Last week the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission awarded $7.6 million to various local transportation projects, including five in Philadelphia.
The funding comes through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which financially supports "non-traditional" projects that aim to enhance transportation systems culturally, esthetically, and environmentally.
Here are the five Philly-based projects that received funding.
Manayunk Bridge ($600,000)—The Manayunk Bridge re-opened in November 2015 to much fanfare, though folks were bummed to find out about the early closing hours due to lack of lighting. This $600K will go toward installing more lighting and "other amenities" on the multi-use pedestrian trail that's part of the Circuit Trails network.
Safe Spaces for Cyclists: Building a Protected Bicycle Network ($300,000)—This funding will go toward building more protected bike lanes throughout Philadelphia. DVRCP didn't go into details, but PlanPhilly dug up the application, which pinpointed 15 proposed areas for safer bike paths, including Walnut Street and South/Lombard Streets. That's exciting news, given that more Philadelphians are opting to bike to work.
City of Philadelphia Safe Routes to School ($450,000)—Out of all the Philly projects, this is the only non-infrastructure project. The program will encourage activities to promote both biking and walking to school safely.
Make Way for Children, Expanding Pedestrian Infrastructure to Philadelphia Schools ($950,000)—This received the most funding out of all five Philly-based projects. It will improve sidewalks and intersections at two specific school sites (Southwark School and Stephen Girard School) in Philly that have had a high number of child-pedestrian car crashes.
Chelten-Greene Plaza Reconstruction ($370,000)—Funds will go to reconstructing the plaza on the northeastern corner of Chelten Avenue and Greene Street. The reconstruction aims to make access easier to Vernon Park. Right now, as Flying Kite Media reports, the plaza is blocked off from the park by a wrought-iron fence.