Latrobe to add accessible curb ramps at sites north of Depot Street

Latrobe plans to improve handicapped accessibility on city sidewalks at seven locations north of Depot Street, with the help of federal funding.

Public works director Scott Wajdic said there are several locations that lack curb ramps for those with mobility challenges.

He said sites along Alexandria Street are targeted for placement of the ramps, including that street’s intersections with McKinley Avenue and Thompson and Miller streets.

“There are many wheelchairs and scooters that we have here,” Wajdic said.

City Manager Sue Trout said the project is tentatively slated for next year, pending review by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a notice to proceed.

The $80,000 project was selected for inclusion in Westmoreland County’s 2025 community development block grant program, with funding flowing from HUD. Trout said the city will cover related engineering fees.

“I think generally we have a large population of citizens in wheelchairs or who are needing more accessibility,” Trout said. “Anything to help improve mobility is a good thing.”

Wajdic said he also sought block grant funding to add curb ramps at some intersections along Avenues A, B, C and D, on the opposite end of town. But, he said, that grant application wasn’t approved.

“We definitely don’t have the presence over there of scooters and wheelchairs like we do (closer to downtown),” he said.

Latrobe recently tapped $145,000 in federal funding to update 17 curb ramps along Jefferson Street, between Weldon and Chestnut streets, to meet current accessibility standards.

In September, Latrobe applied for block grant funding to help improve handicapped accessibility at the main entrance to city hall. Trout said the fate of that application likely won’t be known until the middle of next year.