The City of McKeesport is proud to be moving forward with infrastructure improvements, thanks to a state transportation grant worth more than $300,000.

A $316,100 grant, approved through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, will be used to improve the intersection of Long Run Road and Walnut Street. A traffic light and turning lane will be added to the intersection – a necessary improvement allowing ingress and egress to the Walnut Crossing development.

“This has been an intersection that has needed significant improvements for many years,” said McKeesport Community Development Director A.J. Tedesco, who sought after the grant. “We are pleased to have state support that will encourage and aid development of the Walnut Street corridor.”

CFA projects are designed to bolster economic revitalization through strategic state investment. The Long Run-Walnut improvements not only will support Walnut Crossing, but they will allow safer, more efficient access to businesses along both thoroughfares.

State Senator James Brewster, D-McKeesport, said the city’s vision for this intersection falls in line with the grant’s goal.

“The key to bringing more growth, development and jobs back to the Mon Valley is by making the area attractive for new employees and more productive for those that are already up and running,” Brewster said. “CFA transportation grants help open access to development-ready land parcels and improves the marketability of sites.”

The grant requires a city match of $135,472, which will be paid in full by the Walnut Crossing developers, Walnut Street Partners, LLC.

“This is a shining example of public-private partnerships that will improve McKeesport’s economy,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said. “My administration is willing to work with developers, who are committed to our community. I want to commend Mr. Tedesco for his work on this project on behalf of the City of McKeesport.”