State Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, and state Rep. Ana Tiburcio, D-22nd, recently announced a $3,226,273 investment in Lehigh County through the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program, funded by the Federal Highway Administration’s Surface Transportation Block Grant Program and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in partnership with the Shapiro administration.

This critical funding will support infrastructure projects that strengthen communities, improve public safety and expand transportation access throughout the region. Hanover Township, Lehigh County, will receive $902,575 to construct a mile of shared-use path along the former D&L Canal towpath, starting at the north end of Canal Park and extending to the Allentown city line just south of St. Luke’s Way.

“With today’s announcement, we are investing in stronger connections between our communities and more opportunities for families to enjoy safe, healthy outdoor spaces together,” Tiburcio said. “These improvements will give families more places to walk, bike, play and stay active close to home.”

Other investments include $823,698 for Allentown to construct 1.1 miles of shared-use path/bicycle and pedestrian facilities from the Allentown city line to the current ending point of the D&L Trail on North Bradford Street and $1,500,000 to South Whitehall Township to construct segments 35-40 of the Jordan Creek Greenway Trail to extend the regional trail system in Lehigh County and connect Covered Bridge Park to Parkland High School. A 1-mile, 10-foot-wide paved trail will be constructed from the parking lot at Lapp Road to the intersection of Cedar Crest Boulevard and the entrance road into Parkland High School. The project will include a marked crosswalk at Ritter Road.

“Investing in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is an investment in safer, healthier and more connected communities in Lehigh Valley,” Miller said. “These projects will improve access to parks, trails, schools and neighborhoods while giving residents more opportunities to enjoy our region. From expanding the D&L Trail connection in Allentown to extending the Jordan Creek Greenway Trail in South Whitehall and enhancing Canal Park access in Hanover Township, these investments strengthen our regional trail network and create lasting benefits for families, commuters, students and visitors alike.”

PennDOT received 152 applications requesting more than $173 million. Projects were selected based on criteria including safety benefits, cost effectiveness, readiness, community impact, regional significance, land-use integration, stakeholder collaboration and the ability to leverage other funding.