Front St. & Linglestown Rd. — Approximate Site of Signal Modernization
Pennsylvania is sending nearly $13 million to 29 municipalities across the state to fix some of its most dangerous intersections, with the money earmarked for 33 separate safety projects ranging from new traffic signals to audible crosswalk systems. The funding comes from a program with an unusual revenue source: fines paid by drivers caught running red lights in Philadelphia.
Where the Money Comes From
The Automated Red-Light Enforcement grant program, known as ARLE, uses revenue from red light violation fines at Philadelphia intersections to support traffic safety improvements statewide, according to PennLive. The program specifically targets locations where data show red-light running has been a persistent problem, the outlet reports. An eight-member committee reviewed 126 applications requesting more than $78 million in total funding this cycle, ultimately awarding roughly $12.9 million for 33 projects in 29 municipalities, per the same report.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll framed the awards as a flow-and-safety issue rather than just an enforcement one. “The ARLE program helps municipalities improve traffic flow and safety at intersections for everyone who uses the road,” Carroll said, according to PennLive’s reporting. The state agency also announced the grants in a Facebook post describing the funding as part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to safer, more connected communities. Since its creation, the ARLE program has distributed more than $87 million for 205 safety projects statewide, the station’s report notes.
Central Pennsylvania Projects Lead the List
Several Harrisburg-area communities landed significant awards in this round. Susquehanna Township will use $662,000 for full traffic signal modernization at Front Street and Linglestown Road, per the same account. State College received $400,000 for the study, design and permitting of traffic-calming and intersection-safety improvements along the Westerly/Easterly Parkway Corridor, the outlet reports…