SCRANTON, PA. – On Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., the City of Scranton will hold a public meeting at the Peoples Security Bank Theater at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., Scranton, to discuss streetscape improvement projects downtown. Proposed improvements follow the completion of a walkability study in 2023, and a portion of project costs will be paid through Scranton’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
“It’s incredibly important that we inform residents and business owners about how this plan will work and to hear their concerns,” said Mayor Paige G. Cognetti. “The walkability study presents incredible opportunities for our downtown, and we need to make changes to increase safety and better serve everyone who lives in and visits Scranton.”
The walkability study, which cost $239,800 in ARPA funds, was completed in June 2023 by city planner and urban designer Jeff Speck in partnership with transportation planning company Nelson\Nygaard.
Among its many ideas and improvements, the walkability study originally suggested changes including:
- Two-way travel to be restored on North Washington, Adams, and a piece of Monroe Avenues, as well as Biden and Linden Streets.
- The conversion of 23 out of 30 downtown traffic lights to all-way stop signs.
- Push-button-enabled walk signs to be replaced with a concurrent signal system.
- Updating and maintaining crosswalks annually.
- A “full rebuild” of Lackawanna Avenue to improve pedestrian safety.
- Narrower driving lanes to promote slower speeds, reduce the severity of crashes, and create new parking or bike lanes.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) OF 2021: ARPA is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill. The City of Scranton received $68.7 million in ARPA funds to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its economic impacts.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov.
April 4 Public Meeting Set on Downtown Scranton Streetscaping Projects | Press Release
Last modified: April 2, 2024
