News Summary
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is set to begin a major safety improvement project on Lehigh Avenue aimed at enhancing road safety for Vulnerable Road Users (VRU). The $2.6 million initiative will include new pavement markings, speed cushions, and curb enhancements to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Construction is scheduled from May 12 to May 30, with potential lane closures during the work period. Motorists are advised to expect delays and follow detour signs. This project represents a commitment to improving urban travel safety.
Philadelphia – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced a significant safety improvement project on Lehigh Avenue, aimed at enhancing safety for Vulnerable Road Users (VRU) in the area. This project is part of a broader initiative worth $2.6 million, specifically designed to reduce serious injuries and fatalities along a major thoroughfare in the city.
The construction is scheduled to commence on Monday, May 12, and will continue through to Friday, May 30. Work will take place daily between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, with potential lane closures extending into weekends. The targeted area spans both directions of Lehigh Avenue, between Aramingo Avenue and Fairhill Street.
To improve road safety, several key upgrades are planned, including new pavement markings, the installation of speed cushions, and enhancements to curbs. These measures are aimed at better protecting pedestrians and cyclists who share the road with motor vehicles.
Motorists traveling through the construction zone are warned to expect delays and are encouraged to allow for extra travel time during the work period. PennDOT requests that drivers adhere to posted detour signs to ensure both their safety and that of the construction crews.
The project is being managed by Kuharchik Construction, Inc., a company based in Exeter, Pennsylvania. All funding for the safety improvements is sourced from federal allocations, emphasizing the commitment to enhancing public safety and reducing risks for those who travel along Lehigh Avenue.
These upgrades come in response to the increasing need for improved safety measures on urban roads, particularly in areas frequented by pedestrians and cyclists. By implementing these changes, PennDOT aims to significantly reduce the number of accidents and improve overall road conditions.
It is important to note that all construction activities are contingent on weather conditions, and adjustments to the schedule may be made as necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness. Motorists and residents are encouraged to stay informed about the ongoing traffic conditions by visiting resources such as the MyChesCo Traffic Center for live updates.
This road safety improvement initiative represents a significant investment in Philadelphia’s infrastructure and addresses the vital need for safer travel conditions in urban areas. By prioritizing the safety of Vulnerable Road Users, PennDOT is taking proactive steps to create a more secure environment for all road users.
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Additional Resources
- Billy Penn: Vision Zero Philadelphia Budget for Deaths
- Axios: Traffic Crash Deaths and Vision Zero
- The Conversation: Protecting Cyclists and Pedestrians in Philly
- Planetizen: Philly Road Safety Advocates Call for Action
- Inquirer: Vision Zero Report on Broad Street
- Wikipedia: Vision Zero
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Google Search: Philadelphia Traffic Safety initiatives
- Google News: Philadelphia road safety
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
