By Jimmy Fisher

jfisher@timesleader.com

Dirt leading up to Misericordia University is smoothed over to make way for the laying down of the sidewalk foundation as part of the Lake Street Sidewalk Project.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_MU-Sidewalk-1.jpg.optimal.jpgDirt leading up to Misericordia University is smoothed over to make way for the laying down of the sidewalk foundation as part of the Lake Street Sidewalk Project.

DALLAS TWP. — Walking on Lake Street is getting safer.

Thanks to multiple grants awarded to Misericordia University, a sidewalk project is underway to help improve pedestrian safety near campus.

“The Lake Street Sidewalk Project safely links the upper and lower campuses of Misericordia University together, and also provides a safe route for people and motorists to navigate the roadway,” said Paul Kryzwicki, assistant director of marketing communications for Misericordia University. “We also believe the project will grow and improve business in the downtown, as more residents along Lake Street, and members of the campus community, will be able to take advantage of the many restaurants and businesses in and around downtown Dallas.’’

The sidewalk project begins at the Misericordia University archway. The five-foot wide sidewalk will extend south along the east side of Lake Street to the intersection of Center Hill Road, connecting to the sidewalk that already exists in Dallas Borough’s downtown.

A small bridge is also being constructed on the east side of the roadway so pedestrians can cross a small stream.

Lighting will be included to augment existing streetlights to help create a safer pedestrian path from the upper campus of Misericordia University to the lower campus, as well as to the Main Street business district of Dallas Borough.

Funding for the project includes a $165,000 grant from the Keystone Communities Program, (KCP) and a $150,000 grant through the Luzerne County Local Share Account.

According to Kryzwicki, the grant process was lengthy and several requirements needed to be met to qualify for both grants.

“Impact on quality of life, public purpose, community benefit, and multi-municipal cooperation were among the requirements that had to be demonstrated in the separate grant applications,” Kryzwicki said. “The Lake Street Sidewalk Project will not only greatly enhance pedestrian safety along with a well-traveled route, we envision it also promoting the Back Mountain’s economic development by providing safer access to local stores and businesses.’’

Misericordia is also contributing $15,000 and providing maintenance on the sidewalks during any inclement weather.

Construction began on June 29, and Kryzwicki said traffic will be somewhat affected during the construction phase. Residents can expect one lane of traffic for a few weeks when the project gets to the intersection of Mercy Drive and Center Hill Road.

While the purpose of the project is to benefit Misericordia University students, Kryzwicki said he believes everyone in Dallas will benefit from the completed project.

“This is a true town-and-gown project,” he said. “It brings the municipalities, our legislators and university together on a project that benefits residents, businesses and the campus community alike. Most of our 1,000 resident students live on the upper campus, so this worthwhile project will provide a safe pathway for the upper campus community to enjoy the downtown business community in Dallas Borough — day or night since the new sidewalk and bridge include lighting to complement existing streetlights.”

Reach Jimmy Fisher at 570-704-3972 or on Twitter @SD_JimmyFisher