Transportation Engineering and Safety Conference 2024

PennDOT’s Pub 13M, Design Manual 2 Highway Design is being replaced with Pub 13, Design Manual 2- Context Roadway Design.  Almost all chapters have been published and this workshop will present and overview of the new design manual and offer a “how to” on applying the manual to various highway design projects.  Topics will include: General overview of he changes, ADA considerations, Example New Construction and Reconstruction projects, Example Bicycle projects, Example Rural projects, Example Modal projects. This session offers an opportunity to gain an understanding of designing in a Context Driven environment.

This 101-level workshop will focus on the fundamentals of various temporary traffic control methods, with emphasis on highway safety and mobility.  It will help attendees, especially those newer to the industry, gain a broad understanding of the key principles, stakeholders, and decision-making processes of transportation engineers, technicians, specialists, and planners.  Each year, Traffic Academy modules of different topics are offered as a TESC workshop.  For 2024, three modules related to temporary traffic control will be presented: Work Zones, Traffic Management Centers, and Special Hauling.

Topic 1: Work Zones
Speaker: Brian Crossley

Topic 2: Traffic Operations
Speaker: Ryan McNary

Topic 3:  Special Hauling         
Speaker: Nick Ninosky

Overview of the Office of Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) located at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC), a federally owned and operated national research facility in McLean, VA. This would include an overview of the research facility, its primary activities, and guiding the audience through a virtual tour using their online service:  https://highways.dot.gov/research/tfhrc/VirtualTour/home

Are you attending TESC for the first time? If so, please join Eileen Collins and Mark Bamat and members of the conference planning committee on Wednesday, December 6th, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, to learn more about the conference.
This is a great opportunity for first-time participants to discuss program development, the layout of the Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center, networking opportunities, exhibits, and other activities planned for the event.
Past attendees at this session said it was a great ice breaker and they were able to connect with other newcomers to go to a few sessions with another newcomer.

This session will feature presentations on the history, recent changes, and vision of the national Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).  Significant and consequential changes in the MUTCD 11th edition, effective January 2024, will impact the type, size and location of traffic control devices across the US. Moving forward, provisions for key priorities are increasingly important, such as the safety and mobility of vulnerable road users and automated vehicles. Presenters will discuss these topics, and more, as they pertain to practitioners.

Topic 1:      MUTCD: History and State Adoption
Speaker: Jason Bewley

Topic 2:      MUTCD: TSMO and Traffic Signals
Speaker: Steve Gault

Topic 3:         MUTCD: Signing and Pavement Markings
Speaker: Justin Smith

Come join our group of professionals discuss all the non-engineering things that aren’t taught in school, but are important to helping advance your career!

Panelists:
Matthew Alboum
Brian Krul

Michael Centi, PennDOT BOO

Brian Keaveney, Pennoni Associates

Topic 1: Interim Report on Project Delivery from the Transforming Transportation Advisory Committee (TTAC)
Speaker: Kim Lucas .

Topic 2: PennDOT District Level Project Delivery Challenges.
Speaker: Rich Reisinger

Topic 3: Municipal Challenges - Delivering a Large Influx in BIL Funded Projects.  
Speaker: Chris Puchalsky

Several jurisdictions in Pennsylvania have benefited from the unprecedented safety funding available from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. This session will explore how a variety of Pennsylvania jurisdictions - a larger city, a smaller community, and a region - are using SS4A funding to develop safety action plans and seek opportunities for implementation.

Topic 1: An Introduction to Safe Streets and Roads for All
Speaker: Jeff Riegner

Topic 2: Safety Action Planning in a Larger City
Speaker: LeAnn Parmenter

Topic 3: Safety Action Planning in a Smaller Community
Speaker: Betsy Kramer

Topic 4: Safety Action Planning at the Regional Level
Speaker: Ben Warner

PennDOT is creating a network of EV chargers to support a zero-emission transportation system aligning with broader environmental goals and providing accessible charging solutions for all users. This session updates the attendees on the planning, design, construction and operation of some of the first EV chargers in the nation funded through the NEVI program.

Topic 1:  NEVI in PA – Planning for an EV Future
Speakers: Natasha Fackler & Kiera Crenny

Topic 2:  EV Chargers: Site Construction and Operational Challenges
Speaker: P Michael Sensenig

Topic 3: NEPA Aspects of NEVI
Speakers: Ryan Whittington & Drew Ames

PennDOT’s Policy Office works on issues at the edge of the Department’s jurisdiction, including alternative uses of the right-of-way.  This session will look at three of these.

Topic 1:      PennDOT’s New Policy on Murals in State Right-of-Way
Speaker: Jeffrey Young

Topic 2:      Navigating Micromobility from Wheels to Laws
Speaker: Roy Gothie

Topic 3:      Guidance for PA Municipalities on EV On-Street Home Charging
Speaker: Ngani Ndimbie

A panel discussion with the current and former leaders of PennDOT Highway Safety and Traffic.  The group will talk about where we've been, challenges along the way, and where mobility and safety are heading in the future.

Panelists:
Glenn Rowe
Steve Grimme
Doug Tomlinson
Daryl St. Clair 

Heavy trucks are a critical piece of a region’s freight movement plan.  However, managing where and when these vehicles may travel is a logistical and operational challenge for both municipalities and PennDOT.  During this session, the presenters will cover (1) the Pennsylvania laws and regulations that are used to restrict truck traffic on both state and local road, and (2) strategies that are being used in the Lehigh Valley to manage the impact of truck traffic in the region.        
Topic 1: Posted Roads – Understanding 4902(a) and (b) Postings       
Speaker: Nick Ninosky

Topic 2: Posted Roads – Understanding 4902(a) and (b) Postings       
Speaker: Halley Cole

Topic 3: Planning for trucks in Your Community           
Speaker: Brian Hite

PennDOT District 6-0 is utilizing GIS to capture and analyze disparate data sets. The City of Philadelphia is piloting a Fleet Electrification project to fund and deploy Smart DC Fast EV Chargers to support the City’s effort to electrify its fleet; they are also piloting the “SmartBlockPHL” project to collect an array of information using smart streetlights. SEPTA is finalizing their Zero Emission Bus Pilot project and is using the data extracted to understand and foster change. In this session, these agencies will discuss how they are using data to drive progress and offer solutions to everyday challenges they face in Southeast Pennsylvania.

Topic 1: Using GIS in PennDOT District 6-0
Speakers: Matthew Anderson & Sharang Malaviya

Topic 2: City of Philadelphia’s Data Drive Solution Projects
Speaker: Akshay Malik

Topic 3: Finalizing Zero Emission Bus Pilot to Support Data Driven Solutions
Speaker: Donzell Dunston

This session offers a comprehensive exploration of how law enforcement professionals handle vehicle crash investigations. The discussion will delve into the methodologies, techniques, and technologies employed to analyze the scene, collect evidence, and reconstruct the events leading to the crash. Additionally, it will cover fatal crash reconstructions and the key components required for a successful prosecution.

Topic 1: Tactical Intelligence Section Commander
Speaker: Lt. Charles N Burkhardt

Role of AI and application in ITS and Transportation.

Topic 1:  Navigating the Future: An Introduction to AI in Transportation
Speaker: Gunnar Rhone

Topic 2:  Using Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Decision Support for Traffic Management
Speaker: Kevin T. Miller

Topic 3:  Smart Solutions or AI: The Secret Sauce
Speaker: Dean Gustafson
 

As the capabilities of traffic signals expand, the needs for the communication networks these signals operate on expand as well. This session will explore the changes to communication occurring at the street level, PennDOT’s Vision for a unified signal network, and what network requirements designers, contractors, and operators need to know. 
 
Topic 1:  Practical Field Communication Applications
Speaker: Mike Post
Mike of Drive Engineering will discuss real-life examples of communication successes and challenges and practical maintenance outcomes.

Topic 2: PennDOT’s Vision for Traffic Signals
Speaker: Mike Centi
Mike of PennDOT Central Office will describe the Department’s vision for connecting traffic signals, explain why PennDOT is doing this and how we get the signals on the Department’s network, and explain costs associated with various connection methods.

Topic 3: PennDOT Traffic Signal Networking
Speaker: Sean Dean
Sean of Skyline IT Services will discuss the networking requirements traffic signal designers and operators need to know who work within the PennDOT system.

Open panel discussion with younger professionals and seasoned leaders to discuss experiences and tips for navigating various stages of your career. Topics will include mentorship, team collaboration, professional development, work ethic and life challenges balance.

Panelists:
Chris Norris
Jennifer Walsh
Allie Slizofski
Alexis Williams
Lauren Carlson

This session will present current day Federal and Pennsylvania perspectives for highway freight planning and operations. The FHWA PA Division will provide updates of topical interest that will set the stage for three areas of statewide interest: infrastructure preservation through bridge strike prevention, municipal freight planning, and implementation of the 2023 TAC Truck Parking Study.

Federal Perspective
State Perspective

Topic 1: Infrastructure Preservation – Bridge Strike Prevention
Speaker: Todd Trautz

Topic 2: Local Perspective – Municipal Planning for Freight
Speaker: Bob Dolan

Topic 3: Operations Perspective – TAC Truck Parking Implementation
Speaker: Tom Phelan

Transportation System Resilience is the practice of preparing and adapting to changing conditions due to failures caused by environmental or system factors.  When system interruptions occur, the transportation system is impacted, increasing delays on our roads or devastating roads and neighborhoods when dams and bridges fail.  In addition to the disruption in mobility, these failures can cause death, environmental hazards including increased emissions on the roadway and toxic fumes from fires or structure failures.   Incorporating regular inspection, maintenance and implementing sound asset management and risk prevention techniques, can go a long way to decrease cost of events or devastation from manmade or extreme weather disasters. 
In this session you will hear from DelDOT’s Director of Resilience and Sustainability, an associate professor from Penn State’s Department of Civil Engineering and a Transportation Resilience subject matter expert. This session will delve into nationwide case studies, pavement management techniques and statewide management and implementation of DelDOT’s Transportation Resilience and Sustainability program which includes infrastructure resilience, oversight of the Carbon Reduction program and the implementation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Topic 1:  Case Studies on Infrastructure Resilience
Speaker: Aimee Flannery

Topic 2:  Large-scale pavement management considering reliability and traffic dynamics
 Speaker: Ilgin Guler

Topic 3: How Resilience is implemented at the State Level   
Speaker: Stephanie Johnson        

Topic 4: PennDOT's Resiliency and Sustainability Program 
Speaker: Nicholas Vivian

This session will look at various efforts to demonstrate the value of TSMO solutions in improving safety and mobility on the impacted roadways. We will examine the results of cost/benefit analysis for PennDOT solutions and also look at tools that can be used to aid in such analyses.

Topic 1:  Demonstrating the Value of Active Traffic Management on I-76        
Speaker: Brian Depan

Topic 2: Demonstrating the Value of Virtual Queue Protection 
Speaker: Ben Brubaker

Topic 3: Other PennDOT Efforts and Analysis Tools      
Speaker: Scott Benedict

 PennDOT has deployed VSLs on a number of corridors of concern, both in the traditional applications such as I-76 near Philadelphia and in rural applications to address winter weather on I-80 and I-81. The session will cover the performance of these corridors, as well as the vision for the future of VSLs, including expanded permanent installations in high traffic areas and rural areas with weather concerns. This would also cover efforts to use the VSL units to support work zone operations.

Topic 1:  VSL for Winter Weather
Speaker: Jim Roman

Topic 2:  VSL Performance
Speaker: Ryan McNary

Topic 3:  VSLs in Work Zones 
Speaker: Brian Crossley

Since 2017, we’ve been hosting this session, which I believe is the 8th consecutive and 10th overall Innovative Session, here at TESC. The session is Innovative Alternative Intersections and Interchanges that will focus on innovative solutions, current best practices, and lessons learned.

Topic 1: A Culture of Innovative Intersections and Interchanges in Virginia
Speaker: Gilbert Chlewicki, PE
The Virginia Department of Transportation is a national leader in Innovative Intersections and Interchanges. This leadership came to be with an understanding of the great operational, safety, and cost saving benefits that these designs provide and a willingness to develop policies, processes, and tools to develop the best alternatives no matter how “non-traditional” the design may be. VDOT has designed and/or built roundabouts, diverging diamond interchanges, continuous flow intersections, J-Turns, superstreets, thru-cuts, quadrant roadway intersections, bowties, and hybrid designs. This presentation will show the evolution of innovative intersections and interchanges in Virginia, how Virginia is getting so many designs built, and some of the struggles that VDOT is still facing to get more implemented.

Topic 2:  When Grade Separation is the Answer
Speaker: Smith Siromaskul, PE
 When looking at improving overcapacity intersections, a typical approach involves adding through lanes or turn lanes and then considering grade separated interchange options. With the growing acceptance of innovative intersection treatments such as restricted crossing u-turns, continuous flow intersections, and a myriad of mix and match combinations of at-grade innovative elements, practitioners have far more options to add capacity without grade separations. These treatments vary significantly in footprint, capacity, friendliness to active transportation modes, maintainability, and applicability to any given location. Even with innovative options in hand, there are times when at-grade options simply aren’t enough.
The traditional approach once at-grade options are exhausted is to go to a fully grade separated interchange with at least one of the two intersecting roadways becoming free flow with ramps providing access to and from the intersecting roadway. These interchanges can create their own problems when neither roadway is a fully access-controlled facility such as merging and weaving issues with adjacent intersections or driveways. Free-flowing high-volume treatments can also be challenging for active transportation users and often require significant compromises to accommodate transit stops. Additionally, conversion of an at-grade intersection to a traditional interchange, even one with a small footprint such as a tight diamond or single-point urban interchange, can be cost-prohibitive or overly impactful in a built urban environment.
This presentation will cover partially grade-separated options that involve less structure, smaller footprints, and blend elements from at-grade innovative treatments to create site-specific solutions that do not require creating a freeway “feel” and the subsequent multimodal challenges associated with free=flowing traffic.
One of the case studies that will be covered includes an echelon intersection which grade separates half of the movements at an intersection. The presentation will discuss the what, why, and where to use this particular intersection type using the Okeechobee Road at Hialeah Gardens Drive intersection in Hialeah Gardens, Florida, the 2nd echelon intersection built in the US. Lessons learned will include alternatives analysis, concept development, traffic analysis, and construction staging.
The second case study will cover the intersection of John Young Parkway and Pleasant Hill Road in Kissimmee, Florida, an intersection that includes a grade separation of just one through movement and utilizes a blend of at-grade intersection treatments to fix a highly constrained, high-volume intersection that currently creates nearly a half-hour of delay per vehicle today. The proposed improvement is entering the final design phase and provides the needed capacity while doing so with minimal widening and right-of-way impacts by blending the single-direction grade separation with a displaced left turn and median U-turns. Lessons learned will cover the thought process behind the development of the concept that can be applied at other locations.

Topic 3:  Construction of a Roundabout in South Philadelphia
Speakers: Tyler Barile, & Trevor Booz

DesignForce joins us once again for a workshop focused on Conflict Resolution in our industry. For this interactive workshop, we will:

• Identify common sources and triggers of conflict in the workplace.
• Understand the underlying theory and principles of the TKI model.
• Assess personal conflict resolution styles using the TKI assessment.
• Practice applying different conflict styles to various AEC workplace-specific scenarios.
• Learn various strategies for effectively approaching difficult conversations in the workplace.

Speaker 1: Ahmed Kurtom

Speaker 2 : Gabrielle Camilli

What are the ramifications of designing streets to maintain peak hour capacity? We’ll broaden the scope to look at 24-hour operations on a selection of multilane arterials throughout Philadelphia. How much of the day do these corridors have excess capacity and what are the resulting impacts on driver speeds and safety, particularly for vulnerable road users. This session takes theories introduced in NCHRP 1036: Roadway Cross-Section Reallocation and applies them to real world examples, layering in speed and crash data to more fully evaluate how these corridors operate outside of the traditional peak hour view of a traffic engineer.

Topic 1:  24-Hour Capacity Framework
Speakers: Bastian Schroeder & Conor Semler

Topic 2: Evaluating the Off-Peak Impacts of Designing for Peak Hour Operations 
Speakers: Adam Smith & Jacob Elliott

Topic 3 Implementing Complete Streets, Safe Systems, and NCHRP 1036 in Minnesota
Speaker: Sarina Praseedom

This session will feature presentations that highlight innovative tools and data-driven strategies in traffic management. We will explore vehicle speed data in Allegheny County, unveil “LINKS”, a new tool for bike and pedestrian planning in the Philadelphia region, and discuss PennDOT’s Congestion Calendar along with other tools. These resources will be explained through case-studies and expert opinions and showcase how they can enhance transportation planning, decision-making, and improve safety for all users.

Topic 1:  Vehicle Speed Data as a Tool for Road Owners
Speakers: Jason Molinero  & Micah Dickman   

Topic 2: Leveraging Links: A new tool for bike and pedestrian planning in the Philadelphia region
Speaker: Mark Morley

Topic 3: Congestion Calendar and Other PennDOT Tools for Data-Driver Decisions 
Speaker: Scott Benedict

With over 40,000 fatalities on our roads every year, the Drive to Zero initiative across the country is a top goal within the transportation industry.  This session will explore all the various efforts being taken by the private sector, the City of Pittsburgh and FHWA to help us reach those goals.

Topic 1: Exploratory Research on Assessing the Risk of Fatal Crashes
Speaker: Ben Pierce

Topic 2:  City of Pittsburgh’s Vision Zero Policy
Speaker: Patty Kerns & Panini Chowdhury

 Topic 3: Advancing the Systemic Approach to Safety
 Speaker: Matt Hinshaw

PennDOT is working to revolutionize the operation of their traffic field network infrastructure through the implementation of real-time network monitoring and standardized change and configuration management.  This session will discuss the upcoming plans and current progress of the efforts to improve uptime and reliability of ITS infrastructure through standardized tooling and processes, and PennDOT’s planned deliverables in 2025.  We will discuss the correlation of the benefits to the traveling public, traffic operations community, and Engineering District ITS maintenance from stabilizing the foundation of the operation’s field network.

Topic 1:               
Speaker: Paul Lennon

Topic 2:               
Speaker: Scott Hoffman

Topic 3:               
Speaker: Ryan McNary

This is an overview of the new ADA requirements related to PROWAG and how it has rippled through the new DM2 and PennDOT's design process.  Topics to be covered include pedestrians, plain people considerations, transit, parking, and MPT.

Topic 1: What’s new in PROWAG, conflicts with MUTCD, and PROWAG implementation
Speaker: David Melville

Topic 2: What are the ADA implications for pedestrians, plain people considerations, transit, parking
Speaker: Keith A Johnson

Topic 3: How should ADA be considered in the development of MPT
Speaker: Brian E. Shunk, P.E.

A brief presentation on the panel and potential topics followed by open panel Q & A:  Topics could include: Highlights of any recently passed transportation-related legislative actions and any potential transportation-related legislative actions under consideration; Thoughts and concerns from a legislative perspective on the future of transportation.

Panel Q&A                           
Panelist 1: Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr.
Title: PA Senate – Senate Transportation Committee (Republican Chair)

Panelist 2: Senator Marty Flynn
Title: PA Senate – Senate Transportation Committee (Democratic Chair)

Panelist 3: Representative Ed Neilson
Title: PA House – House Transportation Committee (Democratic Chair)

Panelist 4: Representative Kerry Benninghoff
Title: PA House – House Transportation Committee (Republican Chair)

This session will discuss Traffic Management Center (TMC) and law enforcement dispatch center assessments for State, County, and City agencies across North America that AECOM has performed. The purpose of these assessments is to identify areas of opportunity and existing strengths that can be leveraged to enhance current operational quality and consistency, in addition to adding expanded service areas. In the presentation, we will highlight common findings and recommendations from the numerous anonymously-referenced programs we have evaluated. Our goal is to share valuable lessons learned that can apply to any operations-focused program, not just TMCs. The SR 28, Section A64 Wrong Way Detection System HSIP project will begin construction in 2024 in Allegheny County. Within this freeway corridor from East Ohio Street, City of Pittsburgh to the interchange with SR 910, Harmar Township, twenty (20) ramps will be upgraded to include an ITS wrong way detection and warning system. The project scope of work is the installation of sensors to detect wrong way drivers, cameras, and LED border lit signs, also alert notifications to the Traffic Management Center of a wrong way driver. Physical work will include the installation of controller boxes, fiber optic cable, wireless radios, electrical tie ins, cameras, and signs.

Topic 1: SR 28, Section A64 Wrong Way Detection System
Speaker: Stephanie Zolnak

Topic 2:  Traffic Management Center Operating Trends
Speakers: Matt Lee & Arnaud Huguet

This session will present three projects from across the state highlighting the alternatives considered. Projects include the SR 28-Highland Park Interchange in Pittsburgh; a tale of two dated bridges crossing the Susquehanna River connecting Pittston and West Pittson in Luzerne County; and operations and design alternatives for Complete Streets project along Washington Avenue in Philadelphia.

Topic 1: SR 0028-A65 Highland Park Interchange Improvement Project
Speakers: David Jackson & Jessica Belowich   Tim Benner
State Route 28 is a limited-access facility that has two lanes in each direction throughout most of its length; however, at the Highland Park Interchange, Route 28 was only one lane in each direction. This configuration resulted in a physical bottleneck for traffic and frequent vehicle crashes. The Highland Park Interchange Improvement Project (SR 0028, Section A56) sought to address these issues. As part of this project, two lanes were established through the interchange to ensure lane continuity and increase mobility. In addition to reducing traffic congestion, the project addressed other deficiencies, including substandard roadway geometrics and vertical clearances. Sound barriers were installed to reduce noise for adjacent residents. The project enhanced pedestrian safety by installing three new traffic signals and upgrading pedestrian facilities along Freeport Road, which serves as the sole pedestrian link between the communities of Sharpsburg, Aspinwall, and O’Hara. Join us for a presentation that will share project details, project safety improvements, unique conditions, and challenges that were overcome in construction.
 
Topic 2: A Story of Transportation History, Big Data, and Two Bridges across the Susquehanna River
Speakers: Tim Benner & Rob Watts
In Luzerne County, between Pittston and West Pittston, two 1,000-foot bridges span the Susquehanna River within a quarter mile of each other. The Fort Jenkins Bridge--an 11-span concrete arch built in 1924--carries US Route 11 and is part of National Highway System and is in poor condition. The Water Street Bridge--a 5-span metal truss built in 1914--is a county-owned bridge that was closed in August 2021 due to structural deterioration.
The current and ongoing Fort Jenkins Bridge Project is studying both bridges, and the Alternatives Analysis looked at options for rehabilitating or replacing the bridges, with potential removal of one of the bridges. The presentation will tell the story of how the history of the bridges, the dynamics of the communities they connect, and network transportation demand were considered in the alternatives analysis process. Elements of the presentation will include the challenges of revising the project's purpose and need; the application and award of a $19 million RAISE Grant to fund the Water Street Bridge improvements; and origin-destination pattern analysis using "big data" tools.

Topic 3: Operations and Design Alternatives in Philadelphia Complete Streets Projects
Description
Speakers: Will Cowan, Andrew Simpson, & Adam Smith
This presentation will focus on the operational and design alternatives for two complete streets projects in Philadelphia. The first is Washington Ave in South Philadelphia, where construction was completed in Spring 2023 and WSP just completed the post-installation analysis. The presenters will briefly introduce the initial alternatives analysis that was included as part of the conceptual design and public outreach process. They will then discuss the post-analysis travel time runs and volume collection and how that data compared with the assumptions and findings as part of the analysis of the selected alternative. The second project is Market Street from 20th to 23rd Street in Center City. WSP coordinated with OTIS, Streets, and PennDOT to compare several design alternatives. The presenters will delve into how the bike facility was located, the analysis that needed to account for the Market Street bridge reconstruction, and how consideration of bicycle and pedestrian safety was accounted for in the model and design.

In this session we will examine the analysis, research and crash testing procedures used to determine a roadside safety devices’ compliance with standards outlined in the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). These important steps help manufacturers and developers ensure the safety of their devices while obtaining approval into an agency’s Qualified Product Lists (QPL) for use along public roadways. Representatives from PennDOT and the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) will speak to their unique perspectives for roadside safety barriers, work zone devices and other testing requirements to meet MASH requirements. Questions from the audience will be received as part of this session.

Topic 1: Teaching to the Test – A Transportation Institute’s Perspective on Roadside Safety Device Development       
Speaker: James Kovar

Topic 2: MASHed Materials - A PennDOT Perspective on Roadside Safety Equipment and Approvals
Speaker: Evan Pursel

Topic 3: Running Down Barricades for Work Zone Safety          
Speaker: Brian Crossley

The Pennsylvania Safety Transportation and Research Track is a state-of-the-art facility that will benefit emergency responders, transportation organizations, and research institutions.  The session will provide an update on efforts underway at the PennSTART facility.

Topic 1:  PennSTART Partners
Speaker: Joseph W. Sutor

Topic 2:  PennSTART Facilities      
Speaker: Kelsey Kanspedos

Topic 3:  PennSTART Technologies          
Speaker: Karen Lightman

Topic 4: PennSTART Master Plan
Speaker: Jim Katsafanas, PE, PTOE

This session will highlight innovative urban infrastructure solutions that have had a major impact on their communities. The three presentation address modern challenges in transportation and community design. We will discuss:

• A unique tunnel rehabilitation in Pittsburgh highlighting the importance of enhancing safety and accessibility for all users.
• A visionary concept in Philadelphia that introduces improvements along the Delaware River waterfront to create a new vibrant landscaped public space.
• An ambitious modernization program aimed a revitalizing infrastructure through smart technology.

Together, these presentations will provide a view on how modern design efforts can transform urban environments.

Topic 1:  Urban Motor Vehicle and Pedestrian Tunnel Rehabilitation:  Armstrong Tunnel
Speakers: Jason Molinero & Jon McHugh   

Topic 2: I 95 Penn’s Landing CAP
Speaker: Debbie Ferraro  

Topic 3: Tampa Bay Next Interstate Modernization Program – I-275 Pinellas Corridor 
Speaker: Christina Boulnois

Traffic incident management (TIM) is crucial for traffic engineers and professionals as it helps minimize traffic disruptions, improves roadway safety, and reduces the impact of incidents on the overall traffic flow. By efficiently managing traffic incidents, professionals can mitigate congestion, improve emergency response times, and enhance the overall operation of the transportation network. This session will look at the importance of TMPs and how they relate to TIM and how YOU, can make difference.

Speakers: Todd Leiss & David Wolfe

Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order 2023-07 established the Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO), which has been established to work with Commonwealth agencies to eliminate barriers to economic development and increase the efficiency in processing permits. As part of the effort, both OTO and PennDOT have established various teams to identify and implement improvements to the highway occupancy permit (HOP) program to streamline the permitting process. This session looks to provide an update on those improvements.

Topic 1:   OTO’s Coordination and Collaboration with Stakeholders                 
Speaker: Eliza Erickson

Topic 2: Customer Service Team Achievements
Speaker: Eric Kinard

Topic 3: Traffic Engineering Team Achievements
Speaker: Steve Gault

PennDOT is exploring revolutionary changes to transportation from self-driving cars to self-flying air transport. Come hear an update on these exciting planning projects.

Topic 1: Future of Advanced Air Mobility in PA
Speakers: Anthony McCloskey & Jonathan Riehl

Topic 2:  Automated Driving Systems Demonstration Grant Updates
Speakers: Gunnar Rhone & Vijay Varadarajan

Topic 3: Emergency Life Saving through Multi-modal Mobility (ELSa-M3) - Johnstown Airport Smart Grant
Speakers: Larry Nulton & John Eberhardt 

The Safe System Roadway Design Hierarchy is a tool that characterizes engineering and infrastructure-based countermeasures and strategies relative to their alignment with the Safe System Approach (SSA), toward the goal of eliminating traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. The purpose of the hierarchy is to help transportation agencies and practitioners identify and prioritize countermeasures and strategies when developing transportation projects. The Safe System Roadway Design Hierarchy will facilitate greater understanding and increased application of Safe System principles. Included in this discussion will be how implementing proven safety countermeasures, such as a high friction surface treatment program, can prove beneficial.

Topic 1: Safe System Roadway Design Hierarchy (SSRDH)
Speaker: Matt Hinshaw

Topic 2: Proven Safety Countermeasures and the SSRDH
Speaker: Matt Hinshaw

Topic 3: Continuous Pavement Friction Monitoring
Speaker: Joseph Cheung

Topic 4: High Friction Surface Treatments in PA
Speaker: Jason Hershock

Advances in the availability and quality of probe and connected vehicle data and communications have led transportation agencies to investigate ways to replace and/or augment traditional ITS field devices.  This session will explore advancing technologies and partnerships that are making data collection, analysis and traveler information more robust.

Topic 1: PennDOT Virtual ITS Initiatives (working title)  
Speaker: Ryan McNary

Topic 2: Ohio DOT’s Event Streaming Platform – Crash Detection and Prediction Use Cases 
Speakers: Andrew Wolpert & Darlene Mangold

Topic 3: OEM Perspective on integrating ITS data into vehicle displays 
Speaker: Brad Stertz

Fiber optic communications play a crucial role within the operation of freeway and arterial traffic systems.  Fiber optics enable real-time communication between traffic signal systems and central control systems, ensuring efficient traffic flow and minimizing delays. Real-time data transmission helps transportation agencies make informed decisions, optimize routes, and improve overall safety.  Toll collection systems rely on seamless communication between toll booths, cameras, and backend servers to drive accurate toll calculations and efficient revenue collection.  Additionally, fiber optic networks support vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. Ultra-low latency fiber networks are essential for reliable V2X communication, improving road safety and enabling innovations in transportation.

In this session, hear from speakers from PennDOT and the PA Turnpike regarding how they will leverage fiber optic and broadband communications to efficiently operate their roadway networks. Additionally, Kokosing Construction will provide insight into construction of PA Turnpike’s network based on their perspective as the prime contractor on a 165-mile fiber deployment between Harrisburg and New Stanton.

Topic 1:   PA Turnpike Fiber Optic & Broadband Deployment Initiatives
Speaker: Brittany Piazza

Topic 1: PA Turnpike Fiber Optic Design-Build – A Contractor’s Perspective
Speaker: Mitchell Radigan

Topic 3:   Pennsylvania Broadband Update
Speaker: Brandon Peters

PennDOT's Highway Safety and Traffic Operations (HSTO) Division is comprised of twelve distinct units within four sections.  The "HSTO RoadMap" is designed to highlight recent accomplishments of the Division, paint a picture of what drives our business, and look ahead to the coming years. This session will highlight the newly released version of the HSTO RoadMap and panel discussion. 

Topic 1: TSMO Operations and Performance
Speaker: Ryan McNary

Topic 2: TSMO Arterials and Planning
Speaker: Steve Gault, PE, PTOE

Topic 3: Traffic Engineering and Permits
Speaker: Robert Pento, PE

Topic 4: Highway Safety
Speaker: Thomas Glass

This session will delve into the intricacies of traffic management at large special events. We will explore the planning, implementation, and communication strategies—including traveler information dissemination and internal team management—employed at three unique events to ensure the seamless flow of traffic and the safety of all participants. Through detailed case studies and expert insights, we will share lessons learned and best practices for managing mobility challenges and enhancing the overall event experience.

Topic 1: USGA Women’s Open Event Traffic Management Lancaster Country Club
Speakers: Christopher Flad & Matthew Clouser

Topic 2: Title Northwest PA Solar Eclipse Event Management
Speakers: Greg Maser & Edward Orzehowsk

Topic 3: Betting on Success: Managing the High-Stakes World of F1 Racing on the Vegas        
Speaker: Tim Sjogren

The City of Philadelphia will discuss its “kitchen sink” approach to improve public transit operations in congested, multimodal rights-of-way. Building off the data-driven corridor prioritization of the Philadelphia Transit Plan (2021), the City has embarked on an ambitious program of over 30 transit-priority projects. Delivering transformative change on these corridors has required the City and its partners to embrace a “kitchen sink” approach to corridor design that requires both infrastructure and policy solutions, working across scales, and approaching problem-solving iteratively. The City will discuss the highs – and lows – of translating a strategic planning effort into projects and policies that affect the urban right-of-way.

AECOM will discuss the Downtown Convergence Study and APTA’s “BRT Roadway/Infrastructure Design and Best Practices” white paper. The Downtown Convergence Study. This session features two case studies to help planners and engineers utilize innovated approaches, identifying strategies for navigating data analysis, and improve decision-making processes in their communities. The LinkUS Initiative addresses the anticipated growth in Central Ohio, particularly in Downtown Columbus, which is expected to increase by 40,000 residents by 2040. This initiative focuses on guiding mobility investments, enhancing housing and job access, and promoting sustainable development. The Downtown Convergence Study examined transit connections, future rapid transit corridors, and bike plans, while highlighting the importance and challenge of decision-making and balancing competing priorities. The objective of this white paper is to share best practices from transit agencies who have implemented or are about to implement BRT, hear about lessons learned, and considerations when planning and designing BRT in order to achieve its maximum benefits and effectiveness. The study took a two-pronged approach to collect information via both a survey and case studies. Topics include roadway design elements, enforcement of bus lanes, and ITS elements.

The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) and Kimley-Horn will explore trends in post-pandemic transit, highlighting examples in planning, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making. Featuring a case study from Luzerne County, attendees will learn how data and community engagement shaped a recent transit development plan, addressing changing travel needs and reducing barriers to transit use. Emerging trends, including flexible transit options like microtransit, will also be discussed, offering insights into the future of public transportation in a post-pandemic world.

Topic 1:  Bringing the “Kitchen Sink” to a Transit Priority Program
Speakers: Chris Puchalsky & Andrew Simpson

Topic 2: What’s the Answer? Navigating when data analysis is not yielding clear solutions
Speaker: Lauren Lynch & Steve Scheerer

Topic 3: Transit in Transformation: Trends in Planning, Community Engagement, and Data-Driven Decisions
Speaker: Bob Fiume & Tyler Beduhn

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the modernization efforts currently underway in District 12 along the I-70 corridor in Washington and Westmoreland Counties. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the historical context of the corridor, highlighting key milestones and developments.
We will delve into the innovative technologies and strategies being employed to enhance infrastructure, addressing the unique challenges faced in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Attendees will learn about the funding mechanisms that support these modernization efforts, as well as effective asset management strategies.
A significant focus will be on a major reconstruction project, where we will discuss its progression through the design phase and the various obstacles encountered along the way. The session will culminate in a lessons learned segment, covering critical topics such as geotechnical exploitation, environmental considerations, Design/Build traffic control, and the integration of roundabouts.
This session is ideal for professionals in transportation planning, civil engineering, and infrastructure management, offering valuable insights into successful modernization practices and the future of transportation in the region. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with industry experts and enhance your understanding of these vital projects.

Topic 1:  Overview and Innovations
Speaker: Jeremy Shaneyfelt

Topic 2:  Asset Management and Funding
Speaker: Angela Swallop Baker

Topic 3: SR 0070, Section 10K Bentleyville to Belle Vernon Bridge Reconstruction (B2B)           
Speaker: Patrick B. Richter & Sean Sepe

Topic 4:  Lessons Learned
Speaker: William Beaumariage

In an era marked by rapid technological advances and shifting paradigms, the landscape of challenges we face is continually evolving. "New Age, New Solutions 5" is a dynamic session dedicated to exploring how innovative technologies provide powerful answers not only to emerging challenges but also to longstanding issues that have impacted our transportation industries for decades. This session delves into the latest technological advancement and strategic approaches that are shaping solutions. Participants will gain insights into how these cutting-edge technologies can be leveraged to develop creative, effective solutions, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in tackling both new and existing challenges. Join us to discover how embracing modern solutions can drive success in this new age.
 
Topic 1: PennDOT V2X Implementation
Speaker: Derrick Herrmann & Vijay Varadarajan

Topic 2: PA Smart Grant: V2X Data Exchange Vehicle Integration
Speakers: Gunnar Rhone & Vijay Varadarajan

Topic 3: Verizon’s Cellular V2X Applications
Speaker: Jimmy Kim

PennDOT is progressing twelve model as a legal document (MALD) pilots as part of the Digital Delivery Directive 2025 which will allow 3D deliverables for the first time. These pilot projects are setting a new standard for PennDOT design processes and deliverables but are not without challenges. This session will highlight two pilot projects and the PennDOT MALD team leading this effort.

Topic 1
Speaker: Andrew Thompson

Topic 2
Speakers: Scott Mcmasters & Jennifer Steen

Topic 3
Speakers:Rob Nuss & Amanda Olbeter

Moving people and goods through Pennsylvania takes a wide range of professionals working in a many different facets of transportation.  This session will explore stories from three of them to help us experience a day in the life...

Topic 1: Stop the Presses
Speaker: Alexis Campbell

Topic 2: Everybody Stay Calm
Speaker: Christopher Fisher

Topic 3:  During Blue Skies and Disasters - Grocery Supply Chain Logistics 101
Speaker: Katie Murphy

In this session, participants will explore how agencies, business and research partners are promoting safer work zones through innovations and technologies. From Transportation Management Plan Coordination for 50+ projects in West Virginia, developing strategies and tools for state DOTs using zipper merge, and to enhancing nighttime work zone safety through effective off-the-shelf strategies, participants can learn effective ways to plan and manage work zones regardless of their environments.

Topic 1: When Multiple Projects Collide: Managing the Traffic Phasing of the Charleston Metro Bridge Initiative  Speaker: Amy Balmer Staud

Topic 2: “Wait Your Turn” – Showing how Late Merge Improves Work Zone Mobility           
Speaker: Scott R. Fritz

Topic 3: “Closing Time” – An overview of PennDOT’s Upcoming LaneEval Tool     
Speaker: : Bastian Schroeder

The use of technology to support safety, mobility, and meet the expectations of the traveling public is also a requirement of transportation organizations’ ability to operate their day-to-day business. In addition, traffic operations and business operations systems often need to be integrated to meet the needs of the customer and the business. All of this use of technology is driving challenges for agencies: (1) organizational change management (how do you get all levels of the organization on-board with change as it relates to technology); (2) rising O&M and upgrade costs; and (3) human resources to support it. This session explores how agencies are or might address this challenge and how private industry partners play a role.  

Panelists:
Bob Taylor
Mark Kopko
Frank Cavalaio
Mike Maloch

This session will focus on how automated speed enforcement (ASE) has been piloted and expanded in the City of Philadelphia to reduce vehicle speeds, decrease the number of fatal and severe crashes, and meet Vision Goals. Topics will include the results of ASE on Roosevelt Boulevard, how legislation was used to expand ASE, the identification of priority corridors for ASE, speed studies for selected ASE corridors, coordination and approvals with PennDOT for ASE, and overall lessons learned.

Topic 1: Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) on Roosevelt Boulevard
Speaker: Kelley Yemen

Topic 2: Expansion of Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE)
Speaker: Marco Gorini

Topic 3:  Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Coordination with PennDOT
Speaker: Sharang Malaviya

Poor nighttime visibility can pose a challenge at intersections, but crashes can be reduced with well-designed lighting. With 76 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurring in hours of darkness we need to ensure that pedestrians and other vulnerable users can see and be seen, especially at crosswalks and in other high pedestrian activity areas. Crosswalk visibility enhancements are being promoted by the Nighttime Visibility for Safety initiative to help reduce pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries. These enhancements include three separate improvements: high-visibility crosswalks, lighting, and signing and pavement markings. These improvements help make crosswalks and the people that use them more visible to drivers. Agencies can implement these features as standalone or in combination.

Topic 1: Nighttime Visibility for Safety                   
Speaker: Joseph Cheung

Topic 2: Enhancing Pedestrian Visibility at Crosswalks
Speaker: Kathryn Fink

Topic 3: Campus Lighting and Pedestrian Visibility
Speaker: Jonathan Walker