Last updated: April 10, 2026

The 4-Way Red Initiative is a comprehensive effort to improve pedestrian and traffic safety along Philadelphia Street and throughout downtown Indiana Borough. While it includes all-red pedestrian signal phases that temporarily stop vehicle traffic to allow safer crossings, it also reflects a broader commitment to enhancing safety and walkability.

This initiative brings together a range of strategies including upgraded signals, enhanced signage, enforcement, public education, and coordination with PennDOT to reduce conflicts, improve clarity at intersections, and create a safer downtown environment for all users.

This page answers common questions about traffic safety, recent changes, and ongoing planning efforts along the Philadelphia Street corridor.

Why is Philadelphia Street such a focus for traffic and pedestrian safety?

Philadelphia Street has been Indiana Borough’s main commercial corridor since the mid-1800s. As a state route, it carries high volumes of vehicles, pedestrians, buses, and delivery traffic every day. Because of this mix of uses, and recent serious crashes, the Borough has prioritized safety improvements along this corridor.

Why are safety changes happening now?

Traffic safety on Philadelphia Street has been studied and discussed for many years. In 2025, two serious pedestrian crashes heightened community concern and highlighted improvements that were already under review with PennDOT. Data collection, public input, and safety studies all informed the Borough’s next steps.

What has Indiana Borough already done?

The Borough has:

• Increased police enforcement and visibility

• Expanded traffic safety education efforts

• Installed enhanced “Yield to Pedestrian” signage

• Partnered with PennDOT on traffic data collection and analysis

• Applied for grants to fund pedestrian safety improvements

• Held multiple public meetings to discuss safety options

• See the report here

  
  

What grant funding has been sought?

In 2025, the Borough sought funding for Public Safety items from two different sources. PennDot Transportation Set Aside (TA-SA) funds were sought to acquire safety enhancements designed to improve driver awareness, reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, and strengthen the Borough’s multimodal network. The proposed actions include installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at two intersections, installation of Flashing Stop Signs at 12 intersections, and the acquisition of a portable message trailer. Local Share Account funding has been sought to purchase a vehicle barrier system that will assist with road closures to make events and detours safer.

What safety improvements have been approved?

Borough Council has directed staff to pursue:

• All-red pedestrian crossing phases at signalized intersections

• Push-button pedestrian crossing signals at select locations

• Additional illuminated and warning signage

Some discussed changes, such as certain turn restrictions, require further study and coordination before implementation.

Why can’t the Borough just change the traffic signals right away?

Philadelphia Street is a state roadway, and as such, is maintained by PennDot. Changes to traffic signals must be designed, approved, and implemented in coordination with PennDOT. This process requires engineering analysis, licensed electrical contractors, and compliance with state standards, which takes time.

Why do some improvements take months or years?

Certain improvements require:

• Detailed traffic modeling

• Engineering design and contractor procurement

• PennDOT review and approval

• Securing grant or capital funding

These steps are necessary to ensure changes are safe, effective, and legally compliant.

Will these changes slow traffic downtown?

Some safety measures may increase travel time slightly, especially during peak periods. The goal is not to stop traffic, but to balance safe vehicle movement with pedestrian safety, accessibility, and downtown vitality.

How will changes affect nearby streets?

We are committed to working with PennDOT and our police department to assess impacts to our nearby streets.  Traffic studies are being and will be coordinated to best understand traffic flows and impacts.  Some information will need collected and analyzed after the change to traffic signals are made.

Is Indiana Borough working alone on this?

No. Traffic safety improvements are a collaborative effort involving Indiana Borough, PennDOT, the Police Department, Public Works, elected officials, and the public. Many decisions require coordination across multiple agencies.

What role does public input play?

Public feedback has been critical in shaping safety priorities and decisions. Council discussions, public meetings, and community outreach continue to inform the Borough’s approach.

How does this relate to other planning efforts?

Traffic safety improvements align with long-standing Borough policies and plans, including:

• The Active Transportation Plan

• The Complete Streets Policy

• The Comprehensive Plan

• The Bicycle Master Plan

• Downtown and corridor planning initiatives

What are the next steps?

Next steps include:

• Finalizing contractor selection for signal work (completed at work session 1/20/26)

• Coordinating implementation timelines with PennDOT

• Continuing enforcement and education efforts

• Pursuing funding for additional safety enhancements

The Borough will share updates as milestones are reached.

Where can I get updates?

Updates will be shared through:

• Indiana Borough’s website

• Borough newsletters

• Public Council meetings

• Official social media channels

How can I get involved?

Residents are encouraged to attend committee meetings, specifically the Public Safety, Community Development or Bike-Pedestrian committee meetings. The full meeting calendar can be found here.

What is Bike-Pedestrian Committee?

Bike-Ped, as affectionately referred to, is a committee that meets monthly to discuss ways to improve transportation access and safety. Agenda items typically concern areas of “active transportation” or any form of human-powered travel, like walking, biking, or rolling, that replaces the use of motor vehicles. This is a great way for residents to get involved in the conversation and meet with representatives of the Borough and County at large. Bike-Ped meets virtually on the last Wednesday of every month. Join the conversation here.

Who can I contact with questions or concerns?

Residents are encouraged to contact Indiana Borough Administration (contact-us@indianaboro.com) or attend Council or Committee meetings to share questions, concerns, or feedback about traffic safety on Philadelphia Street.