FHWA SS4A grant to fund intersection and corridor planning in the region

Regional planning staff told the HATS coordinating committee on June 26 that the region received an FHWA Safe Streets and Roads for All supplemental planning grant and that a fully executed grant agreement is in place.

Under the awarded grant, work is split between two consultants. Michael Baker will lead a study of four priority intersections to produce a safety action plan and identify near-term improvements. Keystone Associates will lead a corridor-level study of Walnut Street through Penbrook and parts of South Township (from Progress Avenue to Parkway) to prepare planning work and alternatives analysis in advance of post-I-83 construction conditions.

Staff emphasized these are planning studies: neither consultant will perform final design or construction engineering. Both teams estimated one to 1.5 years for study completion, with additional outreach and alternatives analysis planned. The planning deliverables are intended to support future implementation funding (SS4A implementation grants or TIP programming).

"We were informed that we were awarded that grant," a staff presenter said, noting the grant agreement has been fully executed with FHWA.

Why it matters: The SS4A planning funds allow the region to develop safety-focused plans that can be packaged for future implementation grants. The corridor study is intended to position the Walnut Street corridor for post-highway-construction improvements.

Next steps: Staff will finalize consultant agreements, begin outreach, and provide interim updates to the committee.