Rough winter hits PennDOT in the pocketbook; still a month to go
State and local PennDOT officials say heavy winter maintenance costs will lead to a robust pothole season and cause at least a slight cutback on scheduled road maintenance work during the construction season.
Rural, urban areas square off on transit funding at state budget hearing
A budget hearing Wednesday showed how difficult it’s going to be to convince the Pennsylvania General Assembly to provide a small increase for public transit let alone the extra money agencies like Pittsburgh Regional Transit say they need to avoid service cuts, fare increases and layoffs.
Pa. bill would ban using cellphones while driving
The House Transportation Committee voted 19 to 6 on a Senate-passed bill that would prohibit the use of cellphones and other hand-held devices while driving. This would become a primary offense carrying a $50 fine. Drivers could still use these devices, but it must be through Bluetooth or a speaker.
Federal money for Pa. bridge and rail projects uncertain amid funding freeze
Federal funding for highway, rail, and other infrastructure projects in Pennsylvania is in question under the Trump administration, the commonwealth’s top transportation official said in a state House budget hearing Wednesday. The grants from the Biden administration would pay for transportation improvements, including the replacement of a bridge carrying Interstate 83 over the Susquehanna River and a second daily Amtrak passenger train between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Transportation chief defends FAA firings
A two-hour flight between Minneapolis and Toronto ended with an airplane overturned, one wing and the tail detached, and passengers exiting onto the snowy tarmac upside down.
Bid process is open for the Railroad Museum’s roundhouse project
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission today announced the opening of the bid process for contractors to undertake the building of a 16,000 square foot, 6-stall roundhouse at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
SEPTA’s ‘death spiral’ inches closer if funding doesn’t pass
SEPTA is preparing a proposal that includes “steep” service cuts and “big” fare increases in event the governor’s proposed funding for the agency does not come through, its interim general manager said in an interview.
The final voyage: SS United States leaves Philly
It’s official, Philadelphia. After years of detailed plans and delays, the long-decaying ship, SS United States, has finally left Pier 82 on the Delaware River. Now, after three decades, it’s on its way to becoming an artificial reef off the coast of Florida.