Governor’s Office Announces Improved Online Experience on 511PA The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) today announced that 511PA – Pennsylvania’s free, statewide travel information service – has been upgraded with a new website, mobile app, and phone system. This announcement comes just days after Governor Shapiro launched a new PA.gov meet Pennsylvanians where they are online, deliver human-centered digital experiences, and make Commonwealth services easier to find. “Each year, nearly 100 billion vehicle miles are traveled on Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “The Shapiro Administration continues to improve Commonwealth services, so they are easier to find, more accessible, and readily available. The more information we can make available to the traveling public, the better. We’re proud of these enhancements and encourage travelers to check out the improved 511PA and ‘know before they go.’” Launched in 2009, 511PA is a statewide travel information service operated by PennDOT and PA Turnpike that helps reduce congestion and improve safety on Pennsylvania roadways. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts. Through the “Driving Mode” feature, motorists can receive these alerts hands-free so they can focus on safely driving. “We are committed to the safety of the 550,000 customers who choose the PA Turnpike daily and know that unforeseen incidents can happen on any road at any time,” said PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey. “We are excited that these changes to 511PA will improve the customer experience. This additional tool readily assists drivers before they get on the road with real-time information so they can stay informed with what is happening on the roadways.” Here are some of the updates users can expect: The redesigned 511PA mobile app has several new features, including the ability to limit alerts to your route, a new “My Cameras” feature and the option for alternate routes. The updated website has been completely redesigned to be more user-friendly and includes new personalization and customization to make it even easier to access the information users most care about. The phone system now provides a more streamlined menu to get callers the information they need faster. Users can also sign up for personalized travel alerts on the website. Current 511PA personal-alert subscribers need to create a new account in the updated system and set up their preferences to continue receiving alerts. A transformed 511PA app is part of the new system, so users will need to update their Apple or Android app to access the latest version. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in your county at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/RegionalOffices. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov. The PA Turnpike’s mission is to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. Find resources and planned construction projects at Traveling on the PA Turnpike | PA Turnpike.
PennDOT Engineering District 4 Traffic Bulletin The PennDOT Engineering District 4 Traffic Bulletin advertises current and upcoming travel restrictions scheduled on state-owned highways in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. The Traffic Bulletin is updated in real-time during normal business hours. Please note: The schedule is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. The Traffic Bulletin link will be emailed on Fridays each week but can be viewed at your convenience any time of the day. To view the current Traffic Bulletin, go to the PennDOT Engineering District 4 website homepage, click on Traffic Bulletin, or click here: Traffic Bulletin (pa.gov). Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4.
PennDOT Announces Lane Restrictions on I-81 PennDOT announces there will be lane restrictions on Interstate 81 northbound and southbound beginning Monday, June 3, 2024, as follows: Interstate 81 northbound and southbound in Lackawanna County from Exit 191 (Dickson City) and Exit 194 (Clarks Summit), Monday, June 3-Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM for ariel utility work. Interstate 81 northbound in Luzerne County from Exit 165 (Mountain Top/Wilkes-Barre) to Exit 180 (Moosic) in for shoulder cutting and pothole patching. Work will occur Monday, June 3, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to take alternate routes when possible. When encountering a work zone, please drive the posted speed limit, turn on your headlights, pay close attention to signs and flaggers, and avoid all distractions. In high-traffic locations, motorists are encouraged to use both lanes of travel to the merge point and take turns merging into the open lane. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.
PennDOT/BPD-I Continue I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Construction Motorists are advised that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Bridging Pennsylvania Developers I (BPD-I) will continue pre-construction activities for the I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project in preparation of complete reconstruction of the two bridges carrying I-80 eastbound (EB) and westbound (WB) over Nescopeck Creek in Black Creek Township, Luzerne County. On or around Monday, June 10, the construction contractor Bridging Pennsylvania Constructors and Major Bridge subcontractor, Wagman will continue the first of four construction stages to be completed in 2027. Phase 1 of construction includes reconstructing the existing shoulders along eastbound Route 80, constructing the outside portion of the new eastbound Route 80 bridge over Nescopeck Creek, reconstructing a portion of Tank Road (Route 3016). A portion of the existing retaining wall along eastbound Route 80 due to the widened eastbound structure. Short term lane closures on I-80 EB will occur between 6:00 PM and 2:00 AM, on Monday through Friday, for approximately 2 weeks. The Phase 1 Tank Road (Route 3016) detour (graphic) will be implemented for all through traffic to support the following: Lowering the elevation of existing Tank Road (Route 3016) to prepare for the installation of a temporary traffic signal to be used from Phase 2 through the end of the project. Constructing a temporary construction access road connecting eastbound I-80 with Tank Road (Route 3016) for equipment and material deliveries during the bridge reconstruction. Maintained access for local traffic to residences and private properties along Tank Road (Route 3016). After Tank Road (Route 3016) has been reconstructed to the designed final elevation, the detour will be lifted. This is anticipated for late fall 2024. However, the temporary traffic signal on Tank Road will be utilized through all subsequent construction phases. Motorists can expect two lanes of traffic to be maintained in both north and south lanes at all times on Route 80, with the exception of occasional lane closures, which will occur during off-peak hours. In February 2024, PennDOT and BPD-I hosted the I-80 Nescopeck Pre-Construction Public Meeting in Nescopeck Township to introduce key members of the I-80 Nescopeck team and provide an update about specific pre-construction and anticipated upcoming construction activities, traffic plans and scheduling. To download the presentation, click here. This project is part of the ongoing PennDOT Major Bridges P3 Program. Bridging Pennsylvania Developers – I (BPD-I) is led jointly by Macquarie Capital and Shikun & Binui USA as Lead Project Developers and Equity Members. The Bridging Pennsylvania Constructors (BPC) joint venture (JV) consortium includes the design & construction expertise of FCC Construction and S&B USA Construction, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. S&B USA Construction is the construction arm of Shikun & Binui Ltd, and is also the parent company of Fay, one of the BPC four Major Bridge subcontractors. Other Major Bridge subcontractors include The H&K Group, Kokosing Construction Company, Wagman Heavy Civil, and Lead Designer, Michael Baker International. Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4. Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D4Results.
PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Memorial Day The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, May 25, 2024, through Monday, May 27, 2024, in observance of Memorial Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; REAL ID pre-verification; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2024 is available online. If you are planning to visit one of PennDOT’s On-Line Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays. Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
PennDOT Seeking High School Students for Young Ambassadors Program The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting 10th -12th grade students to help keep Pennsylvania clean and beautiful through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program. The program, now in its third year, builds community stewards and civic leaders by empowering young Pennsylvanians to become ambassadors in their community for a shared vision of a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania. Applicants should be passionate about the environment and committed to restoring and protecting Pennsylvania’s ecological landscape through volunteerism and leadership. Ambassadors will train and network with industry leaders, state agencies, local media and the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful network to prepare them to be be difference-makers in their communities by building their leadership and problem-solving skills. “Pennsylvania needs leaders. Like many other crises that require long-term change, we’re looking to the youngest of us to help lead environmental sustainability into the future,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “I’m heartened to see the attention and diligence of the next generation of Pennsylvania’s environmental caretakers” “It has been enlightening to work with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures through our Young Ambassador program. They each bring their own experiences and aspirations that have helped shape the program. We know the students of today hold the key to a sustainable future and we’re excited to work with and guide this new group of Young Ambassadors to implement change in their communities and the Commonwealth. We’re grateful to continue to partner with PennDOT to provide even more opportuntites for students to develop necessary skills for them to succeed,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Chosen candidates will commit to serve as an Ambassador from September 2024 through May 2025 and represent and uphold the mission and values of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Other responsibilities include: attending 6 mandatory virtual education sessions; conducting a community assessment and creating a summary presentation; organizing and participating in at least one community cleanup event through pick up Pennsylvania and conducting one community education event or activity. There will also be non-mandatory education sessions from a variety of topics. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will provide education and training to program participants on such topics related to the impact of litter on roadways, litter prevention, waste management and recycling, civic engagement and related public policy, volunteer management, and social media marketing. The program will provide networking opportunities to not only build a sense of community within the program but also to promote professional development of the individual students. In addition, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has partnered with Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania funded by the NiSource Charitable Foundation to provide Job Shadow Days to select Ambassadors. The Young Ambassadors program was recommended in the commonwealth’s Litter Action Plan announced by the Governor’s Office in November 2021 and is funded by PennDOT. Applications are being accepted April 1 through June 10. Students will be chosen through a competitive application process. Students interested in applying should visit keeppabeautiful.org and choose Programs, Education then Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania or contact Kylie McCutcheon at 724-836-4121 x114 or kmccutcheon@keeppabeautiful.org. Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.gov/news or choose a region under “Regional Offices.” Information about the state’s infrastructure and results the department is delivering for Pennsylvanians can be found at www.penndot.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Shapiro Administration Announces $20 Million in Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced $20 million in investments for Round 1A of the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding. Pennsylvania was one of the first states to open a NEVI-funded charging station in December 2023, and the Shapiro Administration is moving efficiently to drive out federal funding and build critical transportation infrastructure ahead of other states. This funding represents another step in the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to combatting climate change and providing Pennsylvanians with transportation options that are cleaner, safer, more affordable, and more reliable. Twenty-nine projects in 19 counties across the state were selected to fill in gaps on the Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC) following NEVI Round 1. Charging stations will expand access to, and the reliability of, electric vehicle (EV) charging within Pennsylvania. The $20 million federal investment is part of the $171.5 million PennDOT will receive and distribute for EV charging infrastructure over five years through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). “Every federal dollar directed toward EV charging is one step closer to a vision of accessible and reliable infrastructure that supports electric transportation,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Pennsylvania, under the leadership of Governor Shapiro, has been among the states leading the charge to distribute NEVI funds to give drivers confidence while promoting sustained environmental benefits.” Together with Round 1 conditional awards announced in 2023, Pennsylvania has committed NEVI funding to 83 projects across 41 counties. In addition, PennDOT has released priority areas for NEVI Round 1B. The Round 1B Funding Opportunity is designed to fill gaps in the AFCs that remain following Round 1 and Round 1A awards. Additional details regarding the Round 1B Funding Opportunity will be released soon. A map of Round 1B priority areas can be found on the PennDOT website. The NEVI funds support the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of charging sites. The PA NEVI program is a reimbursement program and recipients are required to provide a minimum 20% match. PennDOT received 86 unique funding submissions requesting nearly $56 million for this round of investments. Round 1A projects selected for conditional awards: Adams County $652,736 to eCAMION USA, Inc. for a charging station at Perkins in Gettysburg (US-30, Mile Marker 212) Allegheny County $768,310 to EVgo Services, LLC for a charging station at Sheetz in Pittsburgh (I-76, Exit 48) Berks County $852,104 to Wawa, Inc. for a charging station at Wawa in Reading (US-422, Exit 316) Carbon County $451,353 to Universal EV, LLC for a charging station at Hampton Inn in Lehighton (I-476, Exit 74) Chester County $969,304 to CarCharge, LLC for a charging station at Marriot in Coatesville (US-30, Exit 293) $667,936 to Landhope Corporation for a charging station at Landhope Farms in Oxford (US-1, Exit 7) $907,508 to Wawa, Inc. for a charging station at Wawa in Phoenixville (US-422, Exit 347) Clearfield County $432,950 to BP Products North America, Inc. for a charging station at BP in Clearfield (I-80, Exit 120) Columbia County $797,125 to Reliance 3, LLC for a charging station at Your Choice in Bloomsburg (I-80, Exit 232) Cumberland County $750,000 to Applegreen Electric PA, LLC for a charging station at the PA Turnpike service plaza in Newburg (I-76, Mile Marker 202) $790,000 to Applegreen Electric PA, LLC for a charging station at the PA Turnpike service plaza in Carlisle (I-76, Mile Marker 219) $811,077 to Francis Energy PA, LLC for a charging station at McKinney Station Restaurant and Ice Cream in Newburg (I-76, Exit 201) Dauphin County $650,000 to Applegreen Electric PA, LLC for a charging station at the PA Turnpike service plaza in Middletown (I-76, Mile Marker 250) Delaware County $831,803 to Wawa, Inc. for a charging station at Wawa in Wayne (US-30, Mile Marker 317) $800,870 to Wawa, Inc. for a charging station at Wawa in Upper Darby (US-1, Mile Marker 46) $811,434 to Wawa, Inc. for a charging station at Wawa in Media (US-1, Mile Marker 36) Erie County $851,772 to Blink Network, LLC for a charging station at GetGo in Erie (I-79, Exit 184) Fulton County $281,934 to Tesla, Inc. for a charging station at 522 Pit Stop in Fort Littleton (I-76, Exit 180) Lancaster County $672,408 to Francis Energy PA, LLC for a charging station at Sheetz in Columbia (US-30, Exit 257) $556,424 to Lancaster Travel Places, LLC for a charging station at Lancaster Travel Plaza in Lancaster (US-30, Mile Marker 273) $622,333 to TH Minit Markets, LLC for a charging station at Turkey Hill Minit Market in Denver (I-76, Exit 286) Lebanon County $625,000 to Applegreen Electric PA, LLC for a charging station at the PA Turnpike service plaza in Lawn (I-76, Mile Marker 259) $731,099 to Francis Energy PA, LLC for a charging station at Sheetz in Palmyra (US-422, Mile Marker 276) Luzerne County $399,768 to FLO Services USA, Inc. for a charging station at Sonic in Hazelton (I-81, Exit 143) Lycoming County $737,106 to Sheetz, Inc. for a charging station at Sheetz in Muncy (I-180, Exit 13) $794,350 to Wawa, Inc. for a charging station at Wawa in Williamsport (I-180, Exit 28) Mercer County $704,968 to Francis Energy PA, LLC for a charging station at Shell in Mercer (I-80, Exit 15) Philadelphia County $815,120 to the Philadelphia Parking Authority for a charging station in Philadelphia (US-30, Mile Marker 331) Somerset County $281,694 to Tesla, Inc. for a charging station at Wendy’s in Somerset (I-76, Exit 110) For more information on NEVI funds in Pennsylvania visit the PennDOT website. Pennsylvania can compete for billions of dollars in federal funds across a wide range of federal grant programs through the BIL, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). To help communities and organizations learn about these opportunities, PennDOT created a web page, www.penndot.pa.gov/IIJA, with details on federal grant opportunities to help municipalities, townships, and other community agencies with understanding the multiple transportation program grants that are available. The page includes Grant Alerts, guides, and links to important resources for local municipalities and organizations interested in pursuing federal funding opportunities. Information about state infrastructure in Pennsylvania, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov. Subscribe to local PennDOT news or statewide PennDOT news on the department’s website. Follow PennDOT on X and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
PennDOT Announces Public Hearing for Interstate 81 Section 316 Ashley to Arena Project The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), will host a Public Hearing and receive public comments in-person, online, and by mail on an Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared for the Interstate 81 (I-81) Section 316 Ashley to Arena project (formerly known as the Partnership 81 project). The in-person Public Hearing will take place on March 19 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the Luzerne County Community College Educational Conference Center, Building 10 – 521 Trailblazer Drive, Nanticoke, PA 18634 (snow date March 26). Registration and an open house display will begin at 4:00 PM and remain open until the end of the hearing. Formal public testimony opportunities will be from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. Those providing testimony are asked to register in advance by calling (570) 235-2964 or emailing c-ssartori@pa.gov. Registration for testimony will also be available at the hearing. Oral testimony will be limited to five minutes per participant and the number of slots will depend on available time. Individuals may provide testimony privately in a separate hearing room with a stenographer. In lieu of oral testimony, written comments may be submitted by mail or email to the contact below. All written comments must be received/postmarked by April 12, 2024. Written comments may also be brought to the in-person hearing and deposited in the comment box. The public can access the comment form online at https://bit.ly/I81ashleytoarenaproject. The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services or have special needs or have special concerns that require individual attention, contact Stephen Sartori, PE, Consultant Project Manager, at c-ssartori@pa.gov or (570) 235-2964. PennDOT and FHWA encourage the public to review and comment on the EA during the 30-day public comment period from March 11 to April 12. The EA is available for review at these locations: · PennDOT District 4-0: 55 Keystone Industrial Park, Dunmore, PA 18512 · Ashley Municipal Bldg.: 49 Cemetery Street, Ashley, PA 18706 · Wilkes-Barre Township Municipal Bldg.: 150 Watson Street, Wilkes-Barre Township, PA 18702 · Hanover Township Municipal Bldg.: 1267 Sans Souci Parkway, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706 · Sugar Notch Borough Office: 892 Main Street, Sugar Notch, PA 18706 The EA is also available for review on PennDOT’s website under the Resources section at https://bit.ly/I81ashleytoarenaproject. All comments will receive equal consideration regardless of the method of submission, whether they are provided verbally in person, in writing, via email, through U.S. mail, or by way of an online comment form. The public hearing location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Any persons having special needs or requiring special aids are requested to contact Stephen Sartori at (570) 235-2964 or c-ssartori@pa.gov prior to the meeting event in order that special disability needs may be accommodated. The project is a 7.5-mile reconstruction of I-81 from Hanover Township to Wilkes-Barre Township in Luzerne County between milepost 161.2 north of Nuangola exit and exit 168, Highland Park Boulevard. The EA, prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act, examines the potential impacts to natural, social, economic, and cultural resources from this project and the alternatives under consideration. It will determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement would be prepared, or a Finding of No Significant Impact would be issued. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4. Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D4Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov. Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
PennDOT and The Shapiro Administration Announce Results of Operation Safe Stop 2023 Today, the Shapiro Administration released the results of Operation Safe Stop, an annual school bus enforcement and education initiative aimed at enhancing school bus safety for students across the Commonwealth. Held on October 18 this year, Operation Safe Stop is a one-day targeted enforcement and education event during which law enforcement agencies and participating school districts document occurrences of drivers violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law and emphasize the importance of school transportation safety. The press conference was hosted by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, West Shore Regional Police, and West Shore School District. This year’s Operation Safe Stop data revealed that participating school districts and law enforcement agencies reported witnessing 176 violations of the law, (down/up) from the 252 reported last year. “While we’re certainly glad that violations decreased this year, one incident of passing a school bus is one too many,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. “If we saw this many violations in just one day, it’s clear that safety for our students traveling to and from school needs to be a continued focus for our communities and that motorists remain vigilant while sharing the road with school buses and students.” The School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, to stop at least 10 feet from the bus. Motorists approaching from all directions are required to stop. However, motorists who encounter a school bus stopping on the opposite side of a divided highway are not required to stop when lanes of the highway are clearly separated by a divider, such as a concrete barrier or grassy median. “Drivers might consider the steep penalties if convicted of disobeying Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law – a $250 fine, five points on your driving record and a 60-day license suspension. The fine increases to $300 if someone is caught by a stop arm camera,” said Corporal Zeina Black, Permits and Bus Safety Unit Supervisor with the Pennsylvania State Police. “But even worse than these penalties, a tragedy could occur if either a driver or a student is not paying attention to their surroundings.” Some safety tips for students to remember while waiting for or loading and unloading the bus include: Get to the school bus stop at least five minutes early, so you won´t have to run across the road to catch the bus. When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic. Line up at least five giant steps away from the curb or the roadway to wait for the bus. Never run after the school bus if it has already left the bus stop. Never push when getting on or off the school bus. “Student safety at school bus stops and in school zones is of the utmost importance and requires the undivided attention of all motorists,” said Department of Education Secretary Khalid N. Mumin. “Local school districts work hard to identify the safest locations possible for school bus stops and to train their staff. But to ensure that students remain safe, we urge all drivers to watch for the flashing lights of school buses and always stop when students are getting on and off.”
PennDOT and Shapiro Administration Honor School Bus Safety Week Today, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Driver and Vehicle Services Director of the Bureau of Driver Licensing Dios Arroyo joined the Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania school bus safety advocates to honor nine students for communicating important school bus safety messages through their submissions to this year’s School Bus Safety Poster Contest and to recognize three school bus drivers for their superior driving skills. The ceremony complemented the Shapiro Administration’s work to support and enhance Pennsylvanians’ safety, including Governor Shapiro proclaiming October 16-20 School Bus Safety Week in Pennsylvania in conjunction with the federal observance. The week recognizes the potential to save young lives by raising awareness of the daily challenges faced by students being transported throughout the commonwealth. “Students’ return to school has meant the return of school buses to our highways, and the Shapiro Administration is focused on everyone getting home safely,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “School Bus Safety Week gives us all an opportunity to pause and realize just how much our own actions behind the wheel can affect our most precious asset – our children.” The students, in kindergarten through eighth grade, were recognized for their winning entries in the 2023 School Bus Safety Poster Contest. The theme for this year’s contest – “Safely Rolling To My Destination” – reminds everyone of the important relationship between students and their school bus drivers, who are responsible stewards of our children as they deliver them safely to and from school and school-related events. “By using their talent and creativity, these young artists help us share important safety messages through their creations,” said Arroyo. “This year’s entries reinforce the importance of school bus drivers in delivering students to and from school safely and the role they play in students’ well-being every day.” This year’s winners were chosen from 127 student entries from schools across Pennsylvania. The first-place entries will move on to the national competition, which will be judged at the end of this month. 2023 School Bus Safety Poster Contest Winners include: Kindergarten – Grade 2 1st Place: Ananyasri Boddupalli, Franklin Elementary School, Sewickley, Allegheny County 2nd Place: Sophia Stroman, Gwynedd Square Elementary School, Lansdale, Montgomery County 3rd Place: Lorelei Troutman, Gwynedd Square Elementary School, Lansdale, Montgomery County Grades 3-5 1st Place: Ava Tsao, Marshall Elementary School, Wexford, Butler County 2nd Place: Emina Bernice George Michle, Gwynedd Square Elementary School, Lansdale, Montgomery County 3rd Place: Mya Carter, Sugar Valley Charter School, Loganton, Clinton County Grades 6-8 1st Place: Arjun Kairi, Boyce Middle School, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County 2nd Place: Alexionna Kephart, Bald Eagle Area School District, Wingate, Centre County 3rd Place: Musfika Turi, Oak Park Elementary School, Lansdale, Montgomery County There were no qualifying entries submitted this year for the Special Education and Computer Aided categories. Templeton and Sgt. Michael Pavelko, Division Supervisor for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Division of the Bureau of Patrol for the Pennsylvania State Police, presented certificates and small gifts provided by the Pennsylvania School Bus Association to the students in recognition of their efforts to help communicate this important safety message. Time was also taken during the ceremonies to recognize the winners of the 2023 Pennsylvania statewide school bus competition, held June 24-25 at Mount Nittany Middle School in State College. The event hosted more than 30 drivers locked in competition to determine the top school bus drivers in the state. The winners in the conventional bus category this year were: First place – Tara Herman with Krise Transportation in Chester County; Second place – Ruth Del Vecchio with Krapf School Bus in Chester County; and Third place – Patricia Carey with Krapf School Bus in Chester County. This year’s competition was the first to be held in three years. There was no competition for the Transit style buses this year. “Bus drivers do an extraordinary job every day ensuring the safety of our children as they travel to and from school,” said Sgt. Pavelko. “Their continuing dedication to the safe delivery of their precious cargo reinforces the trust parents have in them.” The ceremony built on safety initiatives across the state. As part of School Bus Safety Week and in a collective effort to enhance students’ safety, local and state law enforcement agencies, school districts and student transportation agencies united for one day last week to raise awareness of the consequences of improperly passing school buses through “Operation Safe Stop,” a safety initiative conducted statewide. Police officers watched for motorists who violated the school bus stopping law. School bus drivers also documented any illegal passes occurring on their routes and will file reports with local police. State law requires motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, to stop at least 10 feet from the bus. Motorists approaching from all directions are required to stop. However, motorists who encounter a school bus stopping on the opposite side of a divided highway are not required to stop when a divider, such as concrete barriers or grassy medians, clearly separates lanes of the highway. In 2022, more than 500 motorists were convicted of violating Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law. One hundred forty-eight law enforcement agencies and 45 school districts combined efforts last year to report violators of the School Bus Stopping Law during Operation Safe Stop. School bus drivers in Pennsylvania traveled over 412 million miles during school year 2021/22, transporting more than 1.4 million students daily. For more information about school bus safety, visit PennDOT the School Bus Safety page on its highway safety website.
