Mechanicsburg Receives $663,000 Safe Routes to School Grant for Traffic-Calming Improvements
The Village of Mechanicsburg has been awarded $663,000 through Ohio’s Safe Routes to School program to improve pedestrian safety and make it easier for students to walk or bike to school.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn announced the funding as part of an $8.8 million statewide investment in projects designed to make walking and biking to school safer for Ohio students.
The Mechanicsburg project, listed as “Burg Traffic Calming,” will focus on three key crossing locations along West Main Street and High Street. The improvements are intended to better connect neighborhoods with the school while slowing traffic and improving pedestrian visibility.
Planned improvements include curb extensions, a rectangular rapid flashing beacon, a raised crossing and speed bumps.
The project is scheduled to receive funding over several fiscal years:
- Preliminary Engineering (PE), 2027: $65,000
- Detailed Design (DD), 2028: $85,000
- Right-of-Way (RW), 2028: $30,000
- Construction (CO), 2029: $483,000
- Total: $663,000
The Safe Routes to School program provides funding to communities for projects such as sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes and traffic-calming improvements, as well as educational and safety initiatives.
“Investing in our children’s safety, health, and well-being is one of the most important things we can do for Ohio’s future. These Safe Routes to School grants empower local communities and give families peace of mind that their student can safely walk or bike to school every single day.”
— Governor Mike DeWine
ODOT said this year’s funding supports 17 projects in 14 counties. The awards include infrastructure work such as right-of-way acquisition, design and construction, along with non-infrastructure activities including school travel plans, public education and safety campaigns.
“Every child deserves a safe, accessible path to school, whether they’re walking, riding a bike, or using a scooter. By investing in pedestrian and bike infrastructure, we are creating healthier, more connected communities across all of Ohio.”
— ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn
For Mechanicsburg, the project will provide improvements not only for students but for residents and families who travel along West Main Street and High Street.
According to ODOT, walking and biking to school can provide students with regular physical activity that supports mental health, academic performance and long-term wellness. Increased pedestrian and bicycle travel can also reduce traffic and air pollution in neighborhoods while helping families save money on fuel.
Since the Safe Routes to School program began in 2005, ODOT has awarded nearly $100 million to schools, municipalities, health districts, park districts and nonprofit organizations working to improve student safety and promote active transportation.
The Mechanicsburg project is expected to move through engineering and design phases beginning in 2027, with construction funding scheduled for 2029.
