HARRISBURG - Federal highway safety funds totaling almost a half-million dollars will be dedicated to improvements at Route 54 in conjunction with the Danville Flood Control Project.
State Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27) and State Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) worked with elected officials in Danville and the state Department of Transportation to secure the funding, which will provide needed safety improvements to the highway near the Danville Middle School.
Last year, Gordner and Masser helped secure $3.8 million in state funds to complete the Danville Flood Control System. The project completes Danville's flood protection system and provides protection to the middle school, which is being rebuilt following devastating flooding in 2011.
"The rail crossing and signals at Route 54 should be raised because of the flood control project," said Gordner. "The project will also include increased safety and mobility at the middle school."
In addition to the rail crossing improvement, the funding will provide for a new signal system at Route 54, including signals to protect the middle school pedestrian crossing and middle school entrance.
"We needed to engage quickly so these projects could be coordinated," said Masser. "It didn't make sense to proceed with the flood control project, only to come back later to deal with the rail and traffic concerns."
Gordner and Masser commended PennDOT district officials for their part in bringing the project to fruition. It is estimated bids could be let for the project in May, with work tentatively scheduled to begin in June.