In the near future, I will introduce a resolution directing PennDOT to study the feasibility of daylighting, installing protected bicycle infrastructure, congestion reduction, and traffic calming measures on PennDOT-controlled highways in Cities of the First Class. While local officials have been successful at implementing critical measures to improve the safety of roadways in the City of Philadelphia, streets controlled by PennDOT have not seen as much infrastructural reengineering. PennDOT-controlled roadways in Philadelphia feature frequently on Philadelphia’s High Injury Network, and pedestrians and cyclists killed or seriously injured on such roads tend to be disproportionately low income and people of color. Safer Philadelphia streets requires engagement with Harrisburg on how to improve traffic infrastructure on state-controlled roads. At the same time, rising congestion threatens the livelihoods of commuters and the productivity of our local economy, while degrading our environment. I believe an effective balance between safety enhancement and congestion reduction is achievable, and believe PennDOT must prioritize both. 

Please join me in cosponsoring this critical legislation.