Indiana Toll Road update
Several years ago, as Pennsylvania was considering the merits of selling or leasing the Turnpike, proponents pointed toward Indiana as a successful example of leveraging transportation funding through privatization. That grass… [read more]
Speakers portray funding solution prospects as mixed
Those who attended the PHIA Transportation Conference and Annual Meeting came away with a combination of good and bad news related to the likelihood of transportation funding solutions. PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch… [read more]
P3’s are a tool, not a panacea
As legislators at last seem to be making headway in advancing a public-private partnership bill, it behooves us to keep some perspective on how much P3’s can contribute to a solution to Pennsylvania’s transportation funding… [read more]
PennDOT forecasts diminished 2012 highway construction program
PennDOT Deputy Secretary Scott Christie last week outlined the department’s projected 2012 construction program during an annual gathering of the highway construction industry. And, the news wasn’t good. While lettings… [read more]
Adequate transportation program would add 50,000 jobs in PA
An adequately funded transportation program would add more than 50,000 jobs to the Pennsylvania economy, lowering the state’s unemployment by nearly 10 percent, according to an economic study commissioned by Associated Pennsylvania… [read more]
NEWS & UPDATES
Road and Bridge Safety Award Program Now Open to First Class Townships and Cities
2011 PLCM Winner - Ott Street Bridge, Allentown, Pa.
Each year the Pennsylvania Highway Information Association (PHIA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) team with various state organizations to recognize the best road safety or bridge improvement projects undertaken across the state. Eligible projects are those in which most or all of the safety improvements were completed in 2011. The competition recognizes not only major, high-cost projects, but any improvements that have increased public safety. All entries are graded in four categories: Safety, Resource Innovation, Benefits of Improvements, and Cooperation.
Awards have already been presented to 2nd Class Townships and Boroughs. Applications are now open to First Class Townships and Cities and are being jointly sponsored by the PA State Association of Township Commissioners (PSATC) and the PA League of Cities and Municipalities (PLCM). For more information on the program or to download an applications, click here.
Entries are being taken until May 23, 2012.
PennDOT issues $152 million in construction projects during April
The state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) bid just over $152 million in projects in April bringing the year-to-date total to slightly over $489 million. At this same point in 2011, PennDOT had bid just over $543 million.
PennDOT made a 2012 construction year forecast at $1.5 billion due to a decrease in state funding and stagnant federal funding. For perspective, a $1.5 billion letting program was the same volume as in 2006. In 2011, PennDOT ended the year with $1.8 billion in lettings. It is important to note that just a few years ago, PennDOT’s 2009 lettings were $2.8 billion due to the billion dollars in economic stimulus funds, which have been completely spent.
To view the full report and year comparisons, click the link below.
*The report lists the total contracts awarded at each letting date, a comparison to the same period in the previous calendar year, and letting adjustments made since the previous month. PHIA staff will track PennDOT lettings throughout the year and provide monthly updates.
National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week Begins April 23
National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week is April 23-27.
PennDOT Bids $204 Million in Projects in March
The state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) bid just over $204 million in projects in March bringing the year-to-date total to slightly over $336 million. At this same point in 2011, PennDOT had bid just over $400 million.
PennDOT made a 2012 construction year forecast at $1.5 billion due to a decrease in state funding and stagnant federal funding. For perspective, a $1.5 billion letting program was the same volume as in 2006. For more information regarding the department’s forecast you can view Dep. Secretary Scott Christie’s presentation at the annual APC Fall Seminar by going here. In 2011, PennDOT ended the year with $1.8 billion in lettings.
It is important to note that just a few years ago, PennDOT’s 2009 lettings were $2.8 billion due to the billion dollars in economic stimulus funds, which have been completely spent.
To view the full report and year comparisons, click the link below.
*The report lists the total contracts awarded at each letting date, a comparison to the same period in the previous calendar year, and letting adjustments made since the previous month. PHIA staff will track PennDOT lettings throughout the year and provide monthly updates.
