The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission has approved Route 356 corridor improvement projects in Butler, as well as Butler and Buffalo townships.

The projects are among 16 regional projects costing $34.25 million that will be funded through the federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement Program.

The Route 356 Corridor Improvements Project in Buffalo Township is intended to increase mobility, accessibility and safety by adding a continuous two-way center left turn lane or dedicated left turn lanes where required, and replacing or upgrading existing traffic signals with traffic responsive controls.

It also includes expanding the Park-n-Ride Lot near the Butler/Freeport Interchange of Routes 356 and 28.

In Butler Township the project will study existing traffic patterns and upgrade signal controls from Moraine Pointe Drive to Campus Lane.

In Butler the project includes traffic signal improvements along the Route 8 Main Street corridor, from Penn Street to Pittsburgh Street. The work includes improved signal capabilities and improvements to accommodate economic development throughout the city.