Released: October 9, 2023
Residents are invited to help identify ways to develop a safer Route 291
The Delaware County Planning Department will be hosting its second of two community listening sessions on Wednesday, October 11, at 6:30 p.m., at the ACCESS Chester Community Center, to engage residents and help identify ways to develop a safer Route 291.
Route 291 is a regionally significant thoroughfare—located within close proximity of I-95, 322, 476, the Commodore Barry Bridge, and the Philadelphia International Airport—that provides access to residential, commercial, and industrial areas. While the roadway serves as a primary detour for I-95 and provides access to regional destinations such as Harrah’s Philadelphia and Subaru Park, it includes multiple hazards for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists alike.
The Problem
The most significant problem is that Route 291 is a wide, straight, multilane road with speeding traffic, making it unsafe for residents, pedestrians, and bicyclists and cuts off residents from the waterfront, natural areas, attractions, and job opportunities. Road users must also navigate heavy truck traffic due to the industrial uses dominate this corridor.
Collected data confirms the unfriendly road environment. Crash data indicates between 2015-2019 there were 249 crashes resulting in 9 fatalities. Of the 249 crashes, 8 involved pedestrians, and 3 involved bicyclists. A 2015 study documented high travel speeds that were well over the posted limit of 35mph, even during rush hour.
Understanding that this critical thoroughfare needs to be modernized, the County is committed to make meaningful safety improvements for Route 291 that can also positively impact economic development opportunity.
Additionally, Route 291 had been identified as the preferred route for the East Coast Greenway. The East Coast Greenway (ECG) is a 3,000-mile multiuse trail route that connects Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida. The safety issues associated with Route 291 make it difficult to accommodate the preferred path for this trail.
Complete up-to-date project information is available on the Delaware County Planning Department website at delcopa.gov/SafetyOnRt291.
Delaware County residents are urged to attend our listening session and engage in breakout discussions and other interactive activities. A presentation of proposed alternatives that were shaped by the first listening session held in April of 2023 will occur at 7:00 p.m.
Future improvements that will be discussed and workshopped include the feasibility of a road diet, traffic calming, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities which may include a center median, bike lanes, and green infrastructure to achieve lower travel speeds and provide a safer environment for motorists and pedestrians.
Community input on the proposed safety improvements is vital. The County wants to ensure that there is community support for the improvements and that improvements that are advanced make residents feel safer using the Route 291. Dinner and refreshments will be provided to all attendees.
ACCESS Chester Community Center
701 Booth Street, Chester, PA 1903
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Residents who are unable to attend the listening session are encouraged to share their feedback through our Route 291 Project Survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/route291.
Tell us your thoughts on the proposed alternatives intended to make Route 291 safer.
We look forward to hearing from you!