HARRISBURG, March 26, 2019 − Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) and Representative Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) today announced $600,000 in state grant money to improve pedestrian safety along Haverford Avenue in Overbrook.   

The project targets Haverford Avenue at Rhoads and Sherwood Streets, where residents have complained of dangerous crossing conditions.

“Having a safe, walkable city is one of the core values that makes Philadelphia great,” Sen. Hughes said. “We know many of our constituents and other visitors frequently walk in this area, and so we appreciate the work of the Overbrook Park Civic Association and the Haverford Avenue Business Association for their efforts in prioritizing pedestrian safety in the district.”

The funds, which were awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund Program, will pay for the following at both intersections:

  • Traffic signals with pedestrian countdowns to reduce the chance of crashes.
  • Curb extensions to shorten the crossing distance and increase visibility for pedestrians and drivers.

“Thank you to the Overbook Park Civic Association and the Haverford Avenue Business Association for their ongoing work to make the Haverford Avenue business corridor more pedestrian friendly,” Cephas said. “No one in our community should be risking their lives traveling through the neighborhood, but that’s what’s happening at these intersections along the avenue. We recognized these dangers and fought for this funding because the safety of our men, women, and children are our top priority.”

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

CONTACT: Chris Caracino
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-6028
Email:
ccaracino@pahouse.net  

Wesley Robinson
Press Secretary 
Senator Vincent Hughes, Democratic Chairman
Senate Appropriations Committee
717.787.3497 (office)
502.930.9773 (cell)
wesley.robinson@pasenate.com