PHIA News Digest – Vol. 99
SEPTA strike ends; Service to be restored in phases today
SEPTA and TWU Local 234 announced a tentative agreement early Monday, ending the strike that has crippled transportation in greater Philadelphia for nearly a week.
The announcement came at 5:30 a.m. at the union’s headquarters in the Spring Garden section of Philadelphia.
New PA law increases penalties for texting while driving
Today, Governor Wolf signed “Daniel’s Law,” which enhances the penalties for an accident caused by texting while driving resulting in serious bodily injury or death.
Pennsylvania gets $1 million in emergency relief funds to repair roads, bridges
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has made available $1 million in emergency relief funds to help with repairs to roads and bridges in Pennsylvania damaged by recent flooding.
Highways and bridges in Lycoming, Sullivan, Clearfield, Centre and Bradford counties were damaged during flooding after heavy rain October 20-21. Roadways affected include Pennsylvania 973, Pennsylvania 87 and Pennsylvania 154.
Researchers look at ways to improve Pennsylvania bridges
Aleksandra Radlińska, assistant professor of civil engineering, along with associate professors Farshad Rajabipour and Gordon Warn, recently conducted a study to identify the key factors that contribute to premature cracking in concrete bridge decks. The team also assessed the effects of the cracks on the long-term durability of the bridges.