Governor Invests $76 million in Road and Pedestrian Improvements

Governor Rendell has allotted $76 million throughout the state to further road and walkway initiatives. Penn DOT spokesperson Rich Kirkpatrick says $59.2 million will be dedicated to Smart Transportation-related projects and $16.8 million for Safe Routes to School projects, respectively. Of the state money, roughly $15 million will be used within the Pittsburgh region. This will go toward projects such as improving walk ability around Fifth and Forbes Avenues in Oakland, installing corridor enhancements on the Point Park University campus and creating sidewalks and signs at a few nearby elementary schools. Kirkpatrick says these projects are to create thousands of jobs, and will also provide more traveling options for people to get from one place to another.