Senator Rosemary Brown and Representative Jonathan Fritz announced on May 13 that Honesdale Borough in Wayne County will receive $600,079 to improve pedestrian safety. The funding comes from the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside of the Federal Highway Administration’s Surface Block Grant Program.
The announcement highlights efforts to enhance walkability and accessibility in the borough. The planned improvements aim to make it safer for residents to access neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and downtown amenities.
“This investment will improve pedestrian safety and connectivity throughout Honesdale Borough,” Brown said. “These stairways are an important part of the community’s infrastructure, providing access to neighborhoods, schools, businesses and downtown amenities. I’m pleased to see this funding secured to help enhance walkability, accessibility and quality of life in Honesdale.”
The project involves removing and reconstructing deteriorated concrete stairways connecting Riverside Drive, Cottage Street, and Cliff Street. New reinforced concrete stairs with full-length railings will replace unsafe steps. These upgrades are intended to restore a vital pedestrian connection within the borough’s hillside network.
Fritz said: “Honesdale’s downtown is buzzing with business growth, a multitude of services and recreation opportunities, along with an impressive array of restaurants, breweries and taverns. Ensuring that we have maximum means for all residents to enjoy those realities is the goal.” TASA provides funding for projects such as pedestrian facilities; bicycle infrastructure; improved non-driver access; enhanced mobility; community improvement activities; environmental mitigation; trails serving transportation purposes; and safe routes to schools.
The improvements are expected to support continued economic activity in downtown Honesdale by making it easier for people of all ages to move safely through key parts of town.
