DVRPC Awards $7.6 million to 11 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Projects

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) has awarded $7.6 million to eleven local projects in Southeastern Pennsylvania through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). The federal program funds community-based “non-traditional” projects designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the nation’s intermodal transportation system. Selected projects include trail, sidewalk, transit stop, and on-road bicycle improvements.

“These eleven projects will enable communities to build multi-use trails, safe routes to school and pedestrian pathways, and bike lanes and bikeway projects, providing transportation options for a wide variety of users throughout our region,” said Barry Seymour, DVRPC Executive Director. “This is one more step in our ongoing efforts to implement The Circuit, the region’s ambitious plan for a 750-mile network of connected trails.”

The projects and awarded funding are listed below. (Complete list here)

PHILADELPHIA COUNTY

($370,000) – A plaza reconstruction project on the northeastern corner of the Chelten Avenue and Greene Street intersection. The plaza, adjacent to a Charter school and public library, will improve and connect a busy bus stop to Vernon Park. 

City of Philadelphia Safe Routes to School ($450,000) – This non-infrastructure project will plan, implement, and evaluate activities to encourage walking and biking to school. The program plans to include bicycle and pedestrian safety lessons, encouragement activities, traffic education, enforcement near high accident schools, a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) manager, and outreach to K-8 schools.

Make Way for Children, Expanding Pedestrian Infrastructure to Philadelphia Schools ($950,000) – Sidewalk and intersection improvements along designated walking routes to two elementary schools located in areas with a high number of child pedestrian-involved crashes.

Manayunk Bridge Trail Site Amenities ($600,000) – Lighting and other site amenities will be installed on the recently opened Manayunk Bridge Trail.

Safe Spaces for Cyclists: Building a Protected Bicycle Network ($300,000) – On-road improvements, including flexible delineator posts, signage, and pavement markings, for cyclists at designated locations throughout the City of Philadelphia.

For more information, please contact Joe Banks at jbanks@dvrpc.org, 215-238-2898 or visit www.dvrpc.org/TAP.