West Chester, Pa (August 18, 2026) – An important intersection in Valley Township will be improved to help ensure traffic safety and support economic growth at Chester County Airport and in the surrounding area, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced this week.
The Chester County Airport Authority was awarded state funding to add traffic and pedestrian signal equipment at the intersection of Lincoln Highway and Walter Johnson Boulevard, as well as ADA-compliant curb ramps and crosswalks.
“When we invest in our local transportation infrastructure, we are planning ahead and laying the groundwork for smart growth, safe traffic and pedestrian travel, and a thriving economy where everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” Comitta said.
The investment comes as the airport is pursuing an expansion project and the area surrounding the intersection is experiencing economic growth, with a new residential townhome community on the opposite side of Lincoln Highway and plans to further develop commercial uses along the corridor.
The junction of Lincoln Highway and Walter Johnson Boulevard is currently an unsignalized, three-leg intersection, with stop control for southbound traffic on Walter Johnson Boulevard, and no existing pedestrian facilities.
As part of the Airport’s industrial development, a new driveway will be constructed for access onto Lincoln Highway (SR 3070). The driveway will align with Walter Johnson Boulevard, introducing a fourth (southern) leg to the existing intersection.
The ADA compliant curb ramps and crosswalks will connect to pedestrian walkways, to be implemented through the land development process.
“Chester County Airport is extremely excited to be awarded these funds and is looking forward to continuing with our expansion project,” said Chester County Airport Manager Conor Lapps. “These funds will support a traffic signal that will provide a safe entrance and exit for the new businesses moving into our upcoming commercial space. We have had a lot of support from our local community as well as our state representation and are looking forward to continued involvement moving forward.”
“With beneficial development occurring at and around the intersection, it is imperative that the area transportation network keep pace to accommodate economic growth and mitigate potential negative impacts,” the Valley Township Board of Supervisors wrote in a letter of support for the grant funding. “These improvements will allow the are transportation network to accommodate beneficial and appropriate economic growth and development.”
The $429,000 investment was one of 50 highway, bridge, aviation, port, bike, and pedestrian projects in 27 counties to receive support through the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF).
The Chester County Airport Authority will provide $140,000 in matching funds for the improvements.
In total, $54 million in state funding is being invested in projects that will improve safety, strengthen local economies, and enhance mobility across the Commonwealth through this round of MTF funding.
“When we invest in safer roads, bridges, ports, and transit, we’re creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and making it easier for people to get where they need to go — whether that’s to work, school, or a small business on Main Street,” said Governor Shapiro. “These projects connect communities across the Commonwealth and keep Pennsylvania moving forward safely and efficiently, no matter how they get around.”
“Whether we’re making roadways more accessible to all modes of travel or creating new connections for businesses investing in our communities, we’re investing in projects that make people’s lives better,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, we will continue to bring long-lasting improvements across the state.”
PennDOT will begin accepting applications for the next round of MTF grants on September 14, 2026, at 8:00 AM. Applications are due by 4:00 PM on October 30, 2026. Grant recipients for funding available in summer 2027 are expected to be announced next year.
The 2026-27 budget allocates $775 million over the next two fiscal years for shovel-ready projects to repair state-owned roads across Pennsylvania.
The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grant funding to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit access.
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