U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz announced today a $10 million grant to upgrade more than 100 existing traffic signals along three transit arteries covering nearly 16 miles in Philadelphia-the majority of them along Castor, Oxford and Bustleton Avenues in the Northeast.
In October, Schwartz wrote a letter to Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood in support of this project. The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) initiative and will be awarded to the city of Philadelphia in partnership with SEPTA and PennDOT.
"This important investment will improve the daily commute for more than 60,000 drivers and 30,000 SEPTA passengers through better timing of traffic lights," Schwartz said. "This project presents a significant opportunity to move people in a smarter way and will serve as a transformative model for transportation investment in our region. Continuing to invest in smart technology will improve the mobility and livability of our region."
"I am thrilled that U.S. DOT has again recognized that Philadelphia is a smart place to award competitive dollars," said Mayor Michael Nutter. "USDOT, The Streets Department, PennDOT and SEPTA will partner to make a $20+ million investment to help tens of thousands of drivers, transit riders and pedestrians get where they need to go faster and more safely, by replacing more than 40 year old traffic signals and controllers with the latest technology. I'd like to thank Sen. Casey, Congresswoman Schwartz and the entire Philadelphia delegation for helping secure this grant."
This effort will significantly improve transportation in Northeast Philadelphia and Eastern Montgomery County, both of which have become increasingly congested.
