Six transportation and infrastructure improvement projects in Schuylkill County were recently awarded state grants.
A grant of $200,000 was approved to construct a dedicated right-turn lane and traffic signaling at the intersection of Route 61 and Altamont Boulevard near Frackville. These improvements will improve motorist safety outside the borough and support the construction of a commercial property expected to create 600 new jobs, state officials said.
Also in Frackville, the borough was awarded $250,000 to replace deteriorating sidewalks along one block of North Lehigh Avenue. The sidewalks, curbs and handicap ramps are now in poor condition and pose hazards to pedestrians, officials said.
Schuylkill Haven Borough was awarded $250,000 to make much-needed improvements to the sidewalks, curbing and handicapped ramps along the Parkway section of Route 443. The borough in 2023 had also received $300,000 from the state to support this project.
The funding was awarded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund, which provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure safe and reliable transportation. The grants were approved during a recent public meeting of the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
“Investing in our infrastructure is essential to keeping our communities safe and accessible,” said State Represent Tim Twardzik, who represents Schuylkill. “This funding will support critical sidewalk and roadway improvements across the 123rd District. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have for residents and businesses throughout the region.”
“Projects like these are important for building strong communities yet can be very expensive for local governments,” said State Sen. David Argall, whose district includes Schuylkill. “This highly competitive state funding will make drivers and pedestrians safer in our area.”
In addition, a project to replace the deteriorating Clark Street Bridge over Good Spring Creek in Donaldson was awarded $453,881 in state monies. The project is a top priority for Frailey Township officials because of the high volume of residents, employers, construction vehicles, and first responders who use this bridge, officials said.
The project was also awarded $100,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund in 2024.
In East Union Township, $100,000 was awarded for the township’s connectivity project that will improve multiple roads within the municipality.
And Butler Township has received $20,280 through PennDOT’s Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancement Grant Program.
The money will be used to buy radar signs to help reduce speeds and decrease the frequency and severity of motor vehicle accidents on Fairgrounds Road and Fountain Street. The signs will encourage safe driving habits and prevent accidents in the township, officials said.
