As the City of Williamsport experiences new economic development and growth, it is preparing to handle the expected stressors caused by increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

“It’s extremely exciting to see all of the new economic development in the city,” said Scott Williams, city planner, who specializes in transit-related issues and works out of the city Department of Community and Economic Development office.

Williams noted when there is growth, there will always be additional pressure on infrastructure.

“To help address this, I’m happy to share that we are currently in the process of finalizing a contract with the Federal Highways Administration for a $356,000 Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant to develop a city-wide Comprehensive Safety Action Plan,” Williams said.

“This study will help us develop a number of priority projects to address traffic safety concerns throughout the city, especially deficient infrastructure that leads to crashes and fatalities,” he said.

There will be a particular focus on pedestrian safety, intersection improvements, and corridors such as Maynard Street and Market Street.

“Having a completed and adopted Comprehensive Safety Action Plan also means that we have a much better chance at being awarded federal grants to pay for the projects identified through the planning process,” Williams said. “As soon as the grant agreement is finalized, we will be issuing a request for proposals to hire a consultant to assist in preparing the plan,” he added.

Maynard Street and Maynard Commons (Wawa and the incoming Chick-fil-A) are among the projects that City Council has discussed.

As it nears closer to opening, excitement for the Chick-fil-A is palpable but concerns about the traffic congestion and safety of pedestrians and motorists alike is on the mind of a member of Williamsport City Council. Councilman Jon Mackey, chairman of the public safety committee, said he believes the city needs to take proactive steps and prepare a plan for the opening days of the restaurant at the corner of Maynard and First streets.

It is already “dicey” with Wawa,” he said, and having a plan might be a good idea because he anticipated a couple of “rough days” in terms of traffic flowing into and out of the restaurant during the opening weeks, as people drive in and walk to the restaurant.