L to R: Newtown Township Police Lieutenant Joseph, State Rep. Perry Warren, Newtown Township Supervisor Dennis Fisher and state Senator Steve Santarsiero at Silo Drive and Sycamore Street.
BUCKS COUNTY – July 21, 2025 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Perry Warren (D-31) joined today with Newtown Township elected officials and residents to celebrate two important pedestrian safety improvements in the township, highlighting the important ongoing state and local partnerships to improve pedestrian accessibility and safety for community members.
The two un-signaled intersections that received pedestrian safety upgrades are Tara Blvd and Newtown-Yardley Road, and Sycamore Street and Silo Drive in Newtown Township. These critical pedestrian safety improvements were made possible by two state grants—a $50,000 legislative grant for planning in 2022 and a $326,931grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) program in 2024 for the installation of the crossing systems.
The intersection of Silo Drive and Sycamore Street in the commercial heart of Newtown Township has been the site of several pedestrian injuries and a 2021 pedestrian fatality.
“These safety improvements are part of a long-standing commitment to safety going back 16 years to when my first district office as a state representative was here on Sycamore Street,” said Senator Santarsiero. “As the area continues to boom with more shops and restaurants, it is critical that our roadways are safe for pedestrians and drivers. The crosswalks, signage and flashing lights are eye-catching for drivers, but ultimately the pedestrians have to make smart choices and wait until it is safe to cross.”
Sen. Santarsiero praised Newtown Township Supervisors and Police Chief Hearn for their commitment to improving pedestrian safety saying, “Chief Hearn has been a tireless advocate for pedestrian safety improvements, and I have great respect for his vision and commitment for continued upgrades. I look forward to working with the Township and Representative Warren to secure state funding to support these initiatives.”The project at Tara Blvd. and Newtown-Yardley Road will improve connectivity of the local trail network and sidewalks, helping residents move naturally and safely to shops, restaurants, schools and parks in the area.
“Accessibility and connectivity are two key features that strengthen our sense of community and make Newtown Township a great place to live,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “I’d like to thank the residents of Newtown Walk for their collaboration with the township to make this crossing safer for residents. Rep. Warren and I look forward to continuing to work with the neighbors and the township for state funding to extend the sidewalks here to connect to Washington Ave. in the Borough.”
“These signaled crosswalks enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility at two very different intersections on opposite sides of Newtown Township,” said Rep. Warren. “Sycamore and Silo is at a busy, sometimes congested, business district. The mid-block intersection at Newtown-Yardley Road and Tara Blvd. is hard to see as motorists accelerate leaving Newtown Borough. Thank you to the residents, Township Supervisors, police and PennDOT, who recognized and worked together to address these safety concerns.”
Dennis Fisher, Vice Chair of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors said, “I’d like to thank everyone involved in this project. We worked through several improvements before getting here today. This was a long time coming and everyone involved should be happy that it is complete.”
Senator Santarsiero leads Newtown Walk residents across crosswalk at Tara Blvd. and Newtown-Yardley Road.