JACKSON TWP — The township supervisors Monday discussed applying for a multimodal grant.

The PennDOT-funded money would go to constructing a traffic light at Tollgate School Road and installing either a bicycle lane or trail at Perry Way in Zelienople, estimated at about $800,000.

Township manager Chris Rearick said the need for the light on Tollgate School Road stems from the township’s road study required for its traffic impact fee program.

He cited residential and commercial growth as a reason the township decided to apply for the grants.

“From our discussions with residents and from our outreach during comprehensive plan meetings this past year, residents had indicated for us the need for additional bicycle and pedestrian trails and connections within the township,” Rearick said.

Money used to match the grant would come from traffic impact fees.

“I’ve reviewed the multimodal criteria and overall what they’re looking for, and this project would fit it almost to a ‘T,’” Rearick said.

A sidewalk for Perry Way also was discussed. Rearick said grading issues would make construction “difficult.”

Supervisors said bicycle traffic has increased in the area, with bicyclists going to the Zelienople Community Park. The bike trail would go through Tollgate School Road and Perry Way, although a final plan has not been developed.

“Overall in the long run, we would assume that the bike lane extend to the entirety on Perry Way, which would include Zelienople borough’s portion,” Rearick said.

Supervisors said Perry Way is sometimes used as a shortcut when Route 19 becomes difficult to use.

Plans for a bicycle lane connecting on Tollgate School Road through Manheim Auto Auction’s property to the Park & Ride also were discussed.

Zelienople council Monday approved a letter of support for the project. “Given the fact that we’re a sidewalk community, I think it’s important to be able to have the opportunity,” borough manager Don Pepe said. “I think it fits in very nicely.”

The township received a $1.4 million transportation grant last year from the state that is paying for reconstruction of Tomlinson Drive to access Route 528 through the Lindy Paving site.

The application deadline for the grant is Friday. The supervisors are to vote tonight to apply for the grant.