The public is getting another chance to voice their opinions about the Southwestern Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission is hosting a public meeting for Indiana County residents to give their opinions on local transportation and infrastructure projects, on Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. at PA CareerLink, 300 Indian Springs Road, White Township.

Indiana County officials and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation representatives also are scheduled to attend.

SPC is the area’s designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, responsible for transportation and infrastructure planning in a 10-county region around Pittsburgh.

As part of that role, SPC develops Long-Range Transportation Plans that provide the region with specific infrastructure and transportation initiatives that need addressed over the next 25 years.

SPC said the LRTP is implemented with a series of shorter-term investment plans, known as Transportation Improvement Programs.

In the current TIP period, 2025-2028, the commission said, more than $4.5 billion in state, federal, and local funds will be invested to improve the region’s transportation system.

Those unable to attend Wednesday’s meeting can still provide their opinions during a public comment period which runs until June 7, by writing either to comments@spcregion.org or SPC at PO Box 101429, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, or by utilizing an online comment form at spcregion.org/get-involved/.

View the full article at indianagazette.com.

What if there was a way to prevent wrong-way crashes?

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission says there were 15 wrong-way crashes just along Route 28 in the last five years.

New technology could detect drivers going the wrong way, and alert the other drivers on the road.

German technology company bosch has developed a cloud-based, wrong-way warning system, using GPS to spot and alert wrong-way drivers.

It can also warn other cars and cell phones nearby that have the bosch apps.

In Europe, bosch says it issued more than 600 alerts in one year.

The company is now trying to make the system more widely available.

Channel 11′s Jennifer Tomazic has taken an interest in wrong-way crashes and has looked into what technology we have in the Pittsburgh area to deter them.

We were the first to tell you that PennDOT is installing wrong-way detectors along almost two dozen ramps along Route 28.

It’s an intelligent transportation system, meaning sensors, detectors, and cameras will detect wrong-way drivers.

Automated alert signs will go off, to let the driver know they’re going the wrong way.

The traffic management center will get a notification, and they can put a “wrong-way driver” message on electronic highway signs to alert other drivers on the road.

The detectors will be installed between Pittsburgh and Harmar.

The project is supposed to start this summer and wrap up next year.

View the full story at wpxi.com.

Pittsburgh is building a nice nest egg for a proposed bicycle-pedestrian project in part of East Liberty, but the timing and complete cost of the work aren’t decided yet.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced $49.5 million in grants last week under the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program, including $1.07 million for the bicycle project. Last month, the city received a $1.5 million grant from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission for the same project.

The project involves bicycle and pedestrian improvements on Negley Avenue between Friendship Avenue and Broad Street. Jacob Williams, spokesman for Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, called it a “wonderful project” that’s in its early stages of engineering and design so the expected cost and start of construction haven’t been determined yet.

“The city is supportive of this project and will provide financial investment into the project if needed,” he said in an email response to questions.

According to descriptions in the grant awards, the project will include bike lanes with a new traffic light at Negley and Penn avenues with bump-outs to reduce the distance for pedestrians crossing the intersection; a queuing lane for bikers turning left on Coral Street; and a speed cushion between Friendship and Coral to reduce speed for motor vehicles and improve safety.

Intersections also will include highly visible crosswalks, ADA ramps and audible push buttons to help people with disabilities.

Overall, Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll announced grants for 55 projects across the state. Those projects include others to improve bicycle-pedestrian safety, provide safer access to schools and extend trails to connect communities.

“A diverse transportation network that is both accessible and safe is the cornerstone of healthy connected communities,” Carroll said in a news release. “I am excited to see the investment in communities around the state to improve access to critical services.”

There were two other grants in Allegheny County: $38,000 to Bike Pittsburgh and $301,984 to Ross.

Bike Pittsburgh plans to use its grant for a pilot program to conduct at least five distribution and education events at Pittsburgh Public or charter schools. The group will hold assemblies or make classroom visits to encourage students to bike or walk to school safely.

At each event, the group will distribute free bike lights and helmets to students. Bike Pittsburgh plans to expand the program in future years.

In Ross, the township will install a new portion of sidewalk from the Jim Shorkey Toyota dealership to McKnight Road near the Browns Lane intersection. The project also will include a partial retaining wall along the sidewalk and an improved Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus stop on Browns Lane.

View the full article at unionprogress.com.

The administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro says it is committed to enhancing and expanding the state’s long-range transportation infrastructure, recognizing its pivotal role in Pennsylvanians’ daily lives.

The aim is to ensure residents have access to safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services, facilitating their work commutes, grocery runs and social engagements, among other transit needs.

A beacon of hope in this endeavor is the “2045 long-range transportation plan,” a visionary roadmap that promises to transform mass transit across the state. This plan could usher in a new era of transportation, one that is more accessible, efficient and sustainable, sparking excitement for a brighter future.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, under the new leadership of former Allegheny County executive director Rich Fitzgerald, plays a pivotal role in managing transportation projects in the region.

Fitzgerald recently explained how the long-range plan is updated through the Transportation Improvement Program, which encompasses public transit, roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the area. He also mentioned how, during the process, transit operators and the county commissioners meet regularly and continually update the plans and the needs they see coming.

“We know that probably about 30% of the people who work in downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland, which are the two largest employment centers in the region, don’t live in the city of Pittsburgh or Allegheny County. They come from Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County and Westmoreland. So, they do need transportation to those plans,” Fitzgerald said.

According to a PennDOT study, 51% of Pennsylvania residents regularly choose walking or biking as their preferred mode of transportation, while only 19% opt for public transit or rail. The study also revealed residents’ primary concerns are road pavement and traffic flow. Additionally, public transportation ranked sixth out of the 10 concerns Pennsylvania residents prioritized for the state.

As people think about the importance of investing in our public transportation system, it’s worth noting that projects like the ones mentioned by Fitzgerald are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of roadways. By improving infrastructure and investing in public transportation, officials can make communities in the region more connected and accessible to everyone.

A study by the American Society of Civil Engineers found that 45% of Americans lack access to transit due to an aging system and insufficient maintenance funds. Over a decade, 19% of transit vehicles and 6% of fixed guideway elements were rated as “poor,” contributing to a transit backlog of $176 billion that is expected to grow to over $250 billion by 2029.

Considering those issues and investments, leaders say there is a significant need to improve the country’s transportation infrastructure. SPC’s website states the region’s long-term transportation plan will receive investments of over $5.6 billion from state, federal and local funds to improve the area’s transportation system.

Additionally, the 2023-26 Transportation Improvement Plan includes the allocation of $2.1 billion for public transit and $1.5 billion for road and bridge projects, with an extra $2 billion in funding from federal, state and private sources for significant projects such as interstates and railways during the same period.

Fitzgerald believes now is an opportune time for investment in transportation and infrastructure. The bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2023 provided up to $108 billion to support federal public transportation programs like the Long-Range Transportation Plan.

“I think a couple of things that we want to emphasize are, No. 1, we want to make sure that we not only get our fair share, but we can also do things to improve the economic climate, safety, economic growth, and quality of life for folks in the Southwestern Pennsylvania area,” Fitzgerald said.

“While oftentimes we take roads, bridges and infrastructure for granted, those major issues are making sure that we’re planning and maintaining and improving the infrastructure for public safety, economic growth and quality of life.”

View the full article at timesonline.com.

The administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro says it is committed to enhancing and expanding the state’s long-range transportation infrastructure, recognizing its pivotal role in Pennsylvanians’ daily lives.

The aim is to ensure residents have access to safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services, facilitating their work commutes, grocery runs and social engagements, among other transit needs.

A beacon of hope in this endeavor is the “2045 long-range transportation plan,” a visionary roadmap that promises to transform mass transit across the state. This plan could usher in a new era of transportation, one that is more accessible, efficient and sustainable, sparking excitement for a brighter future.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, under the new leadership of former Allegheny County executive director Rich Fitzgerald, plays a pivotal role in managing transportation projects in the region.

Fitzgerald recently explained how the long-range plan is updated through the Transportation Improvement Program, which encompasses public transit, roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the area. He also mentioned how, during the process, transit operators and the county commissioners meet regularly and continually update the plans and the needs they see coming.

“We know that probably about 30% of the people who work in downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland, which are the two largest employment centers in the region, don’t live in the city of Pittsburgh or Allegheny County. They come from Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County and Westmoreland. So, they do need transportation to those plans,” Fitzgerald said.

According to a PennDOT study, 51% of Pennsylvania residents regularly choose walking or biking as their preferred mode of transportation, while only 19% opt for public transit or rail. The study also revealed residents’ primary concerns are road pavement and traffic flow. Additionally, public transportation ranked sixth out of the 10 concerns Pennsylvania residents prioritized for the state.

As people think about the importance of investing in our public transportation system, it’s worth noting that projects like the ones mentioned by Fitzgerald are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of roadways. By improving infrastructure and investing in public transportation, officials can make communities in the region more connected and accessible to everyone.

A study by the American Society of Civil Engineers found that 45% of Americans lack access to transit due to an aging system and insufficient maintenance funds. Over a decade, 19% of transit vehicles and 6% of fixed guideway elements were rated as “poor,” contributing to a transit backlog of $176 billion that is expected to grow to over $250 billion by 2029.

Considering those issues and investments, leaders say there is a significant need to improve the country’s transportation infrastructure. SPC’s website states the region’s long-term transportation plan will receive investments of over $5.6 billion from state, federal and local funds to improve the area’s transportation system.

Additionally, the 2023-26 Transportation Improvement Plan includes the allocation of $2.1 billion for public transit and $1.5 billion for road and bridge projects, with an extra $2 billion in funding from federal, state and private sources for significant projects such as interstates and railways during the same period.

Fitzgerald believes now is an opportune time for investment in transportation and infrastructure. The bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2023 provided up to $108 billion to support federal public transportation programs like the Long-Range Transportation Plan.

“I think a couple of things that we want to emphasize are, No. 1, we want to make sure that we not only get our fair share, but we can also do things to improve the economic climate, safety, economic growth, and quality of life for folks in the Southwestern Pennsylvania area,” Fitzgerald said.

“While oftentimes we take roads, bridges and infrastructure for granted, those major issues are making sure that we’re planning and maintaining and improving the infrastructure for public safety, economic growth and quality of life.”

View the full article at dailyamerican.com.

The administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro says it is committed to enhancing and expanding the state’s long-range transportation infrastructure, recognizing its pivotal role in Pennsylvanians’ daily lives.

The aim is to ensure residents have access to safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services, facilitating their work commutes, grocery runs and social engagements, among other transit needs.

A beacon of hope in this endeavor is the “2045 long-range transportation plan,” a visionary roadmap that promises to transform mass transit across the state. This plan could usher in a new era of transportation, one that is more accessible, efficient and sustainable, sparking excitement for a brighter future.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, under the new leadership of former Allegheny County executive director Rich Fitzgerald, plays a pivotal role in managing transportation projects in the region.

Fitzgerald recently explained how the long-range plan is updated through the Transportation Improvement Program, which encompasses public transit, roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the area. He also mentioned how, during the process, transit operators and the county commissioners meet regularly and continually update the plans and the needs they see coming.

“We know that probably about 30% of the people who work in downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland, which are the two largest employment centers in the region, don’t live in the city of Pittsburgh or Allegheny County. They come from Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County and Westmoreland. So, they do need transportation to those plans,” Fitzgerald said.

According to a PennDOT study, 51% of Pennsylvania residents regularly choose walking or biking as their preferred mode of transportation, while only 19% opt for public transit or rail. The study also revealed residents’ primary concerns are road pavement and traffic flow. Additionally, public transportation ranked sixth out of the 10 concerns Pennsylvania residents prioritized for the state.

As people think about the importance of investing in our public transportation system, it’s worth noting that projects like the ones mentioned by Fitzgerald are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of roadways. By improving infrastructure and investing in public transportation, officials can make communities in the region more connected and accessible to everyone.

A study by the American Society of Civil Engineers found that 45% of Americans lack access to transit due to an aging system and insufficient maintenance funds. Over a decade, 19% of transit vehicles and 6% of fixed guideway elements were rated as “poor,” contributing to a transit backlog of $176 billion that is expected to grow to over $250 billion by 2029.

Considering those issues and investments, leaders say there is a significant need to improve the country’s transportation infrastructure. SPC’s website states the region’s long-term transportation plan will receive investments of over $5.6 billion from state, federal and local funds to improve the area’s transportation system.

Additionally, the 2023-26 Transportation Improvement Plan includes the allocation of $2.1 billion for public transit and $1.5 billion for road and bridge projects, with an extra $2 billion in funding from federal, state and private sources for significant projects such as interstates and railways during the same period.

Fitzgerald believes now is an opportune time for investment in transportation and infrastructure. The bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2023 provided up to $108 billion to support federal public transportation programs like the Long-Range Transportation Plan.

“I think a couple of things that we want to emphasize are, No. 1, we want to make sure that we not only get our fair share, but we can also do things to improve the economic climate, safety, economic growth, and quality of life for folks in the Southwestern Pennsylvania area,” Fitzgerald said.

“While oftentimes we take roads, bridges and infrastructure for granted, those major issues are making sure that we’re planning and maintaining and improving the infrastructure for public safety, economic growth and quality of life.”

View the full article at ellwoodcityledger.com.

After more than two years of planning, Pittsburgh Regional Transit has settled on the types of improvements it needs to provide more reliable service along Route 837 between Homestead and McKeesport.

But it only has money for a small portion of the work and will have to work with other agencies and municipalities for the rest.

The overall plan calls for the consolidation of several bus stops in Homestead, West Mifflin and Duquesne and safety improvements at numerous intersections along the corridor. The agency has two grants that total $1.38 million for what Director of Corridor Planning Seth Davis called “low-hanging fruit” but additional funding will be needed to complete all the recommendations, which could cost as much as $13 million.

Davis presented the final plans to the board’s Planning & Stakeholder Relations Committee last week.

Davis said one grant for $420,000 from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission is earmarked for improvements in Homestead and Munhall. Those improvements could include a new traffic signal where the Homestead Grays Bridge meets East Eighth Avenue (Route 837) in Homestead, complete with improved crosswalks, turning lanes with pedestrian islands to reduce the distance crossing the intersection, and the elimination of inbound and outbound bus stops.

The other grant of $960,000 from the federal Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program will be used for bus stop consolidation throughout the corridor. The plan will eliminate 10 stops to improve the flow of bus traffic in the corridor, five in Homestead and Munhall, two in West Mifflin and three in Duquesne.

Nearby stops will be enlarged and improved to provide safer areas for transit riders.

The corridor primarily carries five bus routes: P7, 53, 53L, 59 and 61C.

The plan also includes establishing a series of queuing lanes for buses to have priorities at traffic lights and other intersection improvements, including Fifth Avenue at the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge in McKeesport. Fifth Avenue also could have a “road diet,” where reduced traffic leads to reducing the roadway from four lanes to two lanes with left-turning lanes to make the area safer for pedestrians.

Although all the concepts are in place, Chief Development Officer Amy Silbermann noted that plans are only at the 10% design stage now so that even changes that have funding still are “several years away” from construction. She noted the corridor naturally flows into the University Line that is under construction to set up exclusive lanes between Oakland and Downtown Pittsburgh and those amenities eventually will extend through Squirrel Hill and Greenfield to the Homestead area to meet that corridor.

View the full article at unionprogress.com.

When you survey a group of 30 young professionals about what it is that they do and the aspects that make each individual unique, there are bound to be some trends that appear.

But what is interesting about the trends that emerged among this year’s group of 30 Under 30 honorees is that they are not necessarily what you’d expect them to be.

While this year’s group of honorees is not made up entirely of members of Gen Z — there are still some young millennials born before 1997 — these honorees represent a new generation of business and community leaders. And with the reputation of younger generations lie some stereotypes.

Those stereotypes include, but are not limited to: Being addicted to the internet and social media, being lazy and being unproductive.

In other words, it’s simply an age-old tale of how the generational divide perpetuates the reputations of the up-and-comers. As a 24-year-old member of Gen Z myself, I’m no stranger to being the subject of some of this ire.

But upon taking a look at our impressive 30 Under 30 honorees, I am confident that any water those stereotypes may hold will disappear.

For one, our honorees this year come from an array of places, both across the country and the world. Jones Day’s Kaavya Ramesh, who’s from Bangalore, India, and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Maria Jose Rodriguez, who’s from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, are prime examples. It was encouraging to see such a mix of both Pittsburgh natives and transplants, a true demonstration of the fact that while Pittsburgh may be facing ongoing population loss, especially among young professionals, there are still plenty of draws in this region attracting young talent, chief among them being job opportunities. Leaders in the region should take this as a sign that supporting the growth of companies and prime employers in Pittsburgh should be a top priority as we look to grow the population.

Another trend I noticed may affirm the idea that the younger generations are often on the forefront of new technology. Many of our honorees this year, in one way or another, utilize artificial intelligence in their work or are leading the way in bringing AI tools to their workplaces — Marlon Brown from Infosys and Jonathan Dencker from the Army Artificial Intelligence Integration Center come to mind. Notably, two of our honorees’ work has to do with space travel — Andrea Davis at Astrobotic Technology Inc. and Anna Voelker at AstroAccess. There’s also Lisa Carter from Motional, who conducts work on autonomous vehicles, another technology frontier, and Duquesne Light Co.’s Matt McDonald, who is working to prepare the region’s electrical grid for the growing use of electric vehicles. In the health care space, Lauren Grice from Respair Inc. is developing new devices that will better protect patients who are put on ventilators from infection, and Madison Campbell of Leda Health is exploring how blockchain technology could make at-home rape testing kits more feasible.

You’ll notice as you read through each profile that we chose to photograph this year’s honorees at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and its MuseumLab on the North Side. No, this was not done in an effort to further highlight their youth. Rather, we wanted to celebrate the cultural attractions in the region that many of us Pittsburgh natives have grown up with. The Children’s Museum first opened in 1983 and grew significantly in the decades that followed, serving as a staple children’s attraction to young Pittsburghers who are now young adults. Last year, it celebrated its 40th anniversary, and it continues to serve our region’s kids today.

Lillian Gabreski, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, the region’s federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, was directly responsible for obtaining nearly $144 million in federal funds in 2023 for planning and infrastructure projects in the Pittsburgh area, and Lillian Gabreski had a big role to play in that work. Gabreski is the manager of sponsored programs development for the SPC, and in her role she helps drive these planning and infrastructure projects forward, work that in some cases involves obtaining funding for the projects as she leads SPC in developing grant applications. She also drives SPC’s efforts in adhering to federal environmental justice guidelines and advises the organization on how to best adhere to federal and state laws and regulations. Gabreski is a Jamestown, New York, native. She joined the SPC in 2018 after earning her undergraduate degree in political science from Penn State and her master’s degree in public administration from Cornell University. She sits on the board of the Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh and is on the Zoning Hearing Board for the Dormont neighborhood where she lives.

Age: 29

What inspired your career? I was inspired by the way people utilize the built world and wanted to improve its beauty, functionality and accessibility.

What was your favorite cultural attraction to visit as a kid? My mom is an English professor and spent her summers working at Chautauqua Institution — I spent most of my summers “on the grounds” growing up.

What’s one change you would make to improve Pittsburgh? Enhance and protect public transportation infrastructure to improve accessibility for all, fostering a more sustainable and connected urban environment that people can enjoy.

What’s one thing about you that would surprise people? My husband and I got married in Stellenbosch, South Africa. We met during my study abroad in Cape Town and frequently travel back to visit family.

What would be your walk-up song? “The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga

FAVORITES:

Favorite book: “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens

Favorite movie: “Charade” 1963

Favorite local restaurant: Driftwood Oven

Dream vacation destination: New Zealand

View the full article at bizjournals.com.

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority announced on Thursday, April 18 that Armstrong Telecommunications has received about $12.47 million in Broadband Infrastructure Program grants for two projects to expand broadband access in the northern part of Butler County.

The grant is part of $204 million the authority awarded to telecommunications providers for 53 broadband improvement projects in 42 counties, which would improve internet access for over 100,000 Pennsylvanians.

Armstrong will match the grant up to 25% by chipping in just over $4.16 million of private investment. This makes for a total allocation of $16.63 million.

Projects funded by the grants are required to deliver download and upload speeds of at least 100 megabits per second.

According to Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche, who assisted in the grant application, the areas served by these projects are in the Slippery Rock and Moniteau school districts.

“I’m excited for those two school districts and their residents in the northern part of the county, who have been long awaiting broadband,” Osche said.

According to Osche, the Slippery Rock and Moniteau areas were chosen as target areas after many meetings and consultation with Armstrong, as well as guidance from the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission — a metropolitan planning organization which covers 10 counties and the city of Pittsburgh.

“We looked at attacking this by school district, because it’s of critical importance to make sure these students have the ability to connect for virtual learning,” Osche said. “But this was also based on the commission’s road map for connectivity, which helped us identify where people are underserved.”

State lawmakers react

“Improving broadband infrastructure is critical for productivity and overall quality of life,” said state Rep. Stephenie Scialabba, R-12th, in a news release. “This award is transformational, allowing Pennsylvania to close the digital divide between rural and urban areas.”

“There is such a heavy reliance on this crucial service to connect with health care providers, assist with educational needs, and take part in ever evolving telework positions,” said state Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr., R-47th. “This funding will further allow for access to this necessity for our residents and help propel our communities forward.”

“I am grateful for this investment in broadband access in our rural communities,” said state Rep. Tim Bonner, R-17th. “Our students, businesses, families and communities will greatly benefit.”

View the full article at butlereagle.com.

PennDOT District 12 officials highlighted nine of the 103 projects anticipated to be in construction status this year in Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, representing an investment of $528 million.

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s commitment to delivering safe highways and bridges across the Commonwealth remains a top priority.

These investments support the Shapiro Administration’s vision of a safe and reliable transportation network that connects Pennsylvanians to greater opportunity.

Shapiro’s 2023-24 budget secured $125 million to fully leverage federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) investments and improve Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges.

The investment is made possible by decoupling Pennsylvania State Police funding from the Motor License Fund and is the first year of the governor’s four-year proposal to invest an additional $1.25 billion in the state’s infrastructure.

Statewide in 2023, 684 bridges went out for bid to be repaired, replaced, or preserved and 7,011 roadway miles were improved by department or partner crews.

Just down the block from the historically significant Dunlap Creek (Cast Iron) Bridge in Brownsville, department officials were joined by a Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission representative who discussed funding for regional roads and bridges.

“I am eager to oversee my first construction season in the position of new District 12 Executive,” said Rachel Duda. “My top goal is to look for ways that improve safety and save people’s lives through advances in our transportation system.”

“We are excited for District 12’s upcoming construction season. This work is part of SPC’s four-year, $3.9 billion Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) that we are continuously working on with our local, county, and state partners to prioritize our region’s infrastructure needs,” said SPC Director of Transportation Planning Domenic A. D’Andrea. “These critical infrastructure investments allow our transportation system to be more resilient and enhance our communities.”

Overall highlights in the 2024 construction season for the southwest region – including projects supported and accelerated by the BIL – include, approximately:

• 93.87 miles of paving.
• 500 miles of roadway sealcoating and crack sealing.
• 28 bridges will be preserved, 45 bridges rehabilitated or replaced.
• 20 slides will be repaired by department forces with an additional six slide locations in a construction status.

“As Assistant District Executive for Construction, I have the privilege of working with many talented professionals to deliver our construction projects in District 12. Soon we’ll break ground for a full rehabilitation of the Dunlap Creek Bridge,” said Bill Beaumariage. “This project has deeps roots in our western Pennsylvania history, and we are proud to be preserving the amazing work of our ancestors.”

Significant new projects beginning this season include:

Fayette County

• Dunlap Creek (Cast Iron) Bridge Restoration: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (National Register) and National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the superstructure was constructed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 1839 as the first cast iron metal arch bridge in the United States.

Complete structural rehabilitation and repairing of the existing bridge, carrying Route 4003 (Market Street) over Dunlap Creek. Installing a new mid-block crossing and a pedestrian bridge for pedestrian safety and accessibility, in Brownsville Borough, $8.9 million.

Notable ongoing projects from 2023 include:

Fayette County

• Route 711 Crawford Avenue (McCray Robb) Bridge: Replacing the existing, six-span steel superstructure of the Route 711 Crawford Avenue Bridge with a new, wider superstructure consisting of continuous composite steel plate girders in the City of Connellsville, $11.5 million.

Westmoreland County

• Laurel Valley Transportation Improvement Project (LVTIP): Upgrading the Route 981 corridor from the intersection with Route 819 in Mt. Pleasant Township to the intersection with Route 30 in Unity Township. Phase 1 (the southernmost of the three-section project) is underway, reconstructing Route 981 from the intersection with Route 819 north to a point just south of the town of Calumet, $55.2 million.

Countywide 2024 construction maps, and a full project list, are attached. Dates are current as of the date of publication and are subject to change based on weather and operations.

View the full article at dailycourier.com.