Holy Family University Receives $866K in State Grants to Improve Northeast Campus Avenue Safety

Holy Family University has received a state grant of $866,000 for improvements on the streets surrounding the University. Pennsylvania State Representative Michael Driscoll announced the award Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019.

Holy Family University has received a state grant of $866,000 for improvements on the streets surrounding the University. Pennsylvania State Representative Michael Driscoll announced the award Tuesday, Nov. 12.

The grant, funded by the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program, will be used to improve safety and circulation for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and vehicles along Frankford Avenue, Grant Avenue, and Stevenson Street.

“We are grateful to both Representative Driscoll and State Senator John Sabatina for their ongoing support. They both understand what this grant means to our entire community,” said Sister Maureen McGarrity, CSFN. “The funds allow for improvements along the very busy avenues that border our campus, making them safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and possibly even easing the traffic. Not only is this important to the University, but we feel blessed that it will also benefit our neighbors.”

The improvements include replacing and upgrading approximately 1,700-ft of sidewalk and ADA ramps, conversion of 650-ft of sidewalk to an 8-ft wide multi-use side path, pedestrian bump-outs at Grant and Frankford Avenues, upgrades to bus shelters and the construction of a drop-off and pick-up zone on Stevenson Street.

“Student safety is a top priority, so it’s important to fund measures to improve accessibility around campus,” Driscoll said. “Congratulations to Holy Family University for receiving a grant that will make the necessary improvements to the thoroughfare around campus to ensure students can safely get around.”

The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. The project is anticipated to take two full years, including design, construction, and permitting. Construction is expected to begin next fall, with the project completed by the summer of 2021.