Montco 2040 Implementation Grant Program funds used to further iniaitives
Officials cut the ribbon this week on a new pedestrian bridge situated over the Penllyn Creek in Lower Gwynedd Township.
The afternoon ceremony on Monday, Sept. 30, at the intersection of Bethlehem Pike and Locust Lane marked the completion of pedestrian safety improvements in the township.
The enhancements were supported by a series of Montco 2040 Implementation Grant Program funds over the past few years, totaling more than $278,667, according to a county spokesperson, with $200,000 allocated in 2020 and $78,667 in 2022.
“We're really excited to be able to support this initiative,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello.
The enhancements included two new pedestrian bridges, sidewalks, curb installation, and the ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, according to officials, who emphasized the importance of increasing access to schools, restaurants, businesses and residential neighborhoods located along Bethlehem Pike. Officials cited the need for safety improvements along this particular stretch of the busy thoroughfare.
“We want to thank the commissioners for their continued commitment to the health and safety of our township residents. We're happy to work with them to be able to build these pedestrian bridges to ensure our community can safely access businesses in our business corridor,” said Danielle Duckett, chairwoman of the Lower Gwynedd Township Board of Supervisors.
DiBello agreed.
“My understanding was that prior to this sidewalk being completed and this bridge being put in place, when people wanted to come down and utilize the sidewalk, basically when they got to this point they had to go out into the road. ... That's not a very safe situation, especially as we see cars speeding by us,” DiBello said.
“We prioritize the investment into trails and into the health and safety of our community. We thank the commissioners for their investment in us,” Duckett said. “This was a prolonged experience due to COVID and the pandemic, but we powered through.”
“As Montgomery County Commissioners, we're thrilled to be supportive of our local communities, our townships, especially when they have endeavors like this to provide these trails and bridges for our community to use,” DiBello said. “It's good tax dollars hard at work, and that's what's most important: that we're utilizing funds, but utilizing funds in, what I believe, is a really great way for our community and taxpayers.”
