The Chester County Department of Community Development awarded the Borough of Phoenixville a grant of $727,278 as part of the Community Revitalization Program for the Bridge Street and Starr Street (SR-29) intersection improvement project. The project will modernize the existing three-way intersection, allowing for better flow of traffic and increased pedestrian safety by adding a straight-through lane on Starr Street, extending Starr Street north.
Pennsylvania State Senator Katie Muth said, “This funding is terrific news for Phoenixville Borough 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 here in SD44.” Pennsylvania State Representative Paul Friel added, “I’m grateful to see this grant awarded for this much needed project. I’m 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 here.”
The current location has a high traffic demand and significant congestion. Improving this intersection is a priority for the Phoenixville Borough and the Phoenixville Regional Planning Committee. 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 another component of this project that will improve pedestrian safety. With the addition of the 4th lane, residents and visitors will be able to safely access the Borough managed Ashland Street parking lot and the Schuylkill River trailhead.
Borough Council President Jonathan Ewald said, “Through county and state grants, we’re making strides towards a more inclusive and connected community. Rebuilt roads, new sidewalks, and trail connections will shape an environment where everyone can thrive.” Borough Council Vice President Beth Burckley added “This project will make our thriving community much safer and more accessible. We have been working towards the improvements to this intersection that will benefit drivers and pedestrians for some time. The grant will allow us to forge ahead in a much timelier manner with the project.”
This project has an estimated cost of $3 million. In addition to this award of $727,278, the Borough was 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 this project and expects the design and engineering for this project will commence in Fall of 2023.
For more information about either of the projects, please visit www.phoenixville.org.
