CHESTER, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Much-needed improvements to Route 291, which runs through Chester in Delaware County, may be coming faster than expected thanks to a pledge of more than $50 million to improve the roadway from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
The pledge is part of the nearly $100 million in funding for Chester announced by the governor last week.
Back in 2022, officials began looking at how to improve Route 291. They analyzed safety concerns — of which there are many — and the lack of access to the waterfront and the Philadelphia Union’s stadium.
Delaware County Director of Planning Gina Burritt said a study was released in 2024 that looked at safety on the high-crash roadway.
“Everyone saw the need, saw the crash data, and knows that we really need to do something to help improve safety for everyone,” she said.
Under the original plan, construction on improvements for Route 291 was slated to start in 2032, but the new funding means some upgrades can happen sooner.
“[We’re] looking at installing some new traffic signals a lot sooner than that,” said Burritt. “Hopefully in the next couple of years we’ll have some new crosswalks, lights to slow people down, and make it easier for people to pull off.”
She said she also expects the improvements to boost commerce in the city.
It’s part of a nearly $100 million pledge to Chester the governor made last week.
It’s part of a nearly $100 million pledge to Chester the governor made last week.
