Department of Transportation progress
Statewide from January through November, 5,485 roadway miles were improved, including 1,955 miles of paving. In the same timeframe, work advanced on 422 state and locally owned bridges. Additionally, 447 construction contracts for highway, bridge, and other improvement projects were completed statewide through PennDOT’s private-sector partners so far this year.
PennDOT seeking public comment for state’s five-year rail plan
At an online meeting Tuesday on the 2025 plan, PennDOT officials outlined work that will bring back a second Amtrak passenger train between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and renew service between Scranton and New York City. The plan helps the state acquire funds through the Federal Railroad Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
PennDOT updates rail plan, 2nd Johnstown daily passenger train still on track
A new daily round-trip passenger train between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg that would pass through Johnstown is still scheduled to be operational by late 2026. It’s part of the company’s 2025 Pennsylvania State Rail Plan. Currently, a westbound train takes riders from Johnstown to Pittsburgh at night and an eastbound Pittsburgh-to-Johnstown ride occurs in the morning. Both trips take less than two hours.
Pa. approves new military-themed license plates
“These plates are yet another opportunity to show our appreciation for the sacrifices of our military members and their families,” said Kara Templeton, PennDOT deputy secretary for driver and vehicle services. “As always, we are proud to recognize our military community and their accomplishments.”