Sewickley officials plan to give one of the borough’s busiest intersections a pedestrian safety boost next year.
Curb ramps at Broad and Beaver streets are in poor condition and don’t meet current code requirements, borough engineer Mike Galet reported.
The intersection is also not well signalized for pedestrian crossings, increasing the potential for danger to pedestrians.
Officials plan to replace the ramps and make them comply better with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Crosswalks will be stamped and striped.
Galet said other improvements include 100 square feet of aluminum signs, a 40-foot traffic signal support mast arm, two 14-foot pedestal traffic support signals and three rapid response beacons. The street will be milled and paved, too.
“The intersection of Beaver and Broad lies in the heart of Sewickley’s vibrant business district, which welcomes many visitors daily, as well as being the intersection of two of the busiest streets in the borough,” Galet said.
“These improvements will increase the safety, walkability and accessibility of borough streets.”
Councilwoman Bridgett Bates said the intersection project is not an emergency repair or prompted by any accident.
“Safety is always our first concern,” she said. “If people aren’t safe, then nothing else really matters. We are always working to update and upgrade all infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way. ”Our walkability is one of our greatest assets. It’s what makes us unique.”
Construction is expected to take place next fall.
The estimated total project cost is $195,000. It is largely funded through a $150,000 state Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund grant.
It’s part of more than $3 million in grants to support 18 projects throughout Allegheny County.
