Western Pennsylvania awarded two federal transportation grants

© Shutterstock

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded western Pennsylvania two Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants.

Butler County was awarded $25 million for improvements to state Route 228.

Improvements include installing ADA ramps, widening lanes, adding turning lanes, upgrading signals and pavement markings, converting intersections to roundabouts or jug handles, and adding multi-use paths.

The project also includes improvements to the intersection with Three Degree Road and segments of state Route 228 from Powell Road to Haine School Road and from Lovi Road to Powell Road.

Erie County was awarded $21 million for improvements connecting Erie’s central business district to its waterfront.

The project includes constructing a multimodal bridge, reconstructing three major intersections, and removing existing railroad tracks, including two at-grade crossing, closing gaps in a multi-use trail network.

“I am pleased that the Department of Transportation is funding these major infrastructure improvement projects in Butler County and Erie County,” U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) said. “These projects will boost local economies, support shovel ready jobs for workers, and ultimately reduce traffic congestion and make our roads safer.”

Toomey and U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) both supported Butler County and Erie County officials’ BUILD Grants applications.