Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
The final unfinished portions of the New Falls Road sidewalk project were completed last week.
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Much of the project to add sidewalks and other pedestrian improvements along a stretch of New Falls Road in Bristol Township and Middletown Township was completed last spring, several months ahead of schedule. However, some sections remained unfinished until recently.
The mile-long stretch of New Falls Road spanning between Durham and Bristol-Oxford Valley roads in Bristol and Middletown Townships now features the fully-completed new sidewalks, additional pedestrian improvements, and other traffic safety measures, PennDOT officials said last week.
The project cost $2.1 million and was funded through the state’s allocation of federal funds
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The conception of the project was largely pushed forward by a Levittown family’s decade-long advocacy.
The initiative to install sidewalks on New Falls Road was driven by Sharon Rearick, who has been advocating for these changes following the tragic death of her son, John “JJ” Rearick, in July 2012. JJ was fatally struck by a driver with a suspended license while walking home along New Falls Road. The absence of sidewalks forced him onto the roadway.
Credit: Amanda Burg/LevittownNow.com
Despite being told by many officials that the addition of sidewalks was unlikely, Rearick and her husband, Jim, pushed for the state to undertake the project.
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The work included the installation of crosswalk pavement markings, pedestrian signal equipment with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps, and protected left-turn traffic signals.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
PennDOT officials have said the enhancements are to enhance pedestrian safety along the busy corridor and improve overall driver safety.
The efforts faced numerous hurdles, including delays in design, clearing the state’s right-of-way, and negotiations with residents over the relocation of fences and sheds built on public land.
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However, in the summer of 2022, PennDOT commenced the initial steps of construction for the project.
At a dedication for the sidewalks last spring, Sharon Rearick said she hopes to see the sidewalks extended to Five Points and she is advocating for a reduction of the speed limit on New Falls Road to 35 mph.
“Baby steps,” she remarked at the time.
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