Streetscape plan moves toward bid: PennDOT grant of $250,000 awarded; renderings requested for public review

The township engineer updated the supervisors on the Washington Crossing Streetscape project on Jan. 20, reporting that staff resubmitted revised plans to PennDOT after review comments and expect a response within about 30 days. The design shifts away from a previously proposed north‑side sidewalk — after property owner opposition — toward traffic calming measures: two medians near the canal bridge with a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB), curb bumpouts at River Road and Route 532, and decorative crosswalks. Aesthetic elements under consideration include banner flags on existing street lights, tree plantings, planter boxes and benches.

Staff said the township was awarded a $250,000 PennDOT multimodal grant toward the streetscape; the grant is smaller than the amount requested, and the grant agreement will likely not be executed until spring or summer. The engineer said phase one is expected to go out to bid with the aim of construction in summer 2026 if schedules and bids align, and that additional elements could follow in a phase two funded as budgets and grants permit.

Supervisors requested visual renderings of medians, RRFB placement, materials and plantings and asked that those visuals be posted publicly in advance of the next meeting so residents and volunteer committee members can review and comment before the board votes to advertise the project for bidding.