PennDOT Announces New Implementation of Skills Test In keeping with Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to expand Pennsylvania’s workforce and serve Pennsylvanians more efficiently, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that a new, modernized commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test will be implemented at all PennDOT Driver License Centers that offer CDL skills tests and at all third-party CDL driving skill testers beginning August 28, 2023. As new technologies emerge, the modernized CDL skills test ensures that CDL drivers have the knowledge and skills to drive safely on the road while waiving outdated requirements that hold workers back. For example, the Shapiro Administration recognizes school districts have been dealing with the school bus driver shortage since the pandemic and school bus engines have become more complex and modern. That’s why, starting August 28th, PennDOT will waive the “Under the Hood requirement” for school bus drivers, which means that potential school bus drivers will no longer need to take the portion of the CDL test that requires them to identify engine components. “Governor Shapiro has made it clear that the Commonwealth should help people succeed, not get in the way. Under his direction, PennDOT is working to make our services more accessible and effective for the people of Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “As someone with a CDL, I know that technology in our vehicles has greatly evolved and improved, even in our commercial vehicles. This modernized test is another way PennDOT is enhancing its services to better serve our CDL applicants while still ensuring the safety of school bus passengers.” The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created a long-term waiver extension that allows a state to modify the Commercial Driver’s License test for drivers seeking to obtain a school bus endorsement. PennDOT will implement this waiver granted by FMCSA, and as a result, potential school bus drivers no longer need to take the portion of the CDL test that identifies engine components “under the hood.” Under the current federal waiver, the “under the hood” portion of the test may be waived for school bus driver applicants through November 27, 2024. “Knowing the components of a school bus engine does not impact a school bus driver’s safe driving skills,” said Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. “By implementing this waiver from FMCSA, we hope that more drivers will apply for the school bus endorsement and become school bus drivers.” As always, the CDL skills test examines an applicant’s knowledge based on vehicle features and focuses on key skills needed to safely operate a commercial vehicle. Now, the skills test has received a much needed update to reflect modern vehicle features. Applicants must pass the full CDL Skills Test – which includes pre-trip inspection, basic control and a road test – to receive their CDL. Prospective applicants scheduled to take the test after August 28, 2023, are encouraged to review and study the updated Commercial Driver License Manual to prepare for each portion of the knowledge and driver skills test. The Vehicle Inspection (VI) test and the Basic Control Skills (BCS) test were updated during the modernization process. CDL applicants may be asked to identify up to 90 different components on the vehicle and describe what they are looking for to ensure it is safe and ready for use compared to the current requirement of more than 100 items. In addition, a checklist is now authorized to be used as a memory aid for this segment. The BCS Testwill require CDL applicants to demonstrate four maneuvers to demonstrate control: Forward Stop to demonstrate an applicant’s ability to judge the front of the vehicle; Straight-Line Backing to demonstrate the applicant’s ability to back the vehicle in a straight line; Forward Offset Tracking to demonstrate an applicant’s ability to maneuver the vehicle around other objects while moving forward; and Reverse Offset Backing to demonstrate an applicant’s ability to offset reverse and park the vehicle. Applicants who have already completed portions of the skills testing prior to August 28 will need to complete current versions of CDL Skills Testing. These applicants should continue to review and study the current Commercial Driver License Manual to prepare for each portion of the knowledge and driver skills test. More information on commercial driver licenses and copies of the Commercial Driver License Manuals can be found on the Commercial Drivers page on PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website.
PennDOT Now Hiring for Winter Maintenance Tuesday, August 15 at 1:30 PM, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will hold a media event to promote employment opportunities within the district and open houses throughout District 4 on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation seeks hardworking individuals to work in the Winter Maintenance Program from September 2023 through April 2024! If you enjoy working in a fast-paced, team environment on a seasonal basis, or with the potential for promotion into a permanent position, this is the job for you. Click here to apply today. A career at PennDOT may qualify you for student loan forgiveness, please see below for additional information. If you have student loan debt, working for the Commonwealth gets you one step closer to loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). PSLF provides employees who work in public service some relief on their student loans. Working for the Commonwealth is considered public service under PSLF. Through PSLF, borrowers with Federal Direct Loans making payments in certain repayment plans can have the balance of the student loans forgiven after making 120 qualifying payments. Watch this video to see how you can make a difference in the Winter Maintenance Program! Starting hourly rates for 2023/2024 are: · Transportation Equipment/CDL Operator ($21.00) · Diesel & Construction Equipment Mechanic ($25.91) · Auto Mechanic ($22.80) · Semi-Skilled Laborer ($16.86) · Tradesman Helper ($16.86) · Welder ($18.99) · Radio Dispatcher ($15.88) · Custodial Worker ($16.48) · Stock Clerk ($15.88) WHAT: PennDOT hosts a media event to promote employment opportunities WHEN: TODAY, Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 1:30 PM WHERE: PennDOT District 4, 55 Keystone Industrial Park Road, Dunmore, PA 18512
PennDOT Announces New 511PA Features Ahead of the Little League World Series The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced updates to the 511PA traveler information service including new features and real-time travel and alternate-route information for fans headed to the Little League World Series (LLWS). The new and enhanced features provide timely information and also support efforts to combat human trafficking. PennDOT helps minimize congestion for LLWS travelers Motorists traveling to the LLWS in Williamsport are encouraged to plan their trip using the real-time travel and alternate-route information available online at www.511PA.com/LLWS. The website is dedicated to monitoring traffic conditions on the primary travel routes to the event. Travel times and alerts are provided for: Route 15 south to Route 220 to Market Street (from north); Route 15 north (from south); Interstate 80 east to Route 220 north to Market Street (from west); and I-80 west to Route 15 north (from east). The page includes the average travel time for the primary route as well as one or two alternate routes. Users can see incidents, construction, weather forecasts and alerts, traffic cameras, and traffic speeds on the map. PennDOT’s Central Region Traffic Management Center (CRTMC) is also supporting the Little League World Series by posting real-time travel information on dynamic message signs and transmitting audio messages on highway advisory radio systems to assist travelers. Additional PennDOT bridge information for commercial drivers Commercial vehicle drivers can benefit from an enhancement tailored to their needs. The 511PA traffic map now includes a “PennDOT Bridges” feature which shows locations for all state-owned bridges posted with weight or other limits, along with closed bridges. This expands on the existing feature of locations for all bridges under legal height (<13’6”) over state roads, which was previously added in December 2021. This information can be viewed on the web map and is also available as an alert that can be heard in drive mode on the mobile app. Combatting human trafficking In partnership with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, PennDOT updated the 511PA Travel Links page to include new information for reporting concerns about human trafficking. Travelers can report suspected human trafficking via the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) tipline at 888-292-1919 or tips@pa.gov. 511PA also includes more information with recommendations from PSP on how to recognize and report suspected human trafficking. The 511PA mobile app and phone service have also been updated to provide travelers easy access for reporting suspected human trafficking activity. 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.
PennDOT, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Seeking Students for Young Ambassadors Program The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting 10th -12th grade students from around the state to help keep Pennsylvania clean and beautiful through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program. The program seeks to build community stewards and civic leaders by inspiring, engaging, and empowering young Pennsylvanians to not only keep their communities clean and beautiful but also 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 making Pennsylvania the best place to live, work and play through volunteerism and leadership. The Young Ambassadors program provides opportunities for high school students to train and network with industry leaders, state agencies, local media and the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful network to increase leadership and problem solving skills and prepare them to continue to make differences in their communities and beyond. “Young people across the Commonwealth are instrumental in the effort to curb litter and environmental degradation, now and in the future,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “It’s inspiring to see the rising stewards of Pennsylvania’s environment taking on such an active role in clean-up efforts around the state.” “We are honored to offer the Young Ambassadors Program in partnership with PennDOT for the second year. The program exceeded our expectations last year, so we are eager to meet the new slate of students with the passion to implement change in their communities and the commonwealth,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “We hope to not only inspire a sense of community ownership but also highlight the importance of engaging community members, local businesses and organizations in identifying issues and partnering to find solutions.” Chosen candidates will commit to serve as an Ambassador from October 2023 through May 2024 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 August 1 through September 14. 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.
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 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. Follow local PennDOT news on Twitter and like the Department on Facebook and Instagram.
PennDOT/BPD-I to Host Stakeholder Update Webinar The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Bridging Pennsylvania Developers I (BPD-I) will host a virtual Public Update Webinar for the I-81 Susquehanna Bridge Project at 6:00 PM on June 15th, 2023. This project is part of the ongoing PennDOT Major Bridges P3 Program. The purpose of the webinar is to introduce key members of the BPD-I team and provide an update about specific pre-construction and anticipated upcoming construction activities and scheduling. This webinar will feature a comment form that allows participating stakeholders to directly submit comments to our team and we will provide additional avenues to stay informed on the latest project updates. Register here for the webinar. 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 Invites Students to Participate in Paint the Plow Program Deadline for submissions is June 15, 2023 The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is inviting high school students in the northeast region to participate in the annual Paint the Plow program. The program challenges youth to incorporate a statewide theme and incorporate it into an original mural that they paint on one of PennDOT’s snowplow blades to promote winter driving safety and foster appreciation for school art programs and student creativity. The 2023 theme, “Seat belts are always in season,” was chosen to remind motorists that seat belts save lives and should be worn year-round. Paint the Plow was piloted in Cambria County in 2015 and later expanded to several surrounding counties and across the state. In the northeast region last year, students in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties participated. Students in public and private schools are eligible to participate, though school officials must make the arrangements. Plow delivery and pick-up dates vary by county. PennDOT may modify program categories based on participation numbers. Additional information on the program, including the guidelines for participation, can be found online at www.penndot.pa.gov or obtained from Elizabeth Fabri at efabri@pa.gov or 570-963-3502 or Jessica Ruddy at jeruddy@Pa.gov or 570.963.4044. PennDOT cannot provide financial support for supplies or travel expenses connected with this program but does make every effort to publicize the contributions of the schools and the students. This will include, but is not limited to, social media postings, postings on the PennDOT website, media press releases, and public displays at a local PennDOT facility. 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. Follow local PennDOT news on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
PennDOT Confirms Michael B.Carroll as Secretary The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that the Pennsylvania State Senate has confirmed Michael B. Carroll as the next Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary. Under the direction of Governor Shapiro, Carroll has prioritized efficiency and customer service at PennDOT and is focused on directly improving the lives of Pennsylvanians through streamlined, helpful services. Carroll has advocated in support of Governor Shapiro’s budget, which will provide increased funding for Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges while ensuring the critical work of the State Police remains fully funded. Among other accomplishments since Carroll has taken office, PennDOT has put 229 construction projects out to bid totaling $869.5 million in value. Additionally, PennDOT has made more than 20 commonly-used driver licensing and motor vehicle forms available for online submission, just one week after Governor Shapiro signed an Executive Order establishing the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) to improve online services provided by the Commonwealth. Carroll was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2006 and served as Democratic chairman of the House Transportation Committee from 2018 through 2022. “I am honored to have this opportunity, and I’m proud of the team we have assembled to carry PennDOT’s important mission forward,” said Carroll. “Transportation is central to every aspect of our daily lives, and the PennDOT team is hard at work keeping people across the Commonwealth connected to opportunity and each other. I am honored to carry out Governor Shapiro’s vision to ensure PennDOT builds a better future for all Pennsylvanians.” For more information on PennDOT’s mission and leadership, visit the PennDOT website. Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.pa.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.pa.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov. Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
PennDOT District 4 Now Hiring The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking hardworking individuals for paid internships, summer maintenance, and student summer workers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. If you enjoy working in an active, fast-paced environment with the potential for promotion into a permanent position, check out the various opportunities at PennDOT and apply today! “These positions are a great opportunity for students to work where they live and have a positive impact on the transportation network.” said Jonathan Eboli, P.E., PennDOT Engineering District 4-0 Assistant District Executive of Maintenance. “Students will have the opportunity to learn more about engineering and PennDOT which may lead to interest in full-time careers with the Department after graduation.” Engineering Internship – PennDOT – Statewide (College) Are you looking for a paid internship? The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers statewide paid internship opportunities during the summer to students in a variety of majors, predominantly in engineering, science, and technology fields; however, PennDOT does more than just road construction and snow removal. PennDOT is a customer-driven service organization responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of Pennsylvania’s multimodal transportation system. PennDOT interns enjoy opportunities in various areas of PennDOT operations. Internship opportunities associated with this posting will be headquartered throughout PennDOT’s Engineering Districts. Although all assignments may not be offered in every location, additional examples of work and special projects may be available. View PennDOT’s District map to see where your home county lies.You may be able to obtain academic credit through participation in PennDOT’s internship program. Ask your academic advisor if your college offers credit for paid internships.Additionally, some internships may offer the flexibility to telework if determined operationally appropriate by the hiring organization. PennDOT College Student Summer Worker The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking hard-working college students for employment during the summer months for the 2023 Summer Employment Program! If you enjoy working in an active, fast-paced environment while performing public service, check out this opportunity and apply today! PennDOT Summer Employment Program (Non-Student) https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/3826246/penndot-summer-employment-program-non-student?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobsThe Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
PennDOT Accepting Unsolicited Public-Private Partnership Proposals Submission period applies to PennDOT-owned projects and infrastructure The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) announced today that it is accepting unsolicited proposals for transportation projects from the private sector through April 30. The submission period applies to PennDOT-owned projects, infrastructure, and services. During this period, the private sector can submit proposals offering innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Proposals can also include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs. Unsolicited proposals are being accepted through 11:59 PM on April 30. Instructions on how to submit a project and information on the unsolicited proposal review process can be found on the state’s P3 website. PennDOT holds an unsolicited proposal period in April and October each year. The private sector may also submit applications for non-PennDOT-owned assets directly to the P3 board during this time. Transportation entities outside of the governor’s jurisdiction, such as transit authorities and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, may establish their own timelines or accept proposals year-round. The state’s P3 law allows PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining, and financing transportation-related projects. As part of the P3 law, the seven-member Public Private Transportation Partnership Board was appointed to examine and approve potential public-private transportation projects. If the board determines a state operation would be more cost-effectively administered by a private company, the company will be authorized to submit a proposal and enter into a contract to either completely or partially take over that operation for a defined period of time. The next unsolicited proposal acceptance period will occur in October. To learn more about P3 in Pennsylvania, including active projects, visit PennDOT’s website.
