Bethlehem Pike To Get Sidewalk Extension In Lower Gwynedd

LOWER GWYNEDD, PA — Lower Gwynedd has received a significant grant from the county to improve safety and walkability in the area.

The Bethlehem Pike Pedestrian Improvements project is one of 15 initiatives around Montgomery County to receive funding from the latest round of Montco 2040 Implementation Grants, which support sustainability countywide.

The township will receive a $200,000 to assist with the project, which includes filling a sidewalk gap along Bethlehem Pike south of the Spring House Village area. The sidewalk will cover both sides of the road near Locust Lane, and will also include a pair of pedestrian bridges over Pennlyn Creek.

"The connection will augment the previous walkability upgrades that have been added to the township’s downtown village center through zoning changes and redevelopment over the last ten years," the county said in their project description.

All told the county disbursed $2.25 million, with 15 out 27 applications receiving funding. Projects were evaluated by the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners based on several factors, including impact, consistency with local and county future plans, project readiness, and compatibility with sustainability goals which aim to make the county more walkable and bikeable.

The Montco 2040 program has awarded $7.5 million in grants to similar projects since the program was initiated in 2016.