7 county projects to receive $2.7M through Multimodal Transportation Fund

WILKES-BARRE — Gov. Tom Wolf Thursday announced that 56 highway, bridge, transit, and bike and pedestrian projects in 28 counties were selected for $47.8 million in funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund.

Seven Luzerne County Projects will receive a total of more than $2.7 million for projects.

“Transportation is critical to connecting communities and economies, and we are an important partner in bringing progress across the state,” Wolf said. “These investments will improve overall mobility and safety while bolstering commercial projects.”

Reflecting PennDOT’s commitment to improving locally owned infrastructure, several of the projects will also help local governments address bridges and roadways in need of repair or replacement.

“Whether we’re making roadways more accessible to all modes of travel or creating new connections for businesses investing in our communities, transportation is integral to our quality of life,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “These projects will bring long-lasting improvements across the state.”

PennDOT evaluated the applications and made selections based on such criteria as safety benefits, regional economic conditions, the technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability.

Luzerne County projects:

• Conyngham Borough — $500,000 to create a secondary access and emergency route to Whispering Willows Park and construct a new parking area adjacent to the recreation facility as part of a four-phase plan to improve the conditions of the park.

• Exeter Borough — $55,153 for surface restoration improvements of vehicular and pedestrian facilities along Susquehanna Avenue from Trayor Street north through the Barber Street intersection with Susquehanna Avenue.

• Luzerne County — $776,500 to repave a section of Broadway Road in Ross Township, install bike lanes, and improve stormwater management facilities to increase the removal of stormwater from the roadway surface.

• Pittston Township — $537,037 for improvements to Upper Ridge, Lower Ridge, and Chapel Roads, including re-pavement and installation/upgrade of stormwater infrastructure.

• Sugar Notch Borough — $199,294 for surface improvements to replace and upgrade deteriorated roadway on Woodland Road between Brook and Chestnut Streets.

• West Pittston Borough — $345,000 for sidewalk and curb construction and replacement, tree lawn restoration, and new street tree installation along both sides of Exeter Avenue.

• Yatesville Borough — $347,000 for resurfacing and drainage improvements of a parking lot and paving and roadway work on Hale, Washington, Lincoln, Teasdale, and Calvert Streets.

Regarding the Sugar Notch award, state Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Newport Township, said the funding will provide critical repairs and upgrades to Woodland Road which will vastly improve safety for pedestrians and motorists.

“I have and will continue to always support funding to keep our roads safe for residents, drivers, emergency responders and visitors,” Mullery said.

Mullery said the grant will be used for surface improvements to replace and upgrade deteriorated roadway on Woodland Road between Brook and Chestnut Streets.

State Sen. John Yudichak, I-Swoyersville, said investments in public infrastructure projects, like the ones announced today, will always help to drive economic growth and contribute to public safety.

“I appreciate the support of PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian who prioritized these important infrastructure projects for Luzerne County,” Yudichak said.

Romilda Crocamo, Luzerne County Acting Manager, added, “Infrastructure projects are the foundation for economic growth. I would like to thank the Commonwealth and Sen. Yudichak for showing their commitment to moving Luzerne County forward with the announcement of this funding today.”