PITTSBURGH, PA – January 30, 2024 – Today, Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) announces three projects in his senatorial district that will benefit from Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) funding. This program is designed to improve safety at intersections where research demonstrates drivers are prone to run lights and endanger other road users.
“Whether we drive, walk, bike, or take public transit, we all deserve streets that keep us safe, and get us home safe,” said Senator Costa. “I’m delighted that we are taking steps towards reducing instances of red-light running in Pittsburgh, which will keep our friends and neighbors safe in our city. I look forward to continued infrastructure investments that prioritize our beloved community members.”
The awardees of ARLE funding in the 43rd senatorial district are:
- Edgewood Borough – $292,000 for traffic signal improvements on the Braddock Avenue corridor including flashing yellow arrows, new vehicular signal heads with backplates and reflective tape, updating the existing controllers, and adding battery backup.
- City of Pittsburgh – $453,657.21 for complete replacement of the traffic signal located at the intersection of the Boulevard of the Allies and Ward Street.
- City of Pittsburgh – $545,267.58 for complete replacement of the traffic signal located at the intersection of Brownsville Road and Becks Run Road/Biscayne Drive.
The Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program (ARLE Funding Program) was established in 2010 as a PennDOT-administered competitive grant program in accordance with Vehicle Code (75 Pa.C.S.) §3116(l)(2), §3117(m)(2), and §3370(m)(2) §3117(m)(2). Funding for the program is generated from the net revenue of fines collected through Automated Red Light Enforcement Systems and Automated Speed Enforcement Systems.
The entire list of ARLE awardees is accessible on PENNDOT’s website.
Learn more about the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus’ commitment to safe streets and communities for every Pennsylvanian here.
Pittsburgh, PA – June 27, 2022 – Today, State Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) commended the agreement that has been reached between the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) to expand passenger rail access in western Pennsylvania. Investments from PennDOT and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will enable train service to increase between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg on the NS-owned corridor.
“I’m thrilled to see tangible infrastructure improvement result from Pennsylvania’s strong state-funding position and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Senator Jay Costa. “This is a big deal for western PA, and a perfect example of what can be achieved when the public and private sector work together to deliver for the people of Pennsylvania. Our Commonwealth has the most operating railroads of any state in the country, something we should be proud of. It’s an asset for both the supply chain and Pennsylvanians. The more we invest in this critical mode of transportation, the more we bolster our economy and mobility for folks across our 67 counties.”
The agreement was announced by Governor Tom Wolf today, about 5 months after PennDOT and NS initially announced they would work together to improve Pennsylvania’s rail system for both freight and passenger transportation. Expansion construction will be guided by an operation feasibility study that was released by NS in September 2021. The project will include upgrades to rail lines, passenger platforms, sidings, and necessary communications signals infrastructure.
###
Pittsburgh, Pa. − April 21, 2022 − Senator Jay Costa today announced the award of more than $1.75 million in state grant funding for the development of multi modal transportation along Sylvan Avenue in the City of Pittsburgh.
$1.76 million has been awarded through PennDOT to reopen a portion of Sylvan Avenue to pedestrian and bicycle traffic as a public trail parallel to SR 885 that will connect the Hazelwood and Greenfield neighborhoods to job centers in Oakland.
“Whether you’re in a car, on a bike or on foot, the City of Pittsburgh must be safe and accessible,” said Senator Costa. “Adding safe spaces for bikers and walkers is critical to ensure that we can all get around this City, particularly on the roads that take folks from home to work every day.”
This grant is part of the Multimodal Transportation Fund, created by Act 89 of 2013.
PennDOT evaluated the applications and made selections based on such criteria as safety benefits, regional economic conditions, the technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability.
Additionally, PennDOT anticipates accepting Multimodal Transportation Fund applications in fall 2022 for Fiscal Year 2023-24 funding. For more information about the program, visit www.penndot.pa.gov and click on Multimodal Program under the “Projects & Programs” button.
###
Allegheny County – July 7, 2021 – Today, Pennsylvania State Senators from Allegheny County including Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Sen. Wayne Fontana and Sen. Lindsey Williams announced $628,880 in state grants have been awarded to the area for traffic signal and equipment improvements. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT’s) “Green Light-Go” program to support the modernization of traffic equipment throughout the state.
“New, higher tech traffic signaling improves safety for travelers whether they’re in a car, bike or on foot. The grants coming to Allegheny County in this round of Green Light Go will help the City of Pittsburgh and Edgewood make critical upgrades, and I was happy to support their application and award,” said Senator Costa
Three grants will support projects in the county:
-
- $230,144 for traffic signal modernization upgrades at Race Street and Pennwood Avenue in Edgewood
- $132,000 for an East End Signal Retiming project in Pittsburgh
- $266,736 for a Fiber Network Expansion project in Pittsburgh that will improve communications and connections back to traffic management
“I applaud PennDOT’s investment in the City of Pittsburgh’s critical infrastructure. Traffic signal modernization means safer roads and reduced congestion,” Senator Fontana said.
“I’m happy to see critical infrastructure projects being funded across Pittsburgh that will allow improved traffic management. Better traffic flow will lead to less wear and tear on our roads and to safer travel conditions for all road users, including drivers, bike riders, and pedestrians,” said Senator Lindsey Williams.
###
Penn Hills, Pa. – July 16, 2020 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. and State Representative Anthony DeLuca today announced the award of $2.5 million to the Municipality of Penn Hills for transportation improvement projects.
This grant is part of the Multi Modal Fund, created by Act 89 of 2013.
The funds will be used to improve segments of 31 streets in need of repair. Improvements include repaving, ADA compliant cutouts and sidewalks, and making streets more accessible for pedestrians, bicycles, and public transportation vehicles.
“Our communities must be accessible for travelers of every mode – not just those that own a personal vehicle,” said Senator Costa. “I’m looking forward to watching Penn Hills complete these projects and improve its sidewalks, streets and cut outs.”
“I was happy to be able to help bring this state money home to Penn Hills, which will allow the municipality to provide badly needed street repairs for motorists while relieving some of the burden on their already tight Public Works budget due to the pandemic,” DeLuca said. “Specifically, the state funding will enable the municipality to pave at least 30 streets in the community, possibly more, given the recent reduction in paving material costs.”
PennDOT evaluated the applications and made selections based on such criteria as safety benefits, regional economic conditions, the technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability.
