Lower Merion and Narberth Collaborate on Major Safety Overhaul for Montgomery Avenue, Urge Public Participation
Lower Merion Township and the Borough of Narberth have officially launched a joint initiative aimed at transforming Montgomery Avenue into a safer, more accessible corridor for all travelers. The project, which targets a critical stretch of the roadway connecting the Main Line to the Philadelphia border, seeks to address persistent concerns regarding speeding, pedestrian vulnerability, and outdated traffic patterns. Officials have opened a public comment period, explicitly requesting feedback from residents and commuters to shape the future design of the thoroughfare.
The focus of the study centers on the corridor’s configuration, which has long functioned as a high-volume arterial road designed primarily for vehicle throughput rather than neighborhood connectivity. Planners are currently conducting a “Deep Search” into crash data, traffic flow metrics, and multimodal deficiencies. The proposed changes are expected to align with “Complete Streets” principles, which prioritize the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users alongside motorists. Potential interventions under consideration likely include improved crosswalk signaling, dedicated bicycle infrastructure, and traffic calming measures designed to reduce average vehicle speeds.
Background analysis reveals that Montgomery Avenue has historically served as a high-speed alternative to Lancaster Avenue (Route 30), facilitating heavy commuter traffic into and out of Philadelphia. However, the road bisects dense residential neighborhoods, school zones, and the commercial district of Narberth, creating a dangerous friction between through-traffic and local community life. This initiative follows a broader trend in Montgomery County where municipalities are attempting to retrofit historic, state-owned roadways to accommodate modern active transportation needs, a process often complicated by the requirement for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) approval.
While safety is the primary objective, the proposal is expected to generate significant debate regarding the trade-offs involved in roadway redesign. Common objections to similar projects on the Main Line have centered on the concept of “road diets.” Commuters and logistics operators often argue that reducing lane capacity to accommodate bike lanes or wider sidewalks could exacerbate congestion during peak travel times. Furthermore, local business owners along the corridor have historically expressed concerns that safety upgrades might result in the removal of street parking, potentially impacting customer access. Residents on adjacent side streets may also fear that slowing traffic on the main artery will incentivize drivers to use quiet residential roads as shortcuts.
Township and Borough officials emphasize that no final decisions have been made and that community input is vital to balancing safety improvements with traffic realities. Residents are encouraged to view the proposed concepts and submit their feedback through the project’s official portal to ensure the final plan addresses the diverse needs of the community.
