Allensville Route 655 project to add medians, six crosswalks

More details emerge on $531K traffic safety project

From staff reports

ALLENSVILLE -- Two gateway medians and six high-visibility pedestrian crosswalks are planned along Route 655 in Allensville as part of a $531,692 traffic safety project, according to new details released Monday by the Mifflin County Commissioners.

The information provides a clearer picture of how Menno Township plans to use a $372,184 state grant announced last week for improvements along Route 655. The grant was awarded through Pennsylvania’s Multimodal Transportation Fund.

According to the commissioners, Menno Township will provide $159,507.60 in matching funds, representing a 30% local match and bringing the total project investment to $531,692.

The commissioners said the work represents Phase 1 of the larger Allensville Traffic Calming/Streetscape Project, which is intended to improve pedestrian safety, traffic calming, accessibility and connectivity along the Main Street corridor.

The first phase will include two gateway medians on Route 655 at the entrances to Allensville and six high-visibility pedestrian crosswalks along Main Street, according to the commissioners.

The medians are intended to moderate vehicle speeds as motorists enter the community from both directions, while the crosswalks will provide designated areas for pedestrians to cross Main Street and make them more visible to motorists, the commissioners said.

Additional work will include utility relocation, erosion control and traffic control during construction.

Route 655 serves as Allensville’s Main Street as well as a regional north-south transportation corridor. According to information provided by the commissioners, the roadway carries passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, school buses, agricultural equipment and cyclists and is also used by Amish residents and pedestrians.

The commissioners said the Allensville project was identified as a pilot project in Mifflin County’s 2023 “Mifflin Moves!” Active Transportation Plan. The county’s planning documents identify the project as the “Allensville Streetscape and Crossing Improvement” and call for gateway medians and pedestrian crossings along the corridor.

According to the commissioners, the project was prioritized because of limited walkability along Main Street and a lack of pedestrian amenities and features encouraging walking and bicycling.

Mifflin County Commissioner Rob Postal credited cooperation among state and local officials with moving the project forward.

“We are extremely grateful to Governor Shapiro for recognizing the importance of this project and investing in the safety and future of Allensville and Mifflin County,” Postal said.

Postal also credited state Sen. Judy Ward and state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff with helping secure the funding.

Commissioner Noah Wise said the improvements are expected to benefit the range of people who use the corridor.

“These improvements will make Main Street safer for children, seniors, pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and everyone who uses this important roadway,” Wise said.

The $372,184 state award was part of nearly $54 million announced for 50 transportation projects across 27 Pennsylvania counties.