Listening Tour:
Engaging with the Public about Our Region's
Long-Term Transportation and Infrastructure Needs
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As the designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO), we are responsible for leading our ten county region's transportation and infrastructure planning. Our coverage area consists of the City of Pittsburgh, as well as Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence Westmoreland, and Washington counties.
Through this work, we develop a Long-Term Transportation Plan (LRTP) that provides Southwestern Pennsylvania with a guide on specific infrastructure and transportation initiatives that need addressed. Our current plan, called SmartMoves for Changing Region, was adopted in 2019 and included over $35 billion of priority projects for the next 25 years. While this plan is focused on long-term transportation and infrastructure needs, it is a living and breathing document. Every four years, we update and adapt the plan, so that it reflects the current needs of our region. As part of this process, we host public meetings and a public comment period.
On May 11, we kicked off our public comment period which lasts until June 9. During this time period, we host one meeting in each of our ten counties, including one in the City of Pittsburgh. These meetings provide members of the public with the opportunity to learn about long-term planning, ask questions, and bring our attention to any transportation and infrastructure challenges they might want addressed. At the meetings, the public gets to hear from our transportation and public outreach staff members, PennDOT representatives, and local government officials. The feedback we receive is an instrumental part of our planning process, and gives us a wonderful opportunity to not only be in local communities but engage directly with the public!
So far, we've had meetings in Beaver, Washington, Indiana, Lawrence and Armstrong Counties, and in the days and weeks ahead, we will have meetings in the City of Pittsburgh, Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, Butler, and Allegheny Counties. The list of upcoming public meeting dates can be found here.
If you or a member of the public has ideas on what transportation or infrastructure projects you want to see incorporated into our plan, don't hesitate to submit your comments to us. Comments can be submitted to us by email at [email protected], completing an online input form, by fax at 412-391-9160, or sending us a letter at PO Box 101429, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
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Since 2008, our transportation department (operations and safety division) and planning partners have been assisting local governments to improve traffic signal operations by optimizing signal timings and upgrading existing traffic signal equipment.
The goal of this program is to provide updated equipment, while also reducing delay, reduced vehicular stops, reduced fuel consumption, and reduced emissions.
We recently worked with Worthington Borough, West Franklin Township, PennDOT's District 10 and Armstrong County on this effort.
By working with our partners, new pavement markings, pedestrian push buttons, 12” vehicle signal heads, uninterrupted power supply, electrical service disconnects, new timings and controller assemblies were installed at two intersections on US 422 (specifically, at Claypoole Road and US 422 at Slate Lick Road).
Making our communities safer and more efficient for residents continues to drive our ongoing work.
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Fostering Sustainability and Relationships |
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As an organization, we are always striving to support initiatives that foster sustainability and build relationships in the public and private sectors.
Three of our staff members, Anthony Hickton, Manager of Transportation Demand Management/ASP Safety Officer, Ronda Craig, Public Involvement Coordinator, and Caleb Knudsen, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator, recently traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to attend the Association for Commuter Transportation's Climate Action Summit.
The focus of the summit centered on how Transportation Demand Management programs are implementing climate action strategies into their organization's mission.
Our team had the opportunity to meet with sustainability leaders from across the country, and learn how their organizations implemented strategic partnerships.
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Local Governments in SWPA Set an Example |
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Recently, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the 2023 Governor's Award for Local Government Excellence. This is a way for the Governor, the Department of Community & Economic Development, and the entire Commonwealth to recognize and honor local governments that are making a positive difference for their residents and communities. We were proud to learn that several local governments within our ten county region received awards! These local governments were:
- Washington Township (Greene County) for fostering community partnerships as a result of working with Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority and building a public waterline while minimizing the direct costs to their residents.
- Aleppo Township (Allegheny County) for adopting new and modern technology.
- Trafford Borough (Westmoreland County) for implementing a Junior Council Person Program, which encourages high school students to attend council meetings.
- Southwest Butler Storm water Planning Group (Butler County) for conducting a storm water study involving ten municipalities and has begun a process for amending regulations in each municipality that will help local residents.
- Gilpin Township and Freeport Borough (Armstrong County) for working together to create the Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department as a way to keep residents safe, provide budget savings, and increase resources to both municipalities.
- The City of Beaver Falls (Beaver County) for creating a partnership that collaborates with local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and service providers to foster revitalization in the downtown corridor.
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ICYMI: News We're Paying Attention To |
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WPXI-TV: VIDEO: Group plans to invest in transportation and infrastructure in SWPA
Indiana Gazette: Regional transportation, infrastructure needs discussed by SPC
Pittsburgh Union Progress: New PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll: Building relationships before tackling major road funding issues
Tribune-Review: Pittsburgh picked as Workforce Hub by White House to increase job training initiatives
The Leader Times: East Franklin Township offers update on efforts to make SR 422/Glade Run Road intersection safer
State Impact PA: Pa. to get $6 million in grants for climate change planning from the Environmental Protection Agency
Tribune-Review: Construction of half-mile recreation trail kicks off in Brackenridge
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Coming This Summer: Our New Home Awaits Us!
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Early this summer, we will move into our new office space located in the Strip District. We will be located on the first floor (ground level) of The Terminal, one of our region's iconic landmarks. The Terminal has undergone significant renovations in recent years, while still maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the building. It first opened in 1929 as the Pennsylvania Railroad Fruit Auction & Sales Building, and served as the tri-state produce distribution hub. The finishing touches to the space are being put on, and then, we'll move our furniture in. We're just a few short weeks away, so stay tuned!
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This e-newsletter is provided as a service to all SPC members. Please send any comments or suggestions to [email protected]
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