PHIA News Digest – Vol. 8, No. 12
SEPTA halts work on project connecting KOP, Center City and University City
SEPTA is reversing course on the King of Prussia rail project. The plan was first introduced 10 years ago but now all work is being halted. The transit agency says it all comes down to funding.
A network of rural electric charging stations in PA
For the past several years, DCNR has been at work installing a network of electric vehicle charging stations in state parks and forests — mostly in rural areas. The department currently has 41 Level 2 electric vehicle charging station locations (91 individual plugs) available to the public at 38 state park and forests across the Commonwealth.
Pgh. bridge abruptly shut down for emergency repairs will now close for 3 years
For weeks, drivers have been navigating how to get around the Charles Anderson Memorial Bridge after it was abruptly closed for emergency repairs. But now, officials say road closure signs will remain up for the next three years, as those emergency repairs have turned into a complete rehab project.
PennDOT supports passenger rail service from Pa. to NYC, other locations
Passenger rail service in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Poconos is one step closer to happening. PennDOT is throwing its support behind the idea.
Plan would refund 50% of road tolls for Pennsylvanians
Another Turnpike toll increase would be no surprise for Pennsylvanians. After all, tolls have risen 15 years in a row, including 5% annually in recent years. But a 50% toll refund?
PennDOT launches survey about winter services
PennDOT is asking for the public’s feedback on winter services through an online survey.
PA to invest $136M in Route 219
PennDOT has included $136 million in its 12-year transportation plan to fund construction of a section of U.S Route 219 leading to the Maryland border at Grantsville. The funding is another step in creating the north-south, four-lane highway that runs in the Appalachian region of Western Maryland and Pennsylvania. The effort to build the modern connector has been the core project of the Greater Cumberland Committee for several years.
Speed radar legislation advances at PA statehouse
A renewed effort on the move in the Pennsylvania statehouse would permit local police departments to use speed radar. Pennsylvania is the lone state to prohibit municipal police from enforcing speed limits with radar. Since 1961 in the Keystone State, only state troopers have been allowed to use radar.
