Cabell Announces $600,000 State Grant for Salem Township Road Improvements

HARRISBURG – Salem Township has been awarded a state grant in the amount of $609,835 for improvements to five main roads within the Berwick Area School District, announced Rep. Mike Cabell (R-Luzerne). 

“I’ve been talking about this project with Salem Township officials before I even took office,” said Cabell. “The work is vital to the safety of students and pedestrians who use the streets in this school zone every day. I made the project a priority, and I’m glad I was able to successfully advocate for this funding.”

The focus of the Salem Township School Zone project is to improve township roads near Salem Elementary School to the southeast and Berwick Area High School to the northwest. The grant will be used for improvements to Central Avenue, Line Street, 10th Street and Holly Drive to increase driver and pedestrian safety. The proposed scope of work includes paving, new sidewalks, ADA ramps and stormwater management improvements.

“Everyone here at the township is so grateful for all that Rep. Cabell has done to help us get the funding for this important project,” said Salem Township Manager Amy Evans. 

Cabell noted that while the completed project is anticipated to facilitate smoother, safer travel for vehicles, the greatest benefit will be the protection of Berwick Area students. New sidewalks will keep children off busy roads when walking to and from school, and the proposed ADA ramps will offer inclusivity to students with mobility challenges. Newly paved roads and improved stormwater drainage will further improve pedestrian travel in the crosswalk areas in addition to upgrading the road conditions for traffic surrounding the schools.

The grant was approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) and will be funded through its Multimodal Transportation Fund Program. The program provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the Commonwealth’s residents.