Oakmont to use state grant for pedestrian upgrades

Oakmont officials plan to use state funds to make pedestrian safety upgrades near Tenth Street Elementary School.

The borough is one of several communities to receive a part of nearly $400,000 in grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Department of Economic and Community Development, state officials announced this month.

Oakmont’s specific $70,000 chunk is a Multimudal Transportation Fund grant.

Its use is for pedestrian improvements on Hulton Road at Ninth Street. Upgrades include electronic warning signs, updated school zone warning signs and improved roadway markings.

Borough manager Scot Fodi said that intersection is one of the primary routes on the northern side of town and along the main thoroughfare that parents and students use to get to the K-6 school.

“We recognize the signage, the warnings and the marking on the asphalt needed to be better,” Fodi said. “We received verbal notification (of the grant), but we still need to execute the paperwork with the commonwealth.

“We thank state Sen. Jay Costa (D-Forest Hills) and Rep. Joe McAndrew (D-Penn Hills) for their support of these projects and appreciate them reaching out to us about the award.”

The electronic warnings signs are expected to be similar to the ones near the Hulton Road and Third Street intersection, which were installed years ago to help with crossings near Riverview High School.

“It’s going to be similar, but that depends on the products we purchase,” Fodi said.

Another part of the project involves making Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps at the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Ninth Street.

The grant requires a $30,000 borough match. Total project cost is $100,000.

The project will have to go through a design and bid process. Fodi said the goal is to have it done by the start of next school year or late fall.

Lindsay Osterhout, Oakmont council president, supports the opportunity to make traveling to and from the elementary school safer.

“I am thrilled about the award of this grant,” Osterhout said via email. “I actually shed a couple tears of happiness. This grant will be used for pedestrian safety in the school zone, specifically the crosswalk at Ninth and Tenth (streets) area of Hulton. Think of something like a flashing light to alert drivers when a pedestrian is crossing.

“As a parent, my stomach sinks thinking of kids crossing Hulton at that spot. There is a crossing guard during school drop off/dismissal times, but further safety measures in place at all hours of the day and weekends is necessary to keep pedestrians safe.”

Riverview School District Superintendent Neil English said 383 students attend classes at the elementary school.

“This grant will improve ADA compliance, provide better signage and create better motorist awareness of the school crossing,” said English. “Ultimately, this will greatly improve the safety and security of the students and families that walk to the Tenth Street Elementary School. We are both appreciative and excited for the pending changes.”

The Multimodal Transportation Fund program offers financial assistance to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety and transit revitalization.

More information about it is available at dced.pa.gov/programs/multimodal-transportation-fund.