PHIA News Digest – Vol. 8, No.18
Pa. traffic deaths fall 4% after increasing for years
Statewide traffic deaths fell to 1,179 in 2022, compared with 1,230 in 2021 (a 4% drop), according to data released by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Overall crashes, too, have dropped: the agency noted reportable crashes fell to their second-lowest level since 1951.
State police want more women on the force as vacancies pile up
In keeping with the governor’s strategy to incentivize residents to pursue work in critically short-staffed essential services, the Pennsylvania State Police has focused its efforts on recruiting more women into the force.
Buttigieg says ‘now is the time’ to push for rail safety
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg says he has not forgotten East Palestine even months after the train derailment. On Tuesday, First News had a chance to get his views on President Joe Biden’s budget proposal. Buttigieg says it calls for safety enhancements in all modes of transportation.
Hopes rise for more communal transportation planning
As the public response window for PennDOT’s biennial transportation survey closes, state and local officials hope future spending plans go beyond crumbling highways.
Multimodal trail project to start soon in Erie County
The project will include installing the multi-use trail for enhanced safety along the side of the Edinboro Rd. from the entrance of the Edinboro Cemetery to the south entrance of the Giant Eagle Plaza. PennDOT said construction is expected to begin on Monday, and is expected to be completed by September 2023.
For Philadelphia transit, a canceled project could be a blessing
The scrubbed rail extension illustrates the financial crisis at Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and at other transit agencies around the country. Still, some advocates say it’s an opportunity, too.
