Erie, PA. Mike Carroll, Secretary of PennDOT speaks during Monday’s press conference. Secretary Carroll and other department representatives visit Erie County to discuss REAL ID and the upcoming construction season in northwest Pennsylvania. Beginning May 7, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight and enter military bases and other federal facilities that require ID at the door. April 7, 2025.
Photo Credit: Commonwealth Media Services
The Shapiro administration along with local legislators announced nearly $3 million through the Green Light-Go Program to improve traffic safety and mobility by reducing congestion and improving traffic flow in three Erie County municipalities, as part of a nearly $30 million investment across Pennsylvania.
Many of the funded projects will upgrade traffic signal detection and control technology, allowing signals to respond to real-time traffic conditions, reduce congestion, and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
“Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, our top priority is serving the people of our Commonwealth by improving the services that make a real difference in Pennsylvanians’ lives,” said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll. “The safety improvements supported by the Green Light-Go program will help municipalities reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and keep Pennsylvanians moving safely and efficiently. I’m proud that PennDOT continues to partner with communities to deliver real results.”
Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) said, “Safe and efficient transportation infrastructure is essential for our economy and our quality of life. These investments will help move traffic more safely and efficiently, reduce backups, and support continued growth across Erie County.”
Representatives Pat Harkins (D-Erie) and Bob Merski were also celebrating the investments.
“These investments will modernize critical intersections and help keep people moving safely,” Harkins said. “Upgrading signal equipment reduces congestion, improves real-time traffic response, and protects motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists across our community.”
“Reliable, up-to-date traffic signal technology is essential for public safety and efficient travel,” Merski said. “I’m glad these grants will help our neighborhoods experience smoother traffic flow and safer streets for everyone.”
The following Erie County projects were awarded funding:
City of Erie — $746,320.44 to reconstruct the traffic signal at West 12th Street and
Pittsburgh Avenue, a busy intersection serving commuters, residents, and visitors.\
Millcreek Township — $1,799,885.76 to upgrade traffic signal equipment along Route
5, improving traffic flow and safety on one of the region’s most heavily traveled
corridors.
Wesleyville Borough — $449,079.84 to reconstruct the intersection of Buffalo Road and
Station Road, enhancing reliability and safety for motorists and pedestrians.
Green Light-Go grants are provided on a reimbursement basis to municipalities for improvements that enhance the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. The projects will be funded through the fiscal year 2025–26 appropriation. Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to, installing light-emitting diode technology, traffic signal retiming, developing special event traffic plans, monitoring signal performance, and upgrading signals to the latest technologies.
More about the grants is available here: PennDOT news release.