A traffic signal more than 50 years old that controls vehicles at a major Fox Chapel intersection will be modernized in the coming years.
The borough was named Aug. 11 as part of PennDOT’s Green Light-Go program, designed to improve efficiency and operation of traffic signals across the state.
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the grants, which include more than $35.5 million to 77 municipalities.
Fox Chapel will receive about $205,000 to replace equipment at Fox Chapel and Field Club roads.
“I am excited to receive this grant on behalf of the taxpayers,” said borough Manager Gary Koehler.
“The intersection of Fox Chapel Road and Field Club Road is equipped with a semi-actuated traffic signal. The signal dates back to 1970, with much of the equipment reflecting that age.”
Council unanimously voted Aug. 21 to name Koehler as the signing authority for the PennDOT grant. The borough’s 50% match will be covered by Fox Chapel’s capital reserve fund.
Police Chief Michael Stephens said the intersection is not dangerous, and he could not remember any recent problems there.
Design and coordination with Allegheny County will begin immediately. Implementation could take a couple of years.
State Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-West View, said she advocated for the project because it will help keep the neighborhood accessible and walkable for everyone.
“Updating traffic signals at busy intersections that see pedestrian, bike and vehicle traffic is incredibly important to keeping us all safe,” Williams said.
The traffic signal sits near the borough building and Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church.
Koehler said there are no pedestrian accommodations there, no pedestrian signal heads or push buttons, and no ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“This project is intended to upgrade the signal system at this intersection completely,” he said.
Work will see installation of state-of-the-art equipment, including the latest generation of computerized traffic signal controllers, LED lighting, digital wave radar vehicular detections, accessible pedestrian push buttons and countdown pedestrian signals.
“By updating traffic signal equipment, we will improve the safety of both our drivers and pedestrians,” said state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel, who previously served on Fox Chapel Council.
Other area communities awarded money through the program include McCandless, Millvale, Plum and Pittsburgh.
McCandless will receive about $1.6 million for various signal upgrades.
Millvale will get about $196,300 for updated signal equipment at Evergreen Road and North Avenue.
Plum will receive about $313,100 for updated signal equipment at Washington Pike and Twin Ponds Lane, as well as about $55,100 for pedestrian upgrades at Hulton Road and Hulton Road/Coxcomb Hill Road.
Pittsburgh will get $430,000 for new traffic signal controllers and about $955,000 for updated signal equipment at Penn and Highland avenues, South Aiken and Ellsworth avenues, and Bayard and Neville streets.
Municipalities are required to pay a minimuum 20% match for the state funds.
Tawnya Panizzi is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tawnya by email at tpanizzi@triblive.com or via Twitter .