$727K Community Revitalization Grant Awarded To Phoenixville

PHOENIXVILLE, PA —The Chester County Department of Community Development awarded Phoenixville a grant of $727,278 as part of a revitalization program for the Bridge and Star streets improvement project.

The project will modernize the existing three-way intersection, allowing for a better flow of traffic and increased pedestrian safety by adding a straight-through lane on Starr Street, extending Starr Street north.

With the addition of the fourth lane, residents and visitors will be able to safely access the borough-managed Ashland Street parking lot and the Schuylkill River trailhead.

The project is estimated to cost $3 million. The borough was previously awarded a Department of Community and Economic Development Multimodal Transportation Fund grant for $600,000 in the Spring of 2023.

The borough has funds allocated for the project and expects the design and engineering for this project will begin in the fall of 2023.

State Sen. Katie Muth said the grant is terrific news for Phoenixville as this project will address public safety, pedestrian access, and stormwater management.

“I commend Phoenixville Borough officials and staff for their hard work to secure this critical state funding to improve our transportation infrastructure,” said Muth, a Democrat representing portions of Chester, Montgomery, and Berks counties.

State Rep. Paul Friel said he is confident that improving this busy intersection will serve to make Phoenixville an even more walkable, safe, and accessible town for all who live, visit, and do business.

The location has a high traffic demand and significant congestion, borough officials said.

This project has been identified in multiple local and regional planning studies as a priority to improve traffic operations and reduce congestion.

Sidewalk connectivity and pedestrian crosswalks are other components of the project to improve pedestrian safety.

"Through county and state grants, we're making strides towards a more inclusive and connected community,” Jonathan Ewald, borough president, said. “Rebuilt roads, new sidewalks, and trail connections will shape an environment where everyone can thrive."

Beth Burckley, council vice president, said the project will make the thriving community much safer and more accessible.