Penn Ave Redesign
Pennsylvania Ave is an integral street within the city of Wilkes-Barre, but the current conditions do not benefit the city in any way. Excessive parking lots, a wide open road, minimal street trees all combine to create an environment that is not conducive to walking, economic activity, or anything productive — it is time for a change!
The Proposal
Narrowing the roadway from 4 travel lanes to 2 travel lanes with bump outs for a turning queue at intersections, and convenience parking will be more practical while being able to handle the current volume of traffic. Further, if this were to slow traffic on Penn Ave, traffic would naturally move out to Wilkes-Barre Blvd — there are no traffic concerns with these lane reductions. This will allow for more space to be dedicated to sidewalks and tree lawns allowing for a dense tree canopy and allowing for wider sidewalks that will accommodate cafe seating.
WALKABILITY
By creating a safer, more pleasing Penn Ave, we are creating a place that people would enjoy walking. Being that this is a downtown street, this would benefit many people from residents, to nearby office workers, while drawing residents from the rest of the city…
