Darting across Freeport Road in Harrison has become somewhat of a sport for people trying to get between the Harrison Hi-Rise, McDonald’s and the Stop’n Shop convenience store.

Walkers weave through traffic — eight lanes that criss-cross Freeport and Springhill roads and Broadview Boulevard — causing drivers to be on high alert.

“It’s one of our busiest intersections, and they cross mid-block,” police Chief Brian Turack said.

The five-way intersection, which includes a trailhead for the bike path to Natrona, can be especially harrowing at night when people are making a dash.

Turack stopped short of calling it a problem area but said “it would greatly enhance safety to have them cross at the traffic signal.”

A federally funded, $350,000 project to create safer pedestrian walkways is scheduled to begin this summer.

The intersection will get a complete overhaul. There will be upgraded traffic signals, new poles, designated crosswalks, new signs and other features intended to make the area more accessible for people traveling on foot.

PennDOT spokesman Steve Cowan said the traffic signals no longer meet current standards. Work is meant to improve traffic flow for motorists as well as boost safety for pedestrians, he said.

The project is scheduled to begin in July, Cowan said. Construction should wrap up by the end of the year.

No lane closures will be required, but motorists should expect restrictions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

“Residents and motorists may experience some temporary disruptions during construction, however, the long-term goal is to create a safer and more efficient intersection for all users,” said Amy Rockwell, township manager.

Cowan said there will be “pedestrian accommodations” connecting all existing sidewalks.

Work will complement an already-underway PennDOT paving project that will span most of summer and also bring periodic delays and changing traffic patterns. Crews have been working around-the-clock on drainage and inlet improvements prior to paving.

Plum-based A. Liberoni, Inc. is the contractor for the $7.7 million group project.

Upgrades at the intersection have been eyed by the Harrison commissioners for years.

The township in 2023 was awarded $79,500 to install new sidewalks along the stretch of Broadview Boulevard near the high-rise where people for years had to walk over stones and gravel. Work also included street markings and ramps compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act for cyclists and walkers.

The money came from the state Community Infrastructure and Tourism Fund and was administered through the Allegheny Valley North Council of Governments.

“We welcome any additions or modifications at that intersection that will enhance accessibility and safety,” Turack said.

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