Harrisburg residents call for Front Street safety changes after pedestrian death

Holly Engelman’s husband and community members are urging city officials to redesign the four-lane road after the 55-year-old was struck and killed while crossing a crosswalk.

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  Haley O'Brien joined WITF in 2026. A native of Scranton, she enjoys exploring Pennsylvania's diverse communities. Haley previously worked at NPR/PBS stations in Northeast Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley, and has won awards for video storytelling and beat reporting.

Loved ones and neighbors grieving the loss of a community member are asking Harrisburg officials to make changes after a woman was hit and killed while crossing a crosswalk in the city.

Holly Engelman, 55, died at the hospital shortly after the accident Aug. 8 at the intersection of Front and Vaughn streets.

She lived just outside the city in Susquehanna Township with her husband, Andrew Steinberg.

“She loved walking the streets downtown, she loved walking along the river,” he said. “I feel like Harrisburg let her down by expecting her to cross four lanes of busy traffic in order to get over to the river.”

Steinberg is asking city officials to make changes to the intersection where residents often cross to access the Capital Area Greenbelt.

Many others expressed frustration with the intersection at Harrisburg’s city council meeting Tuesday. Dozens of people joined Steinberg in support at the council meeting.

The ask

Steinberg is requesting a representative from the city to work with Susquehanna Township officials to present a redesign plan to PennDOT.

“Everyone who joined City Council because you wanted to make Harrisburg a better place, I am asking you to help make it a safer place,” he said at Tuesday’s meeting.

Front Street is a four-lane road with two lanes going in each direction, and the intersection with Vaugh Street is about a half mile from an I-81 exit ramp.

Currently, there is a crosswalk at the intersection, but no stop sign or traffic light. A yellow flashing light indicates to watch for pedestrians.

Many residents say cars don’t stop or slow down for pedestrians or cyclists.

“The speed limits on Front Street are about 10 miles too high,” said Lewis Fisher, a resident of East Bend who drives on the street several times a day.

James Arthur Sullivan, a cyclist from Susquehanna Township, said drivers aren’t aware enough to look out for them.

“People who live here are trying to cross, and people on bicycles … moms and dads and grandparents with strollers will be attempting to cross,” he said. “It could happen to any of us. Any of us.”

Steinberg proposes converting the four-lane road into a three-lane road with a turning lane in the middle.

“I know that if something had happened to me, she would have been the first person out there organizing to get Front Street improved,” he said.

“I’m doing this for Holly, but I’m also doing it for anyone that crosses Front Street.”

Holly’s Way

Holly was an active member of the Kesher Israel synagogue. Roughly two dozen community members wore green to Tuesday’s meeting – her favorite color.

Many friends in the room were at her and Andrew’s wedding in November.

“They’ve been really enjoying their life together,” said Diane Garonzik, of Harrisburg.

“In one second it was gone and it shouldn’t have been,” said Bobby Snyder, a city resident and friend. “This woman was brilliant, and she was taken in an instant.”

Friends and family have started an advocacy group called Holly’s Way to continue the effort.

Another advocacy organization is taking action as a result of the tragic accident.

Strong HBG is part of the national organization Strong Towns, which hosts conversations to strengthen communities.

Grant Elledge is a co-founder of the local chapter.

“The road’s been designed for these vehicles to move from point A to point B as quickly as possible, and what it’s done as a result is it’s separated the city itself and its residents from Harrisburg’s best asset, which is this park along the riverfront,” he said.

The group will gather for a Front Street Discovery Walk Wednesday evening to host a conversation about possible improvements and ways to engage with leaders.