Safer crosswalks, park landscaping coming to Blawnox

Blawnox residents will likely begin noticing several projects across town that are expected to improve safety and accessibility.

Lighted crosswalks, pavement markings and signs will benefit people of all ages strolling through the borough. Work will impact eight intersections.

A second project will upgrade sidewalks and landscaping at Blawnox Community Park along Center Avenue.

“Solar powered crosswalk safety lighting at key crosswalks along Freeport Road will give motorists a bit more advanced notice of a pedestrian wishing to cross,” Councilman Randy Stoddard said.

Work comes courtesy of about $405,000 in state grants awarded in March.

The money was secured through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, with help from state Rep. Mandy Steele and state Sen. Lindsey Williams.

“The grants are very important for small communities,” Stoddard said.

“They help us fund projects or equipment purchases that we are unable to fit into our budget.”

Borough Manager Kathy Ulanowicz said Blawnox is grateful to the state legislators for help throughout the grant process.

Specifically, the borough will receive $278,199 to install lighted safety devices, rapid flash beacons, new pavement markings and signs along Freeport Road.

About $82,000 was awarded for a new truck with snowplow attachment to be used by the public works department.

The borough will receive a third grant for $45,000 to redo sidewalks and landscaping at the heavily used park. Work is aimed at providing accessibility for people of all capabilities.

The park has seen several improvements in recent years.

The borough in 2021 was awarded $105,000 for a new basketball court to replace an unused tennis court.

Half the money came from the Department of Community and Natural Resources and the other half from the Greenways, Trails and Recreation program.

In 2019, the borough launched a multi-phase improvement project when it received nearly $100,000 from Allegheny County for a new playground unit.

The equipment, complete with slides and climbing walls, was paid through a grant from the county Gaming and Economic Development Fund.

Timing of the work is not definite as Stoddard said it depends on product and contractor availability.

“Hopefully, we can get everything done this year,” he said.