COLUMBUS, Ohio – The city of Niles and Howland Township are among the communities that will share in Ohio’s $8.8 million investment in projects that make it safer and easier for students to walk or bike to school.
Niles was awarded $500,000 to upgrade and install new pedestrian features to the main sidewalk, crosswalks and traffic signals in the area of Niles Middle School.
Howland will receive $77,000 to construct a sidewalk along the east side of Niles Cortland Road NE to improve pedestrian safety and access for school-age children. The project will include 5,931 feet of sidewalk between High Street and Carriage Hill, addressing the most significant gap in the corridor.
The funding is part of the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School program, which helps communities build and improve infrastructure such as sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes and traffic-calming features.
“Investing in our children’s safety, health and well-being is one of the most important things we can do for Ohio’s future,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “These Safe Routes to School grants empower local communities and give families peace of mind that their student can safely walk or bike to school every single day.”
Since its inception in 2005, the program has awarded nearly $100 million to schools, municipalities, health districts, park districts and nonprofit organizations working to improve student safety and promote active transportation.
“Every child deserves a safe, accessible path to school, whether they’re walking, riding a bike or using a scooter,” said Pamela Boratyn, ODOT director. “By investing in pedestrian and bike infrastructure, we are creating healthier, more connected communities across all of Ohio.”