Efforts to create safe pedestrian and bicyclist access to the Susquehanna Riverwalk via Basin Street under Interstate 180 continues.
A $50,000 investment through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s (CFA) Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program was announced by project advocate and state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, who has been working with the City of Williamsport on this access to the Old City section of the eastern Central Business District.
The city is planning to provide safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists at the intersection of Basin and Via Bella streets under Interstate 180 and continuing east to cross the railroad tracks and terminate at the existing riverwalk, Yaw said.
The project will consist of constructing a 560 foot walkway to connect to the Basin Street/Susquehanna Riverwalk Connector.
A second phase of the project will include installing 200 feet of sidewalk, pavement markings, accessible access ramps, relocating of one utility pole, asphalt paving, signs, installing an at-grade railroad crossing, safety fencing and also fill and gravel roadway to allow service vehicles back to the city’s existing levee pump station.
Overall, $299,000 was distributed, which will be directed to four park and recreational projects in Lycoming and Union counties.
“Advocating for park and outdoor recreational opportunities is something that I have long valued as a member of the Senate and chairman of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee,” Yaw said. “I was happy to endorse all projects that received funding today. They will certainly allow more area residents and visitors the ability to enjoy our region’s appeal.”
The connector route also serves the restoration proposed at the River Valley Plaza, which includes a reconditioning of the plaza, and Starbucks getting two drive-through lanes along with access from off Via Bella directly to the coffee speciality store and restaurant.
The Basin Street connector is part of the vision Lycoming College has as Basin Street has been made into a two-way boulevard between East Fourth and Via Bella streets.
City engineer Jon Sander has been keeping council up to date on the effort. Mayor Derek Slaughter has said he expects public-private partnership investment in Old City will be “transformational” for the city economy, which is especially needed as the city and region emerge from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is the part of the city where Williamsport’s original founder, Michael Ross, in the late 1700s and early 1800s settled and where the community had its first courthouse, tavern and saw the most initial commerce and trade.
Dr. John F. Piper Jr., noted historian and former dean of Lycoming College, said numerous times it was the original place for Millionaires Row before West Fourth and West Third streets.
Over the years, the borough grew into the city it became by charter in 1866.
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