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    Project Planning and Public Input During a Pandemic

    April 21, 2020
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    In response to mitigation guidance regarding COVID-19, we've had to make operational changes with safety and essential services in mind. These changes have altered the way PennDOT staff is providing services for Pennsylvanians. Here's an update on how our Planning Deputate is adapting to the changes. 

    The Planning Deputate works with the federal government and local planning organizations to develop the Twelve-Year Transportation Program, which serves as the blueprint for highway, bridge, aviation, rail freight and mass transit improvements. Planning also manages the cash flow of improvement projects and has sections working on long-range research and map making.

    "Like all of you, I'm adjusting to the 'new normal' of life during COVID-19," said Deputy Secretary for Planning, Larry Shifflet. "It's been incredible to watch so many facets of our operation adapt to these changes – it's a testament to the dedication of our PennDOT team to serving the people of Pennsylvania."

    The office has been able to process over 134 federal authorizations through electronic signature. This allows projects to continue to move forward as well as positions projects to be available for bid when lettings get started again. Also, our municipal partners, in coordination with the Bureau of Planning and Research, have continued some Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) courses through webinars.

    Research projects continue to be coordinated and are moving forward, and ayments to our municipalities continue to be reviewed and processed daily. Our P3 office continues to coordinate efforts with the Rapid Bridge Replacement (RBR) project, ensuring things are in place for a smooth transition when construction begins again. Also, they are coordinating with District 4 and other interested constituents on the I-81 P3 project in Luzerne County. 

    With guidance from the Program Center, our Planning Partners have been able to continue business and hold virtual board, commission and/or coordinating committee meetings. In fact, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission utilized Zoom to hold a virtual Board meeting on March 26, 2020, and had 88 participants join the meeting, with active participation from many who joined.

    While it is not business as usual, we have been able to adapt to the new teleworking model and continue to provide services to our customers. This is all due to the incredible work ethic and can-do attitude of not only those in the Planning Deputate, but all PennDOT employees, as well as, our municipal partners and MPOs/RPOs.

    Below are some photos of PennDOT workers from the Planning Deputate, all working under our "new normal" of home offices.

    Dan Keane Hosting Meeting.jpg

    Dean Roberts Online Meeting.jpg

    Ray Green Online Meeting.jpg

    ABOUT THIS BLOG

    Did you know PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and roughly 25,000 bridges? We oversee programs and policies affecting highways, urban and rural public transportation, airports, railroads, ports and waterways, in addition to administering the state's more than 11 million vehicle registrations and 8.8 million driver's licenses.

    So, how do we do what we do? And how can we help you travel in Pennsylvania — whether it be for business or leisure — in safe and enjoyable manner? Read PennDOT Way to learn more about the department, what we do, and how and why we do it.​

    TAGS

    50-Year Anniversary, 511PA, Aggressive Driving, Airports, Autonomous Vehicles, Bicycles, Bridges, Child Safety, Community Relations, Construction, COVID-19, Distracted Driving, District 1, District 10, District 11, District 12, District 2, District 3, District 4, District 5, District 6, District 8, District 9, DOTcom, Driver and Vehicle Services, Emergency Responders, Employment, Equity, FAQ Friday, Human Trafficking, Impaired Driving, Innovations, Live Free Ride Alive, Maintenance Monday, Motorcycles, Older Drivers, PA Motorcycle Safety Program, Pedestrians, PennDOT Connects, Ports, Public Transit, Railroads, REAL ID, Road MaP, Roadside Beautification, Rural Roads, Safety, School Buses, Seat Belts, State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC), Sustainability, Teen Drivers, Throwback Thursday, Transportation Funding, Travel in PA, Welcome Centers, Winter, Work Smart, Work Zone, Yellow Dot

     

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