Gov. DeWine announces safe school transportation upgrades in Mahoning County
While schools are out for the summer, Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation announced a major investment in infrastructure to improve safety for local K-12 students who walk or bike to school.
Gov. DeWine’s office released information about the $7.6 million total investment, spread out across 24 projects in Ohio selected for the Safe Routes to School program.
Mahoning County is one of only 12 Ohio counties chosen for ODOT’s Safe Routes to School program which started 20 years ago, according to director Pamela Boratyn.
“Walking or biking to school is a simple yet powerful way to promote healthier kids, safer neighborhoods and more connected communities,” she said.
According to Boratyn, the Safe Routes to School is a key part of ODOT’s broader commitment to supporting safer streets and encouraging daily physical activity among families.
The village of Poland is getting a grant for $650,000 to upgrade the sidewalks on College Street, Lee Drive, Michigan Avenue and Ohio Avenue, as well as install pedestrian lighting on College and Cortland Streets.
The project also includes installing:
- new high-visibility crosswalks at ten signalized intersections in the village of Poland,
- a rapid flashing beacon at College and Lee Streets,
- and pedestrian countdown signals and push buttons at State Route 170 and Nesbitt Road
Since its inception in 2005, ODOT’s Safe Routes to School program has awarded approximately $90 million to schools, municipalities, health districts, park districts and non-profit organizations to improve student safety and promote active transportation.
“These are more than just transportation projects, they are investments in the health, safety, and future of our children,” Gov. DeWine said. “These funds will help ensure more Ohio students have safe, accessible options to get to school.”
Learn more about Safe Routes to School online.
