Transportation Engineering and Safety Conference 2024

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

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
 

 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

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

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

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

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