April 24, 2024 – The City of Allentown today held the public launch for the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Project, which will create a comprehensive action plan for safety enhancements and essential investments in preventing roadway deaths and serious injuries.

In 2023 alone, there were 4,085 total collisions in Allentown, resulting in 136 pedestrian-related incidents, 71 suspected serious injuries (17 of those pedestrian-related), and 11 vehicle-related deaths, with 5 involving pedestrians.

The SS4A Action Plan will adopt a holistic approach, providing a roadmap for safety improvements with equitable outcomes at its core. Over the course of one year, the planning process will include a robust public outreach program, safety analysis of City streets, equity analysis, toolkit and conceptual improvement plans at key locations, policy and process recommendations, and a prioritized implementation plan for future projects.

To facilitate the development of the SS4A Action Plan, the City has hired Michael Baker International, Inc. as the planning and engineering consultant. Additionally, a steering committee comprising local non-profit stakeholders, business owners, transportation agency staff, and residents will guide the process, providing insight and recommendations.

Resident feedback is critical in shaping the SS4A Action Plan. Community members, stakeholders, and neighborhood groups are encouraged to participate through a survey, available in English and Spanish until July 31, 2024. The survey allows people to easily pinpoint geographic locations and communicate concerns and suggestions about existing challenges.

The City will additionally host eight SS4A pop-up events this year, offering residents the opportunity to share feedback and learn more about the initiative. Details of these events will be available on the City’s website.

The City of Allentown remains committed to improving city roadways:

• Earlier this year, City Council adopted a Vision Zero Policy with the goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe, traffic-related injuries by 2030. Among other recommendations, the City will evaluate a speed management strategy to reduce vehicle speeds to 25 MPH on all city roads.
• Today’s SS4A public launch was held on Hanover Avenue, a high-crash site in the City, highlighting the urgent need for safety improvements. The City is developing a concept plan for safety enhancements on Hanover, with construction anticipated to begin fall 2025. The project is supported by a PennDOT Multi-modal Transportation Fund grant.
• The City has additionally secured a $1.125 million grant from Congresswoman Susan Wild for roadway and traffic safety improvements at Lehigh and Union Streets. Construction for this project will be going out for bid soon.

Other efforts to raise awareness of roadway safety include Mayor Tuerk’s involvement in Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety, as well as an ongoing pedestrian safety billboard campaign, featuring Allentown residents and employees, launched in October 2022 in partnership with Adams Outdoor, as a result of the death of a pedestrian in front of Dieruff High School.

“Allentonians should feel safe as they move through our city. I’m committed to accomplishing road safety for all by slowing cars down in Allentown,” said Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk. “With everyone’s help, we can create a safe, clean, and healthy environment that promotes the well-being of all residents.”

Collectively, these initiatives align closely with the SS4A Action Plan, striving to enhance Allentown streets for safer daily interactions and eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries.

The SS4A Action Plan project is funded by a $312,000 SS4A grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Upon completion, a final report will be delivered to Allentown City Council in February 2025. The City will then be eligible to apply for implementation and construction grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

For more information and updates on the SS4A Action Plan, please visit www.allentownpa.gov/ss4a.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Genesis Ortega
Communications Manager
Office of the Mayor
http://www.AllentownPA.gov

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