Rep. Susan Wild Announces Allentown Safe Streets for All Initiative

Today, Congresswoman Wild joined Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, Public Works Director Mark Shahda, and Traffic Superintendent Yeimy Delgado to announce the launch of the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) initiative. SS4A will create a comprehensive action plan for safety enhancements and essential investments, with the goal of reducing traffic deaths to zero by 2030.

"During my time in Congress, I've made it my mission to secure investments to improve our infrastructure, and no infrastructure is more fundamental than the roads and sidewalks that we use every day," said Rep. Wild. "I'll keep working to bring federal dollars back home to our community, to improve our aging infrastructure and make our streets safer."

"Allentonians should feel safe as they move through our city. I'm committed to accomplishing road safety for all by slowing cars down in Allentown," said Mayor Matt Tuerk. "With everyone's help, we can create a safe, clean, and healthy environment that promotes the well-being of all residents."

Rep. Wild worked to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Lawin 2022 which created the funding for the Safe Streets for All program, including the $312,000 she secured specifically for Allentown. Congresswoman Wild also championed funding for SS4A initiatives in Bethlehemand Easton, and in the most recent federal budget negotiations she successfully advocated for $1.25 million in Community Project Funding for roadway and traffic safety updates at Lehigh and Union Streets in Allentown. Rep. Wild will continue to work with local elected officials on improving safety and infrastructure across the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Read more about the Allentown Safe Streets for All Initiative below:

Morning Call: Allentown to make multi-million dollar investments in safer pedestrian, biking infrastructure

April 24, 2024 | By Lindsay Weber

• Allentown officials, standing in front of high-speed traffic on Hanover Avenue on Wednesday, announced the launch of its "Safe Streets for All" program, a multi-million dollar investment in traffic and transportation safety.
• "Safe Streets for All" is the city's moniker for its comprehensive "action" plan for traffic safety improvements citywide, with the goal of achieving zero traffic deaths by 2030.
• In 2023 alone, Allentown saw 4,085 traffic crashes, including in 136 pedestrians hit, 71 serious injuries and 11 deaths, five of which were of pedestrians.
• Allentown also received $1.125 million from Congresswoman Susan Wild's office for similar improvements at Lehigh and Union streets. Construction for the project will be going out for a bid soon, according to a city news release.

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