Federal REAL ID Enforcement Begins May 3, 2023 With the one-year countdown beginning today for the federal enforcement of REAL ID for commercial domestic air travel and other federal purposes, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) joined the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) and Philadelphia International Airport officials to remind Pennsylvania residents who want REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and photo ID cards and have not yet gotten one to gather the needed documents now to ensure they leave plenty of time to get their REAL ID before the federal enforcement date. To date, PennDOT has issued approximately 1.6 million REAL ID products. REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states issue driver’s licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building that requires federally acceptable ID upon entry. A federally acceptable form of identification (whether it’s a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a valid U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a military ID, etc.) must be used for these purposes on and after May 3, 2023. There is no requirement that any resident obtain a REAL ID; PennDOT continues to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs. “Although a year seems like a long time to get ready, the deadline will be upon us before you know it. We encourage our customers who want a REAL ID to get one as soon as possible,” said PennDOT Acting Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula. “We continue to focus on providing the best possible customer service to all of our customers as the federal deadline approaches.” Since March 1, 2019, PennDOT has processed about 8.3 million customers, with more than 1.6 million individuals choosing to opt into the REAL ID program. The remaining 6.7 million have chosen not to participate or use an alternative federally acceptable form of ID come the May 2023 deadline. “We see plenty of travelers who reside in neighboring Delaware and New Jersey who fly out of Philadelphia International Airport regularly, and like all travelers from out-of-state who want to fly after May 3, 2023, they also will need to have a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or other acceptable form of ID when they approach our TSA travel document podium,” said TSA Federal Security Director Gerardo Spero. “The REAL ID law is for all Americans who want to fly out of any domestic airport across the country starting one year from now. My advice is to go to your local state’s department of motor vehicles or department of transportation to get your upgraded REAL ID driver’s license now. Don’t wait.” Customers can obtain a REAL ID by presenting documents for verification and processing at any driver license center. Federal regulations require that to be issued a REAL ID-compliant product, PennDOT must verify the below documents: Proof of Identity: Examples include original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised seal/embossed or valid, unexpired, U.S. Passport;Proof of Social Security Number: Social security card, in current legal name;Two Proofs of Current, Physical PA Address: Examples include a current, unexpired PA driver’s license or identification card, vehicle registration or a utility bill with the same name and address; and Proof of all Legal Name Changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): Examples include a certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name or amended birth certificate issued by the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics. If current name is the same as what is reflected on proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), a customer does not need to show proof of legal name changes. Customers have three options for obtaining a REAL ID product: Customers may order their REAL ID online if they have been pre-verified and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days; they can visit any PennDOT driver license center that is open for driver license services, have their documents verified and imaged, and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days; or they can visit one of 13 REAL ID Centers and receive their REAL ID product over the counter at the time of service. For a full list of driver license centers and their services, please visit the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. When a customer gets their first REAL ID product, they pay a one-time fee of $30, plus the applicable renewal fee (current renewal fee is $30.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver’s license, and $31.50 for a photo ID). The expiration date of their initial REAL ID product will include any time remaining on their existing non-REAL ID product, plus an additional four years, unless the customer is over 65 and has a two-year license. This expiration date structure means that customers won’t “lose” time that they’ve already paid for. After the initial REAL ID product expires, customers pay no additional fee, beyond regular renewal fees, to renew a REAL ID product. REAL ID-compliant products are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner, standard-issue (non-compliant) products include the phrase “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES,” per federal regulations. Sample images can be viewed on PennDOT’s website. More information about REAL ID in Pennsylvania, including frequently asked questions and information on documents required for REAL ID, can be found at www.penndot.gov/REALID.
PennDOT Student Art, Safety Program The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is inviting high school students in the northeast region to participate in the annual Paint the Plow art outreach. The program challenges youth to take a predetermined theme and incorporate it into an original mural that they paint on one of PennDOT’s snow plow blades to promote winter driving safety and foster appreciation for school art programs and student creativity. The 2022 theme, “Put Down the Device in Snow and Ice,” was chosen to draw attention to the need for motorists to give themselves ample time for travel during wintry weather in order to arrive safely to their destination. 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. The program categories may be modified based on participation numbers. Additional information on the program, including the guidelines for participation, can be found online at www.penndot.pa.gov or may be obtained by 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. Follow PennDOT’s northeast region on Twitter or Facebook.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments in Electric Vehicle Charging As the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) continues developing its plans for electric-vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure investments from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the public is encouraged to learn about planning and funding for electric vehicle infrastructure, as well as submit questions during a webinar on Wednesday, April 27. The webinar with PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian as well as PennDOT and state Department of Environmental Protection officials will be livestreamed from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The public can register on the department’s EV web page under “National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.” The public can also register or submit feedback by emailing ra-pdevcorridors@pa.gov. The webinar will build on outreach the department is conducting with lawmakers, planning partners, utilities, local government organizations, EV charging companies, and stakeholders with equity, labor, education, and environmental expertise. Additional public feedback will be gathered on the draft plan in June. As part of the BIL’s nationwide investment in growing the EV charging network, over five years PennDOT will receive and distribute $171.5 million in formula funds for EV charging infrastructure. The department must outline and submit its plans to invest these funds to the U.S. Department of Transportation by August 1, 2022. The funding supports the commonwealth goal of expanding EV charging along the previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) (list) and Interstate lookalikes. Federal AFC criteria was updated earlier this year to require AFC designated corridors to have charging stations no more than 1 mile from an Interstate exit or highway intersection (previously 5 miles) and no more than 50 miles apart. The department has been reviewing all corridors to align all AFCs with the new criteria. Pennsylvania has over 1,700 miles of AFCs. Per the guidance from USDOT, any EV charging infrastructure installed with NEVI formula funds shall be located along a designated AFC and meet U.S. DOT minimum standards and requirements. Should PennDOT determine, and U.S. DOT certifies, that the AFCs are fully built out, then Pennsylvania may use funds to build EV charging equipment on any public road or in any publicly accessible location, including but not limited to parking facilities at public buildings, public schools, and parks. Additionally, PennDOT – following guidance issued from U.S. DOT – will use its EV Equity Guiding Principles announced this year to help the department evaluate EV proposals in accordance with the federal guidance. The principles aim to increase accessibility to the infrastructure and maximize benefits for all Pennsylvanians and fall into five categories: Make EVs more affordable;Make EV charging more accessible;Invest in fleet electrification;Invest in traditionally underserved, low-income, persons of color and otherwise vulnerable population areas; andIncrease EV awareness, education, and technical capacity. The commonwealth’s previous work and the new funding will support growing EV usage and industry transitions. There are more than 23,000 EVs registered in Pennsylvania, more than double the roughly 9,700 that were registered in March 2019. To enhance traveler information for the growing number of EV drivers, the state’s traveler information system – 511PA – now also includes EV charging station locations as an option on its traffic map. Using data from the U.S. Department of Energy, the map shows locations across the state by connector type, including CCS, J1772, CHAdeMO, Tesla, and NEMA. More information on PennDOT’s Alternative Fuel Corridors can be found on the department’s website. More information on Electric Vehicles in PA, including details on the DEP Alternative Fuel Rebate that provides higher rebates on the purchase of new or used EVs to income-eligible Pennsylvanians, can be found on DEP’s website.
PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police Highlight Litter Enforcement Corridors The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) have collaborated to discuss penalties of littering and littering in a Litter Enforcement Corridor. PennDOT and PSP held a press event today in Lackawanna county to explain what Litter Enforcement is, why it’s important and what the penalties are for littering. “PennDOT District 4 is proud to partner with the Pennsylvania State Police and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful today to highlight our efforts to reduce littering in northeast PA. PennDOT relies on volunteers in the Adopt a Highway program to help us keep roadways clean and free of litter”, said PennDOT Assistant District Executive Jonathan Eboli, P.E. “We encourage everyone to get involved with the Adopt-A Highway Program in their community.” Litter Enforcement Corridors have a high aesthetic or historic value worth preserving or need some additional help with litter issues. Approved segments are marked with signs to notify motorists of additional litter fines: doubled penalties for motorists caught scattering rubbish and tripled when it is done by a commercial business. Litter Enforcement Corridors also offer increased safety for workers or volunteers who are picking up trash in a designated corridor. When drivers in these areas see traffic control devices, they must yield the right of way, as in a construction work zone. For this reason, it’s important to plan a cleanup event with local or state authorities involved when possible. For more information on establishing a Litter Enforcement Corridor, consult PennDOT’s Roadside Enforcement Manual on PennDOT’s website.
PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians to Share Feedback on Winter Services The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking the public’s feedback on winter services through an online survey. “Winter operations are among our core services and our team takes pride in their mission,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Through this survey, the public can help us measure expectations and identify education opportunities.” The survey is available through April 29 and should take about five minutes to complete. All responses are completely anonymous. The 17-question survey asks respondents about their timeline expectations for safe and passable roadways, how they rank snow-removal priorities, and how they rate PennDOT’s winter services. Respondents are also asked how they receive PennDOT roadway information, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. During the winter, www.511PA.com offers its standard traffic and incident information while adding PennDOT plow-truck locations, winter roadway conditions, and other services. At any time, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 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. As construction season begins, information on projects occurring or being bid this year is viewable at www.projects.PennDOT.gov. Subscribe to travel alerts in a specific area on the Regional Offices page or subscribe to statewide PennDOT news.
Pennsylvania Highlights Transportation Innovations The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced the release of the department’s Focus on Innovations report, which showcases innovations recently developed and implemented across the organization. “Innovation is absolutely essential to our operations, and we have seen how celebrating our successes acts as a continuous driver of new ideas across the department,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “One of the best things we can do to continue cultivating innovation at PennDOT that will ultimately benefit our customers is to encourage and recognize the amazing talents of our workforce; this publication helps us to do just that.” Innovation at PennDOT stems from many sources, including employee-driven innovations councils and committees, an employee suggestion system (IdeaLink); smart practice sharing tool (WorkSmart); the State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC); and every day suggestions and solutions discovered by PennDOT employees at all levels across the state. Available in an interactive format on the department’s website, Focus on Innovations entries are categorized by Construction, Maintenance, Safety and Traffic Operations, Driver and Vehicle Services, Aviation and Public Transportation. Some of the latest implemented innovations include: An Adopt A Highway supply pick-up box, constructed and strategically placed so Adopt A Highway crews can safely retrieve supplies at curbside locations. Automated Flagger Assist Devices (AFAD), allowing flagging to be conducted by a single crew member, from a safer location, at one-tenth the cost per day when compared to contracted flagging services. Raising paint truck exhaust stacks to prevent the compressor from overheating, which has nearly eliminated equipment down time due to overheated compressors. The report also features the more recent progress and successes of the STIC. Since its inception in 2012, the STIC remains committed to supporting and promoting the development and deployment of the Federal Highway Administration’s Every Day Counts innovations as well as others that exist at the state, national and international levels that may be well-suited for implementation in Pennsylvania. The STIC advanced several innovations in 2021, including a Certified Concrete Finishers Course, a STIC innovation that requires 60 percent of concrete finishers certified on PennDOT projects, which will help eliminate mistakes with concrete finishing and reduce the amount of rework due to concrete scaling. Predictive Work Zone Analysis (FREEVAL-PA), also advanced in 2021, is an innovative analysis tool based on the Highway Capacity Manual that can be used to analyze work zones’ effect on traffic flow. It guides PennDOT’s decision-making process for implementing lane closures, crossovers, or other traffic control measures and helps minimize congestion and delays during construction or maintenance projects. The Pennsylvania STIC brings together a diverse team of transportation stakeholders to forge an environment of imagination and ingenuity to pursue specific innovations and their rapid implementation to deliver a modern and high-quality transportation system to the citizens of Pennsylvania. Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts or choose a region to subscribe to. 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.
PennDOT District 4 Now Hiring for Summer Maintenance Positions The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking hardworking individuals for employment from early April through October for the 2022Summer Maintenance Program! If you enjoy working in an active, fast-paced environment with the potential for promotion into a permanent position, check out the various opportunities in the Summer Maintenance Program and apply today! Opportunities exist statewide, or in many counties paid at the hourly rates indicated: Engineering Scientific and Technical Interns ($15.49) – Eligible College StudentsGovernment Services Interns ($15.49) – Eligible College StudentsTransportation Construction Inspector ($20.91)Transportation Technicians ($18.53) · Highway Maintenance Worker ($15.49) · Custodial Worker 1 ($16.08) · Semi-Skilled Worker ($16.45) Opportunities are based upon operational needs, so there may not be open positions for each job title in every county.View PennDOT’s District map to see where your home county lies.Because most positions work outside, there may be instances when work will occur in adverse weather conditions. DESCRIPTION OF WORK and REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY: Engineering Scientific & Technical Intern:Perform the duties as assigned in one of the disciplines below: Construction: Participate in the inspection, materials testing, and completion of documentation associated with highway and bridge construction projects. Maintenance: Serve on Systematic Technique to Analyze and Manage Pennsylvania Pavement (STAMPP) survey crews engaged in the collection of roadway condition data utilized in Department maintenance efforts. A limited number of positions in the roadside development program provide experience in vegetation and soils management. To be eligible, you must be a college Student and you must meet the criteria below: Full-time enrollment in college (carrying 12 or more undergraduate credits, or 9 or more graduate credits). Enrolled full-time for the next semester by the start of the internship in an applicable major In good academic standing (as defined by a GPA of 2.0 or higher). Completed your first year in a two-year associates degree program or a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Special Requirement: Upon verification of a valid Pennsylvania Class C Driver’s License without incident, some positions may be authorized to operate Department vehicles as part of this job. If you do not meet these requirements but are still interested in a summer position with PennDOT, please see the PennDOT College Student Summer Worker job posting to explore additional job opportunities. For example, if you intend to enroll in college for the first time in the Fall, you may be eligible for a College Student Summer Worker position in DOT’s Summer Employment Program! Government Services Intern:Assist in seasonal maintenance work, crash system input and analysis, and maintenance and custodial services at roadside rest facilities. Many students also perform laboring and flagging duties in maintenance organizations and at highway worksites. To be eligible, you must have: No previous experience or training required. Must have the ability to lift and move heavy objects of a reasonable weight.Must be a high school graduate or college student enrolled (or intending to enroll) on a full-time basis in a 2- or 4- year post-secondary education program for the fall semester.In good academic standing (as defined by a GPA of 2.0 or higher).At least 18 years of age.Special Requirement: Upon verification of a valid Pennsylvania Class C Driver’s License without incident, some positions may be authorized to operate Department vehicles as part of this job. Transportation Construction Inspector:Perform a variety of technical duties in the inspection of materials and workmanship on highway construction projects to ensure all work is completed in conformance with approved construction codes, plans, standards and specifications. To be eligible, you must have: One year as an Engineering Technician; or One year of construction inspection experience and an associate degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, geotechnical engineering, surveying engineering technology, or a closely related engineering technology; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.Condition of Employment: This job requires possession of a valid non-commercial Pennsylvania Class C Driver’s License or equivalent. Transportation Technician:Perform a variety of inspection and testing duties to assure that materials and workmanship conform to contract requirements and established specifications on highway and bridge construction projects. To be eligible, you must have: · Sufficient training and experience to perform journeyman level work in transportation construction inspection and highway or bridge design drafting; OR any equivalent combination of experience and training. Highway Maintenance Worker:Perform manual labor duties on highway maintenance and construction projects, assist permanent sign crews with tasks such as erecting and maintaining traffic signs and delineators, and related tasks at work sites along the highway. To be eligible, you must have:No previous experience or training required. Must have the ability to lift and move heavy objects of a reasonable weight. Custodial Worker:Provide custodial support within and outside roadside rest facilities. To be eligible, you must have:Previous custodial and janitorial experience preferred, but not required. Semi-Skilled Laborer:Perform manual work in the construction and maintenance of various buildings, grounds, or public works projects. To be eligible, you must have:One year of experience in laboring work including the use of tools and equipment used in maintenance or construction.Special Requirement: Certain positions may require possession of a valid Class C Pennsylvania’s Driver’s License. The 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. To help make decisions regarding travel, motorists are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 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.gov/District4. Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.gov/D4Results.
PennDOT Announces Online Plans Display for Project in Luzerne County The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to both an in-person and online plans display for the SR 1050, Section 351 Bridge Project over Toby Creek in Kingston Township, Luzerne County. This project involves the SR 1050, Section 351 Bridge over Toby Creek in Kingston Township, Luzerne County. The project is located in a rural residential setting immediately adjacent to the southbound travel lanes of SR 309 in Kingstown Township midway between Luzerne and Trucksville. There are no bicycle or pedestrian facilities within the project area. This project was originally scoped by PennDOT in 2016 as a deck replacement, but later changed to a full superstructure replacement based on the results of a 2018 bridge inspection. Currently, there are three alternatives being considered for the project. These alternatives include removal of existing bridge and providing a new access road from Hillside Rd., removing (and not replacing) the existing bridge, and rehabilitating the existing bridge by way of replacing the superstructure. These alternatives will be evaluated as part of the environmental review process and in consultation with the local property owners and other interested parties. The purpose of the plans displays is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding the alternatives being considered. It is also an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project’s potential effect upon Cultural Resources pursuant to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s 36 CFR Part 800 regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The plans display will be held in-person and online. The in-person plans display for the SR 1050, Section 351 Bridge Project over Toby Creek will be held on April 25, 2022 at the Kingston Township Municipal Building located at 180 East Center Street, Shavertown, PA 18708. The in-person plans display will be available between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The digital version of the plans display will be available from March 25, 2022 to May 25, 2022. Online information, including the alternatives being considered and a public comment form, can be found by visiting the following PennDOT District 4-0 website: https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-4/PublicMeetings/Pages/default.aspx Click on the Luzerne County box, then choose the tile marked SR 1050 Section 351 Bridge Project The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding questions or concerns with the project. 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 Amy Lolli, PennDOT Project Manager, at 570-614-2958 or amlolli@pa.gov. Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the PennDOT, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891. For more information on projects occurring or being bid this year, those made possible by or accelerated by the state transportation funding plan (Act 89), or those on the department’s Four and Twelve Year Plans, visit www.projects.penndot.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.gov/District4. Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.gov/D4Results.
PennDOT, PSP, PTC, Construction Industry Highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), and Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC) hosted an event today urging motorists to slow down and pay attention in work zones ahead of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW). The week, which runs April 11-15, is designated to highlight the critical importance of safe driving through work zones. The theme of this year’s NWZAW is “Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down.” “We are beginning another construction season,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Too often this means hazards for the men and women who are delivering improved roads and bridges. These workers deserve to get home safely. Please slow down and never drive distracted, especially in work zones where roadway conditions can change every day.” According to preliminary PennDOT data, in 2021 there were 1,617 work zone crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities. Additionally, since 1970, PennDOT has lost 90 workers in the line of duty. The PA Turnpike has lost 45 workers since 1940. With a mock work zone in the background, PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton referenced the hazards of working so close to live traffic. “Our crews are doing their jobs, day in and day out, mere inches from live traffic,” Compton explained. “Our colleagues have been injured and lives have been taken when drivers do not pay attention to construction signage, respect posted speeds or maintain a safe distance.” In Pennsylvania, there are two distinct programs related to active work zones. Under Title 75, Section 3326, motorists caught by police driving 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit in an active work zone, or who are involved in a crash in an active work zone and are convicted for failing to drive at a safe speed, automatically lose their license for 15 days. Additionally, fines for certain traffic violations — including speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic devices — are doubled for active work zones. The law also provides for up to five years of additional jail time for individuals convicted of homicide by vehicle for a crash that occurred in an active work zone. Under Title 75, Section 3369, fines are allowed to be administered through the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program. Pennsylvania’s AWZSE program, first implemented in March 2020, uses vehicle-mounted systems to detect and record motorists exceeding posted work zone speed limits by 11 miles per hour or more using electronic speed timing devices. AWZSE systems are only operational in active work zones where workers are present. Work Zones that have an AWZSE system present and active will have unique signs in advance of the enforcement area, alerting drivers to the upcoming enforcement. Registered owners receive a warning letter for a first offense, a violation notice and $75 fine for a second offense, and a violation notice and $150 fine for third and subsequent offenses. These violations are civil penalties only; no points are assessed to driver’s licenses. In 2021, PSP supported 101 projects for work activities where existing enforcement remains the most effective tool. The combination of existing and automated enforcement continues to be applied in a complementary manner and is yielding benefits in Pennsylvania work zones. “Increased penalties in work zones and the implementation of the AWZSE program have made Pennsylvania’s work zones safer,” said Major Robert Krol, Director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Patrol. “The PSP is committed to supporting safety across Pennsylvania’s roadways.” Results included in the AWZSE Annual Legislative Report released online today show that the program is meeting its goals of reducing work zone speeds, changing driver behavior, and improving work zone safety for both workers and motorists. During 2021’s primary construction months (April – November), speeding in AWZSE enforced work zones was reduced to 20 percent of all traffic, down from 35 percent at the start of the program. Similarly, excessive speeding (11 mph or more over the posted speed limit) was reduced to three percent from eight percent at the start of the program. Additionally, improvements in driver behavior have been observed through not only sustained speed reductions in AWZSE-enforced work zones, but also smaller, but measurable, reductions at times when AWZSE is not in effect in those zones. “Ultimately, this program is not about issuing violations,” said Gramian. “The goal is to change driver behavior. We want all motorists to slow down and drive safely so that enforcement programs like AWZSE are no longer needed.” Associated Pennsylvania Constructors Executive Vice President Robert Latham emphasized that highway workers risk their lives every day in order to maintain a roadway system that is safe for the motoring public. “We’re asking that motorists do their part to keep highway workers safe, too,” said Latham. “It only takes a moment of distraction to cause an injury or fatality. Slow down and stay alert.” For more information on the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program, including a list of projects where the units are deployed, visit https://workzonecameras.penndot.gov/. For more information on work zone safety, visit www.PennDOT.gov/Safety. For more information on work zone safety and an opportunity to take the safe-driving pledge, visit https://www.idriveorange.com/. Photos and video from this event will be available at www.pacast.com.
PennDOT Accepting Unsolicited Public-Private Partnership Proposals 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, www.P3.pa.gov. 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 www.P3.pa.gov. MEDIA CONTACT: Alexis Campbell, alecampbel@pa.gov, 717-783-8800
