Bensalem Township and Lower Southampton Township officials joined State Sen. Frank Farry and State Reps. Joe Hogan and K.C. Tomlinson on Tuesday to unveil the upgrades, which honor Isabella Shinn.
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Shinn, 18, died in December 2022 after being struck while walking home from her job at Bruster’s Ice Cream.
After her death, the Shinn family campaigned for roadway enhancements to preserve Isabella’s memory and increase safety for local pedestrians.
The newly-completed project features a dedicated pedestrian crosswalk, pedestal-mounted rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), ADA-compliant curb ramps, new sidewalks, and a memorial sign honoring Shinn.
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“She was only 18 years old when she passed in December of 2022,” said Donna Shinn, Isabella’s mother, during the dedication ceremony. “Isabella was so much more than what happened to her here. She was our daughter, Nicholas’ sister, and a friend to so many. She had a second-degree blackbelt, was a swim instructor and a Phillies fan. This crosswalk will carry Isabella’s name and her memory, but more importantly I hope it reminds every person that comes through here to slow down and pay attention.”
The funding was secured by the Republican lawmakers, who spent several years coordinating the effort alongside PennDOT and officials from both Bensalem and Lower Southampton townships.
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“It was a bittersweet day to finally see this project come to fruition and provide some peace for the Shinn family,” Farry said. “In memory of Isabella, please slow down and drive safely.”
