Mayor William Reynold announced Dec. 11 the awarding of a $10 million grant, under the Safe Streets for All Grant Program (SS4A), for the improvement of safety features on West Broad Street.

The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports investment in a neighborhood, and West Broad Street is key improvements in city neighborhoods it passes through, Reynolds said.

The grant covers the costs of improvement for 1.5 miles, from First to Pennsylvania avenues. An estimated $1 million is needed for East Broad Street, from Center to Elm.

Improvements include protected bike lanes, enhanced crosswalks with increased signage and bump-outs/curb extensions at key intersections.

According to Bethlehem Area District School Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva, these changes will have a positive effect on students and families of seven different schools, as West Broad Street is key for their commute. Silva emphasized the importance of students feeling safe walking to school.

“We are a walkable community with neighborhoods that identify with their schools. A couple of the schools that are most affected by this improvement in the vibrancy and safety of West Bethlehem would be Clearview, pretty far out there close to Pennsylvania Avenue, Calypso off Prospect, and of course Richmond MS off Eighth and Union. Most of those students walk to school.”

Reynolds thanked the city’s partners, who believe in Bethlehem’s economic and community growth potential. They include Sen. Bob Casey, Congresswoman Susan Wild, Sen. Lisa Boscola, State Rep. Steve Samuelson, State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, LVPC, LANTA, BASD, YMCA, MANA and CAT.

Reynolds is hoping Phase 1 begins by the end of 2024 and expects completion by the end of 2025.