State Sen. Lisa Boscola announced $1,565,885 in state transportation grants for Bethlehem and Easton on August 17, directing funds toward two projects intended to reduce pedestrian hazards, improve access for cyclists, and make walking safer along two key urban corridors.
Bethlehem: Broad Street Activation Project
Bethlehem will receive $1,000,000 for the Broad Street Activation Project, a Vision Zero initiative focused on the Broad Street corridor. The improvements will be built in two phases: the first phase addresses the eastbound lanes, the second addresses the westbound section.
Planned changes include curb bump-outs and a pedestrian refuge island to shorten crossing distances for pedestrians, upgraded curb ramps to meet ADA standards, high-visibility crosswalk restriping, and dedicated bicycle lanes along the segment from Center Street to Elm Street. Design work will begin promptly after contracts are executed. Construction is planned to start by the end of the second quarter of 2027 and to be completed by August 31, 2029.
Easton: Route 611 Sidewalk Project
Easton will receive $565,885 for the 611 Sidewalk Project. That money targets pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of South 3rd Street and South Delaware Drive (Pennsylvania Route 611), as well as the crosswalk along Route 611 that leads to Delaware Canal Park and the trailhead for the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Trail. The D&L Trail is a popular multi-use path for hikers and cyclists running along the historic Lehigh and Delaware canal systems in eastern Pennsylvania.
Part of a $54 Million Statewide Investment
The two Lehigh Valley grants are part of a broader announcement in which the Shapiro Administration committed nearly $54 million to 50 transportation projects across 27 Pennsylvania counties through the state Multimodal Transportation Fund. The fund supports highway, bridge, aviation, port, bicycle, and pedestrian projects through competitive grants. Boscola represents the 18th Senatorial District, which covers communities in both Lehigh and Northampton counties.
At a Glance
- Total awarded to Lehigh Valley: $1,565,885
- Bethlehem: $1,000,000 for Broad Street Activation Project (curb bump-outs, ADA ramps, bike lanes)
- Easton: $565,885 for 611 Sidewalk Project (Route 611 pedestrian crossing, D&L Trail access)
- Funding source: PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund
- Announced by: Sen. Lisa Boscola (18th Senatorial District), August 17, 2026
- Part of $54 million statewide investment in 50 projects across 27 counties
- Bethlehem construction timeline: Start Q2 2027, complete by August 31, 2029
