As we’ve mentioned a couple of times in this space, PennDOT and transportation planners across the state are soliciting input from the public on the state’s Twelve Year Transportation Program.
Time is running out – Friday, May 29 is the final day for submitting comments. So far, more than 2,100 individuals have provided input, identifying nearly 7,000 transportation needs across the Commonwealth.
The 12-year plan, which serves as a blueprint of prioritized transportation projects, is updated every two years through a cooperative effort among the State Transportation Commission, PennDOT and its 24 regional planning partners. You can take the survey at www.talkpatransportation.com.
Transportation Issue Update
Of course, the big news of the last two weeks is that Congress extended the federal highway funding program by another two months, making this the 33rd time Congress has produced a short-term fix for this problem.
In addition to the federal government, many states are coming up short on revenue from their fuel taxes.
Oregon continues to test the concept of paying for bridge and highway upkeep with a vehicle miles traveled approach. Here’s news about another pilot project.
Having been on the books for only one construction season, it’s too early for Act 89 to have stemmed the tide on deteriorating infrastructure. TRIP, a national transportation research organization, says PA’s rural roads are among the worst in the country.
Work zone safety advocates are taking their message to the streets, supporting measures that would allow camera enforcement of speed limits and increased penalties for those who ignore them.
Newspapers are beginning to show support on their editorial pages for work zone safety measures. This from the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat.
Support continues to build for Congress to address transportation funding issues. Here’s the word from business leaders in the Lehigh Valley and MontCo.
Pennsylvanians already have first-hand awareness, but an analysis by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association concluded that passing a gas-tax increase does not necessarily constitute a risk for elected officials.
Speaking of ARTBA, Pennsylvania’s Rapid Bridge Replacement Program was mentioned in a publication that lists various innovative design and construction techniques and other factors that will help get the most out of the resources spend on transportation projects – if such funding is forthcoming.
Former Gov. Ed Rendell continues to stump for a multi-year federal transportation funding bill.