Verona is taking steps to make walking in the borough easier in the coming years by adding or rehabilitating several stretches of sidewalk to better connect key destinations. Significant portions of Center Avenue, Second Street, Wildwood Avenue, James Street, East Railroad Avenue, West Railroad Avenue, and Grant Street will see sidewalk improvements beginning next year. This work will include enhancements to crosswalks, new traffic lights, and other road markings to improve pedestrian safety.
These streets form a loop that connects the business district, Verner Elementary School, Cribbs Field, and other popular locations in Verona. The borough has prioritized these corridors in its Active Transportation Plan, which aims to promote walking, biking, and other alternative modes of transportation to reduce reliance on motor vehicles. The plan, approved in 2022, was developed with funding and technical support from WalkWorks, a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Downtown Center.
Verona is set to begin these improvements with a $206,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, with the borough providing an $88,000 match. Councilwoman Trish Hredzak-Showalter noted that this grant is the largest Verona has received in at least a decade. The funds will be used to make the borough more walkable and improve its infrastructure, ultimately benefiting residents and visitors alike.
This initiative marks a significant milestone for Verona, as the community works to enhance its sidewalks and promote active transportation. The improvements will not only make walking in Verona safer and more convenient but also contribute to the overall quality of life in the borough. With these upgrades on the horizon, Verona is taking positive steps towards creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment for all who live and visit the area.