PHIA News Digest – Vol. 5, No. 25
PennDOT adjusts skills tests to lessen coronavirus exposure; appointments can be made online
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation skills tests have been modified to lessen potential exposure of staff and customers to the coronavirus “while maintaining the integrity of the testing process,” according to PennDOT.
Somerset approves deal with second group to help win Route 219 support
The Somerset County Commissioners have decided to double their lobbying efforts in a bid to gain lawmakers’ support that is needed to complete the last section of Route 219.
$125.4 million upgrades on I-78 and Route 61 started after coronavirus delay
Ronald J. Young Jr., PennDOT spokesman, said Wednesday it is unclear if the two-month delay in construction will have an impact on the overall project, which is expected to be complete in 2025.
Pa. Turnpike officials defend decision to make toll road cashless, lay off nearly 500 workers
A labor union that represents toll booth workers plans to take legal action against the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission after it unanimously voted to lay off nearly 500 employees despite a contract that assured employment through January 2022, according to Teamsters International Vice President-East William Hamilton.
Invest in transportation and infrastructure for Pittsburgh region’s post-covid-19 future
As work continues in Washington, D.C., on future phases of the federal response to the pandemic, we are coming together — business and labor — to urge strong support for a robust transportation and infrastructure package.
T&I Republican slams transit’s ask for more funding
Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), a House Transportation member, took issue with a labor group leader for saying that transit agencies will need billions of dollars in additional funding to get through the coronavirus crisis.
Transit firms, agencies ramp up D.C. efforts
The transit world, including private contractors, are ramping up their efforts to get help from Washington.
