Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has awarded an $8.7 million contract for improvements at 22 intersections along 12th St. from the Interstate 79 exit to the Bayfront Connector in the City of Erie.

The project includes 120 new poles, improved traffic detection systems and signal coordination, and upgraded pedestrian features and curb ramps along 6.5 miles of 12th St.

Complete signal replacements will be done at the following intersections with 12th St.:

  • Weschler Avenue
  • Raspberry Street
  • Cascade Street
  • Plum Street
  • Liberty Street
  • Cherry Street
  • Chestnut Street
  • Myrtle Street
  • Sassafras Street
  • Peach Street
  • State Street
  • French Street
  • Holland Street
  • German Street
  • Parade Street
  • Wallace Street
  • Ash Street
  • Reed Street
  • Wayne Street

The following intersections with 12th St. will see modifications, including retimings:

  • Interstate 79 northbound on-ramp
  • Lincoln Avenue
  • Greengarden Road


Two electronic message boards will also be installed - one near the I-79 off ramp for 12th St. and the other at the intersection of 12th St. and the Bayfront Connector. The signs will be used to alert drivers of travel times to key destinations, as well as crash and weather-related incidents.

Work is expected to start in April 2022 and to be completed in November 2022.

Power Contracting Company, of Carnegie, was awarded the $8,749,999 contract, which is being paid entirely with federal funds.

PennDOT said the work is being done as a supplemental project to the Bayfront Parkway central corridor improvement project, which is expected to get underway next year. The 12th St. upgrades will allow for safer and more efficient traffic flow, which will be used as a detour during different portions of the Bayfront project. It is also expected to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.