PHIA News Digest – Vol. 6, No. 23
Langerholc proposes alternative to bridge tolls
User fees for electric vehicles, tighter review of PennDOT spending, and more existing funds directed to highways, bridges, passenger rail and the Pennsylvania Turnpike are among sweeping changes in legislation proposed by state Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R-Richland Township.
U.S. and Pa. traffic deaths up in 2020, highest since 2007
U.S. traffic deaths rose 7% last year, the biggest increase in 13 years even though people drove fewer miles due to the coronavirus pandemic, the government’s road safety agency reported Thursday.
PA Senate Dems hold hearing on Mon Fayette Expressway
The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a hybrid in-person and virtual public hearing to discuss the Mon Fayette Expressway and its impact on the state’s southwest region.
PA must make a long-term commitment to fund public transit
Lawmakers in Harrisburg are on the clock to pass legislation that will continue support for working class and communities of color, boost the state’s economy and improve air quality, as funding for public transit is scheduled to sunset at the end of 2022.
Tolls, taxes, mileage-based fees mulled
Pennsylvania faces an $8.1 billion annual shortfall for interstates and bridges, and overall, the state has $9.3 billion in unmet needs across its state-maintained system, which includes highways, bridges, aviation, railroads, transit and ports. Without a significant increase in federal investment, PennDOT says, it has been forced to take money away from regional projects to help the interstate network.
Turnpike Commission gives update on Mon-Fayette Expressway
Driving from the South Hills to Pittsburgh International Airport will become an easier task in October when the Southern Beltway of the Mon-Fayette Expressway opens. It will connect from the existing portion that is already open and connect with Interstate 79 and Route 22, before ending at the airport.
