while attempting to cross the busy roadway, residents lobbied for the new warning beacons, which are designed to warn drivers when pedestrians are in the crosswalks.

"We couldn't have made this happen without the support of the supervisors and from Senator Santarsiero and Rep. Warren. This is not only safety for Newtown Wak, it also provides access to the Newtown Trail," said resident Valerie Mihalek.

New LED lighting has also been installed to brighten the mid-block crossing at night to alert motorists to slow down.

Supervisor John Mack thanked the residents of Newtown Walk for being proactive, showing up at township meetings, and voicing their concerns. "I know it took a couple of years, but we now have a much safer crossing."

Supervisor Dennis Fisher also thanked the residents. He also expressed appreciation to the state lawmakers for helping to secure the funds to pay for the improvements. "We should all be happy to see this project finished."

Residents and officials use the now safer mid-block crossing at Tara Boulevard and Newtown-Yardley Road. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero makes remarks at the new Tara Boulevard mid-block crossing. With him are Newtown Township Supervisor John Mack and State Rep. Perry Warren. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Newtown Township Supervisors Dennis Fisher and John Mack with residents from Newtown Walk. (Contributed)

The new warning beacons are part of a multi-pronged approach by the township to improve safety at the two locations.

As an initial step, the township worked with PennDOT to reduce the speed limit from 35 to 25 on Newtown-Yardley Road between the Newtown Borough line and Terry Drive and on Sycamore Street between Durham Road and Swamp Road. On Sycamore Street, the township also increased the brightness of the LED lighting along the street.

“These signaled crosswalks enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility at two very different intersections on opposite sides of Newtown Township,” said Rep. Warren. “Sycamore and Silo is at a
busy, sometimes congested, business district. The mid-block intersection at Newtown-Yardley Road and Tara Blvd. is hard to see as motorists accelerate leaving Newtown Borough. Thank you to the
residents, Township Supervisors, police and PennDOT, who recognized and worked together to address these safety concerns.”

Dennis Fisher, vice chair of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors said, “I’d like to thank everyone involved in this project. We worked through several improvements before getting here today. This was a long time coming and everyone involved should be happy that it is complete.”