Chesco Awarded $12 Million in Transportation Funding

Chester County municipalities were awarded nearly $12 million through DCED's Local Share Account and Multimodal Transportation Fund in 2023. Larger projects awarded in the transportation realm include the Phoenixville Bridge and Starr Intersection Project in the Borough of Phoenixville ($600,000); and the Route 30 Corridor Improvements Project in East Whiteland Township ($535,000). This initiative supports the Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 1, "Advance implementation of transportation improvements."

Sustainable Energy Partnership of PA

In October of 2023, the Chester County Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding between Chester, Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery counties to create and participate in the Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast PA. Together, the group will take a wholesale market approach to purchasing low, transparent, and stable electricity for county operations. This initiative supports the Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 9, "Support a resilient and clean energy network."

Professional Transportation Awards

Steve Buck and Alex Sankaran of CCPC's Multimodal Transportation Planning Division were recognized as Top TDM (Travel Demand Management) Professionals Under 40 by the Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association in May of 2023. The awards recognize dynamic young professionals within the transportation industry, working to advance TDM throughout our region, providing people with safe, reliable, and efficient mobility choices, which supports the Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation, "Advance multimodal transportation."

Transportation Improvements

Various transportation projects in Chester County made progress or were completed throughout 2023, including the PA 82 and Reeceville Road Roundabout, which opened back up to the public and provides a safer alternative to the previous traditional intersection; as well as the Starr/Nutt Road Intersection Improvement Project in Phoenixville; and the Ship Road Couplet. These initiatives support the Landscapes3 Connect Objective A, "Meet travel needs and reduce congestion through transportation demand management, roadway improvements, and expanded public transportation."

SRPRA Accepted into Federal Railroad Corridor Program

The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) was accepted into the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program in 2023. This enables SRPRA to access federal funds to advance the return of passenger rail service from Reading to Philadelphia and beyond, and significantly increases the likelihood that the service will be successfully implemented. This initiative supports the Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 6, "Expand regional rail service."

Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority Launched

In 2022 Chester County joined Berks and Montgomery counties in the formation of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA). The goal of the authority is to help restore rail service between Reading and Philadelphia, with stops in Chester County. This initiative supports Landscapes3 Connect Objective C, "Provide universally accessible sidewalks, trails, and public transit connections to create a continuous active transportation network within designated growth areas, and develop multi-use trails to interconnect all communities."

Schuylkill River Trail Completed on Earth Day

Chester County Commissioners and Chester County Parks + Preservation, along with CCPC and many local trail partners, celebrated Earth Day on April 22 with the official opening of a two-mile section of the county's final portion of the Schuylkill River Trail. This initiative supports Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 7, "Create a countywide, interconnected trail network."

New Online Solar Power Guide

CCPC released a Solar Power Guide with useful information and guidance on regulating solar power facilities for municipalities in 2022. The guide includes useful information on industry-wide trends such as cost-and-demand, state trends and regulatory frameworks, as well as physical factors in Chester County, and supports Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 9, "Support a clean and resilient energy network."

Bicycle Pedestrian Campaign Raises Awareness in ChesCo

Chester County's Walk. Ride. Drive. Safe Campaign, launched in the summer of 2022, offers tips and rules to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe — and drivers aware. This initiative supports Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 2, "Advance multimodal transportation."

Bridge damaged by Hurricane Ida restored by PennDOT

During 2022, extensive repairs were made to the 99-year old bridge where Route 162/Embreeville Road crosses over the West Branch of Brandywine Creek in Newlin Twp. The bridge's closed spandrel arch span was replaced with a with a precast concrete arch, and the reinforced concrete retaining walls adjacent to the arch were also replaced from damage from Hurricane Ida. This initiative supports Landscapes3 Connect Objective A, "Meet travel needs and reduce congestion through transportation demand management, roadway improvements, and expanded public transportation."

This bridge, which typically carries over 2,500 vehicles a day, was reopened to traffic in January of 2023.

Bill Mason Bridge

In April 2021, Downingtown's former Chestnut Street Bridge (a nearly 100-year old landmark) reopened as the Bill Mason Bridge. The new bridge reconnects people to two neighboring municipalities, Downingtown Borough and East Caln Township, over the regional train tracks leading eastbound to Philadelphia and beyond. This project helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 1, "Advance implementation of transportation improvements."

Coatesville Train Station Project

In October 2021, Gov. Tom Wolf, along with several office holders and officials, shoveled and tossed dirt to mark the groundbreaking for the new Coatesville train station. The target date for completion is the fall of 2025. The station will feature two platforms, at 536 feet each, and elevators. A pedestrian tunnel will connect one side to the other. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 6, "Promote regional rail service."

Southern Chester County Circuit Trail Feasibility Study

In July 2021, CCPC wrapped up an 18-month study to determine the feasibility of a multi-use trail connecting Chester County's southern communities to the Circuit — Greater Philadelphia's existing multi-use trail network. Recommendations included 20 miles of improvements along Baltimore Pike to create a unified "Baltimore Pike Bikeway," and two multi-use trails along the US 1 Expressway: one in the in Kennett area, and one in the Oxford area. This project helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 2, "Advance multimodal transportation."

Schuylkill River Trail

In Spring of 2021, Chester County Commissioners and other officials celebrated the groundbreaking of Phase II of the Schuylkill River Trail Extension Project. Phase II includes a $6 million, four-mile paved extension that takes the trail from Linfield Road at Parker Ford, to the new Route 422 Bridge crossing of the Schuylkill River. Phase II also includes the construction of a new trailhead parking lot at Linfield Road, and the resurfacing of the county's existing 5.75-mile section of the trail. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 7, "Create a countywide, interconnected trail network."

Chesco Clean Energy Initiatives: Clean Energy/Solar Tour, C-PACE, and Transition Plan

More than 15 homes, schools, and businesses joined to form the largest local tour as part of the American Solar Energy Society's (ASES) 26th Annual National Solar Tour in 2021. Additionally, the county approved the C-PACE plan (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy), which helps commercial property owners obtain low-cost, financing for energy efficiency, and water conservation projects. The county also funded a Clean Energy Transition Plan for several municipalities in the Phoenixville area through the VPP. These initiatives help to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 9, "Support a clean and resilient energy network."

EPA's Green Power Partnership

In March 2021, Chester County was accepted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Green Power Partner. The EPA noted the County's purchase of 20,460,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which is enough green power to meet 100 percent of the county's own electricity use. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Objective E, "Promote safe, sustainable, and resilient energy and communications systems at the local, regional, and national level."

Clean Energy Webpage

CCPC provided updates to the Clean and Sustainable Energy webpage including information and resources such as alternative energy, electric vehicles, the Climate Action Plan, tools for clean energy, and sustainable energy practices including examples such as Westminster, Parkesburg, and Chester County's Green Building. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 10, "Enhance water, sewer, and land use planning."

Complete Streets Policy

The county's Complete Streets Policy, approved in October 2021, provides guidance for how streets may be planned, designed, retrofitted, and maintained to facilitate travel in a safe, convenient, and comfortable manner for all users regardless of their transportation mode. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Objective C, "Provide universally accessible sidewalks, trails, and public transit connections to create a continuous active transportation network within designated growth areas, and develop multi-use trails to interconnect all communities."

The Outfitter — Coatesville/Gap Shuttle

In February 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) launched the Outfitter Shuttle which serves as an employee shuttle and public bus route providing limited stop service from the City of Coatesville to the Urban Outfitters Distribution Center in Gap, Lancaster County. This service helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Objective A and Recommendation 5, "Meet travel needs and reduce congestion through transportation demand management, roadway improvements, and expanded public transportation," and "Promote bus service within growing areas."

U.S. 202 Section 200 Operations Analysis

Throughout 2020, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission conducted the U.S. 202 Section 200 Operations Analysis. This three-year study addresses a segment of U.S. Route 2020 in central Chester County. This analysis helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 1, "Advance implementation of transportation improvements."

Preliminary Plans for the Route 82 Interchange

In January 2020, PennDOT presented preliminary plans for the Route 82 interchange of the U.S. 30 Bypass. The plans were displayed during a public meeting at the Wagontown Fire Company. Approximately 100 attendees reviewed four intersection design alternatives and provided feedback. This effort helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 1, "Advance implementation of transportation improvements."

Beaver Creek Trail Feasibility Study

In February 2020, the Caln Township Commissioners accepted the Beaver Creek Trail Feasibility Study produced by the Brandywine Conservancy. This three-mile proposed trail that mostly extends along Beaver Creek will connect Manor Avenue (U.S. 322) in Downingtown Borough to Municipal Drive in Caln Township. This study helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 7, "Create a countywide, interconnected trail network."

Exton Train Station Reconstruction Completed

In March 2020, the multi-phase reconstruction of Exton Train Station was completed. The project included construction of a new building with restrooms for customers, along with new sheltered passenger waiting areas. The parking lots were rebuilt to improve traffic flow and safety. This construction project helps to implement I Connect Recommendation 1, "Advance implementation of transportation improvements."

Active Transportation Inventory (ATI)

During 2020, the Planning Commission conducted a county-wide Active Transportation Inventory focusing on bicycle and pedestrian facilities. This initiative involved the inventory and review of existing municipal ordinances and plans, as well as bicycle, pedestrian, or transit documents completed for all of the county's 73 municipalities. This effort helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 2, "Advance multimodal transportation."

Completion of the US 322 Bridge

In June 2020, PennDOT completed the replacement of the U.S. 322 Bridge between Sugars Bridge Road and Skelp Level Road in East and West Bradford Townships. This bridge replacement project included the reuse of the abandoned road alignment as a parking facility for a nearby trail. This successful project helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 1, "Advance implementation of transportation improvements."

Southern Chester County Circuit Trail Feasibility Study

In July 2020, a virtual public meeting was held to gather stakeholder and community input on a proposed development of an off-road, multi-use trail connecting the boroughs and growth areas in southern Chester County. A draft recommended alignment was then presented at a meeting in October. This study helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 2,"Advance multimodal transportation."

Interactive Online Circuit Trails Map

In July 2020, the Planning Commission completed a new online Circuit Trails Status Map. The map includes existing and proposed trails, along with design, engineering, and construction information. Because the map is a digital online resource, it will be updated as changes occur and the trails network expands. This information helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 2, "Advance multimodal transportation."

New Replacement Bridge in Coventry Township

In August 2020, County Bridge #255 (Halteman Road over Pigeon Creek) in Coventry Township opened after reconstruction. The East Coventry Historical Commission assisted the county in creating a sensitive design for the bridge, constructed in 1914. This project helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 1, "Advance implementation of transportation improvements."

Paoli Pike Trail Construction Benchmarks

As of September 2020, Segments F and G of East Goshen Township's Paoli Pike Trail were completed. The 2.7 mile trail will extend from Line Road to Airport Road. The project was divided into 7 segments (A-G). Segments C-E are slated for construction in late 2020, while engineering is progressing for segment B. This trail helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 7, "Create a countywide, interconnected trail network."

Chester Valley Trail at Main Street in Exton

In September 2020, a ribbon cutting ceremony opened a pedestrian and bicycle link which connects the Chester Valley Trail to the Exton Train Station, along Route 100 in the vicinity of the Main Street Mall. This improvement helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Objective C, "Provide universally accessible sidewalks, trails, and public transit connections to create a continuous active transportation network within designated growth areas, and develop multi-use trails to interconnect all communities."

County Purchase of Renewable Energy

In April 2020, the County Commissioners approved an amendment to the county's purchasing agreement to ensure that 100 percent of the power used by the county is offset with renewable energy power. In this case, wind energy. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Objective E, "Promote safe, sustainable, and resilient energy and communications systems at the local, regional, and national level."

Developments Connecting to Public Sewers

By September 2020, the Planning Commission conducted 19 PA Act 537 sewage facilities reviews for proposed developments in the county's Urban, Suburban, or Suburban centers. Of these, 15 were connected to public sewers as is preferred. This helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Objective F, "Coordinate water and sewage facilities planning with land use planning so that development is directed toward designated growth areas with adequate and well maintained infrastructure."

Route 52 Bridge Reopens

Closed for repairs since August 2019, the Route 52 Bridge between Pocopson Road and Creek Road in Birmingham Township reopened to the public in July 2020. Improvements included a major bridge rehabilitation, additional room for turning vehicles, and a permanent flashing left turn arrow. This helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Objective A, "Meet travel needs and reduce congestion through transportation demand management, roadway improvements, and expanded public transportation."

Penn Township Receives Intersection Award

The improvement and realignment of the intersection of state Route 796 and Old Baltimore Pike at the site of the former Red Rose Inn was the co-recipient of the 2020 Pennsylvania Road and Bridge Improvement Award in the Roadway Category. The award was recognized by state and local officials, and helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 2, "Advance multimodal transportation."

Homeowners/Residents Helping the Environment

In 2020, Chester County homeowners stepped up to the challenge of helping our environment in various ways. Homeowners Judy and Denis Nicholson provided examples from their 100% renewable energy home located in Cheyney, allowing other homeowners to take and share similar ideas. This helps to implement Landscapes3 Connect Recommendation 9, "Support a resilient and clean energy network."

SEPTA Announced Planned Extension to Coatesville

In March of 2019, the Chester County Commissioners awarded SEPTA a $1 million grant to help restore regional rail train service to Coatesville. The total project budget is $21 million. Improvements will include parking and a new station on Fleetwood Street. It is estimated that construction will take about three years. Service will begin once the new station is completed. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 recommendation, "Expand regional rail service."

Construction of Exton Train Station Improvements

In 2019, the reconstruction of Exton Station was undertaken as a coordinated effort between SEPTA, PennDOT, Amtrak, and West Whiteland Township. The project included a new station building and new sheltered passenger waiting areas. The outbound parking lot was extended, and the inbound parking lot was rebuilt. Covered bicycle parking was also installed. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 recommendation, "Advance implementation of transportation improvements."

Paoli Train Station Improvements Officially Completed

In September 2019, Amtrak and SEPTA completed the Paoli Station Accessibility Improvements Project, a process which began in 2016. The project upgraded the 66-year old station with a new platform, elevators, stairs and ramps, a pedestrian overpass, parking lot improvements, and ADA enhancements to the existing station building. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 recommendation, "Advance implementation of transportation improvements."

"Trails, Trains, and Traffic" Transportation Forum

In December 2019, the Planning Commission held the "Trails, Trains & Traffic" forum. It addressed the 2019 transportation needs which included 533 proposed roadway, bridge, bicycle and pedestrian, freight, and transit projects. Updates were provided for the county trails, and station improvements at Devon, Paoli, East Whiteland, Exton, Downingtown, and Coatesville. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 recommendation, "Advance multimodal transportation."