Philly Getting $7.6M For 6 Safety Improvement Programs

PHILADELPHIA — Gov. Tom Wolf announced $15.4 million in funding being disbursed to more than three dozen municipalities to fund 50 safety projects.

Among those municipalities is the City of Philadelphia.

The money comes from Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE).

Philly is getting $7.6 million in an effort to continue several safety programs.

One program getting funding is the Neighborhood Slow Zone Program, which seeks to calm traffic through at various locations throughout the city.

The city's Modern Roundabout Program is also getting money to replace geometrically complex signalized intersections with roundabouts at four possible locations; Ardleigh Street & Vernon Road, Cobbs Creek Parkway & 70th Street, Montgomery Avenue & Belmont Avenue, and Pine Road & Shady Lane.

Additionally, part of the money will be used to establish a citywide program to improve pedestrian and traffic safety by improving LED street lighting expecting to cover approximately 35 city blocks

Safety improvement along the Cobbs Creek Parkway from 63rd Street to Upland Street by replacing guiderail system are also a beneficiary of the ARLE funds.

Some funds will be put toward identifying and implementing Pavement Marking and Signing Asset Management throughout the city.

And lastly, a portion of the$7.6 million will be used to expand and upgrade arterials by integrating them into ATMS in which new signal controllers are being interconnected with single-mode fiber optic system.

Pennsylvania’s ARLE program aims to improve safety at signalized intersections by providing automated enforcement at locations where data shows red-light running has been an issue.

"This program helps communities across the state make investments in traffic flow and safety," Governor Wolf said. "These improvements complement the many road, bridge, and multimodal projects happening in Pennsylvania."

Under state law, grant funding is supplied by fines from red light violations at 30 intersections in Philadelphia. The law specifies that projects improving safety, enhancing mobility and reducing congestion can be considered for funding. Municipalities submitted 134 applications, totaling almost $38 million in requests.

Projects were selected by an eight-member committee based on criteria such as benefits and effectiveness, cost, local and regional impact, and cost sharing.

This investment brings the total dollars awarded through the ARLE funding program to $78.49 million, funding 416 safety projects since 2010.