Strike-Off Letter Regarding ADA Design-Build Curb Ramps and Changed Condition Clause

This message is being sent on behalf of Brian G. Thompson, P.E., Director, Bureau of Design.

Please see the attached Strike-Off Letter regarding ADA Design-Build Curb Ramps and Changed Condition Clause. 

If you have any questions on the attached Strike-off Letter, please do not hesitate to e-mail or call Kelly at (717) 787-5810 or Mr. Daniel B. Stewart, P.E., at (717) 787-0456.

See SOL pdf

Clearance Transmittal Publication 191, Step 2

This message is being sent on behalf of Daryl R. St. Clair, P.E., Acting Director, Bureau of Highway Safety and Traffic Engineering (BHSTE).

Please see the attached Step 2 clearance transmittal and attachments regarding the PennDOT Publication 191 “Guidelines for the Maintenance and Operations of Traffic Signals” Modifications.”  If you have any questions, please contact Dan Farley at (717) 783-0333 or dfarley@state.pa.us.

Publication 191 (Step 2)

ACEC Urges Member Action on Stalled Transportation Bill

August 2010 transportation sample letter

As part of a national outreach campaign, we are asking you to join with your industry allies to put pressure on Congress to act on a new six-year transportation bill.

Click here to go to our Legislative Action Center, where you can access a sample letter.  I would encourage you to personalize it with firm-specific information, print it on letterhead and fax the letter to your Members of Congress and Senators.

In case you missed it, this week’s edition of Last Word includes the action alert to all ACEC members to contact their Representatives and Senators to urge immediate action on the stalled surface transportation bill.  See below.

ACEC is joining with other transportation and business associations in a multi-state media campaign and outreach effort to coincide with the critical phase of the campaign season.  The goal is to generate the kind of local pressure needed to motivate Congress to act on this vital legislation.  For more information and other resources on the outreach campaign, click here.

Thanks for your help in driving home this important message!

Step 1, External Clearance Transmittal is for Proposed Revisions to Publication 408, Section 1001.3(k)6 and 1001.3(p)3.b.

This Document is being sent on behalf of Rebecca S. Burns, P.E., Acting Director, Bureau of Construction and Materials. This Step 1, External Clearance Transmittal is for proposed revisions to Publication 408, Section 1001.3(k)6 and 1001.3(p)3.b. The CT is being tracked as C-10-018. Please send all comments by September 14, 2010.

Proposed 1001 spec 14 day cure redlined

C-10-018_Step 1 External

C-10-018_Step 1 External_Comment Form

Governor Rendell, Transportation Secretary Outline Options to Generate $1 Billion to Fix Ailing State, Local Transportation Systems

Majority of Funds Could Come from Oil Companies Without Affecting Consumers

Harrisburg – The General Assembly could vote this fall to generate approximately $1 billion needed to improve the safety of state and local transportation systems and create jobs, Governor Edward G. Rendell and Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., said today.

“Across Pennsylvania, and in both chambers of the General Assembly, there is strong consensus that our transportation systems are failing and something needs to be done now,” Governor Rendell said, noting that both the House and Senate held numerous hearings on the issue throughout the summer.

A poll taken last week confirmed that 95 percent of Pennsylvanians believe that the quality of our transportation infrastructure matters to the state’s economy and 74 percent would support taxing the profits of oil companies to pay for the needed improvements. By a margin of 48 percent to 45 percent, residents favored increasing vehicle fees, some of which have not been raised in more than three decades, consistent with inflation to help pay for transportation infrastructure.

“This poll indicates that the road we must take is not problematic and we have a chance to do something of vital importance that benefits Pennsylvanians now and in the future,” the Governor said. “I think we should do more than these options provide, but legislators have told me that in an election year the political appetite in Harrisburg is too small to meet the full needs.

“Every month we delay, the cost of repairs goes up. The time for legislative action is now, otherwise future generations will pay a much higher cost,” the Governor added, noting that a project that cost only $300,000 in 1987 would cost more than $720,000 to complete today.

Following the Governor’s remarks, Biehler addressed a joint, bipartisan meeting of the House and Senate to outline two options that could be implemented this fall and in place by January. The measures would raise nearly $1 billion in the first full fiscal year and cost the average Pennsylvania driver approximately 33 cents per week:

• An 8 percent tax on the gross profits of oil companies doing business in Pennsylvania. Companies paying the tax would be exempt from the 9.99 percent Corporate Net Income tax. The new oil company tax would raise $576 million the first full fiscal year. Oil companies would be legally barred from passing the increase on to consumers.
• Increasing a variety of license, registration and vehicle fees, some of which have not been raised since 1977. For example, the four-year drivers’ license fee would increase from $21 to $25 (the $7 photo charge would remain unchanged). The annual registration fee for a passenger car would increase from $36 to $49. The fee for a certificate of title would increase from $22.50 to $31.

“This much-needed infusion of money will help keep bridges and roads safe and smooth and create jobs and prosperity across Pennsylvania,” Biehler said. “Based on feedback from residents and legislators, this plan offers a realistic way to deal with the clearly demonstrated transportation needs.

“The latest poll findings clearly show the people of Pennsylvania understand that transportation funding is critical to the state’s future and the time for ensuring adequate investment in highways, bridges and public transit is now,” Biehler added.

Despite significant additional investments in recent years, Pennsylvania has 5,646 state-owned structurally deficient bridges – leading the nation in the number of such spans and exceeding the total number of similarly deficient bridges from Virginia to Maine, combined. There are more than 10,000 miles of state roads in need of repair, with 7,000 miles of those classified as in “poor” condition.

Governor Rendell Releases Poll Showing Transportation Funding Support: Pennsylvanians Back Increases for Infrastructure

Harrisburg – Governor Edward G. Rendell today released results of a poll that tested Pennsylvanians’ attitudes toward their transportation infrastructure and its funding needs.

It was taken by noted Republican pollster Frank Luntz, who also appears as a Fox News television analyst, and Jefrey Pollock, a Democratic pollster from Global Strategy Group.

The poll found that an overwhelming number of Pennsylvanians believe that the quality of our transportation infrastructure matters to our state’s economy — 95 percent — and that they are concerned about the condition of roads and bridges – 87 percent, with 51 percent saying they were very or extremely concerned.

The poll also found that Pennsylvanians were willing to support revenue options that will increase funding to meet those transportation needs.

Seventy-four percent of Pennsylvanians support a new tax on the profits of oil companies that would close existing loopholes and pay for transportation improvements.

Pennsylvanians also support increasing vehicle and driver fees in accord with inflation to fund transportation infrastructure needs – 48 to 45 percent.

The Governor said the poll reinforces his belief that the time is now to properly fund the state’s growing transportation challenges, and that the public – even in the current economic atmosphere – support reasonable revenue increases to meet those needs.

Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission Approves 2011 Update to 12-Year Transportation Program Reflecting 24-Percent Cut in Funding

New Plan Anticipates Dramatic Drop in Spending for Transportation

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The state Transportation Commission today approved an update to the 12-Year Transportation Program that reflects an expected 24-percent reduction in funding for improvements for highways, bridges, transit, aviation and rail freight. The new plan anticipates $51.6 billion being available over the next 12 years, well below the $67.9 billion outlined in the 2009 plan update.

“The message Governor Edward G. Rendell is delivering around the state is right on the mark,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., who also is commission chairman. “Pennsylvania is falling far short of making the needed investments just to keep our system in a state of good repair. The reductions outlined in the new 12-Year Program are a dramatic example of where we are headed.”

Last week, Governor Rendell made 20 visits to communities across the state to call attention to the unmet transportation needs. The Governor convened a special session of the General Assembly on transportation on May 4, and he has asked legislators to reconvene the special session Aug. 23 to work on solutions.

Uncertainty about the future direction of federal funds, as well as the effects of inflation and the lack of additional resources, has squeezed the latest update to the program, Biehler noted. Congress has yet to enact a new six-year authorization bill to pay for transportation in Pennsylvania and across the nation. The 12-Year Program update assumes 1-percent growth in federal funds in 2011 and 2012 and 4 percent in 2013-14. Further cuts may be needed depending on funding levels in the new reauthorization bill. The federal government also rejected Pennsylvania’s request to toll Interstate 80, leaving a roughly $500 million- a-year hole in the state’s transportation budget.

In the 12-Year Program, which takes effect Oct. 1, highway and bridge projects in the first four years total $10.2 billion, compared to $12.2 billion in the 2009 Program. Public transit is in line for $6.3 billion compared to the current $7.5 billion; aviation, $602 million compared to the current $604 million and rail freight, $228 million compared to the current $234 million.

PennDOT has been posting lists of projects that were deferred because of funding reductions at www.FundPaTransportationNow.com. The site also shows what projects can be done with various levels of additional funds, should the General Assembly agree to authorize additional funding.

Eight Rural Planning Organizations and 15 Metropolitan Planning Organizations partnered with PennDOT in the review and development of the update. It will now be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration for review and approval. The Federal Highway Administration coordinates with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to review the plan’s conformity with air quality requirements.

Highway funds listed in the 12-Year Program are distributed across the state according to a formula that weighs population, lane miles and vehicle miles traveled. Bridge funds are distributed based on the condition of each region’s structures.

The State Transportation Commission consists of 10 appointed citizens and the majority and minority chairpersons of the state House and Senate Transportation committees.

State law dictates that the commission review and update the 12-Year Program every two years. No project can move forward unless it is included in the 12-Year Program.

For more information about the 12-Year Program, visit: http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/pdCommissCommitt.nsf/TransCommissHomepage?OpenFrameset

PennDOT Clearance Transmittal C-10-017 for Pub 222

This Document is being sent on behalf of Rebecca S. Burns, P.E., Acting Director, Bureau of Construction and Materials.

Please see attached PennDOT Clearance Transmittal (CT) C-10-017 regarding Publication 222 – Geotechnical Investigation Manual (formerly titled “Subsurface Boring, Sampling and Testing Contract”); and the Excel Spreadsheet Comment Form for your review and comments. 

The Due Date for comments is September 1, 2010. Due to an oversight on my part you were not included on the original cc-list.  Since you are receiving this late, please contact me if you need more time to review and comment.  Thank you for your review.

C-10-017_Pub_222_Geotechnical Investigation Manual _Clearance_Transmittal_Comment_Form_20100810

PUB 222 CT cover

Pub 222 – 2010 Draft ver01

Call for Entries: 2011 Diamond Awards for Engineering Excellence

ACEC/PA’ s annual Diamond Awards for Engineering Excellence competition recognizes engineering firms for projects that demonstrate a high degree of achievement, value and innovation. The program is open to any ACEC/PA member firm engaged in the private practice of consulting engineering in Pennsylvania. Non-member firms are encouraged to join ACEC/PA. Dues must be paid-in-full prior to October 15 to participate.

Enter your best project in one of 12 categories.

Member firms are eligible to compete for the Best Panel Award, a special award to recognize the best display panel submitted as an entry in the competition.

See brochure for eligibility requirements, judging guidelines, submission requirements, and entry form. Entry panels will be displayed at the ACEC/PA Diamond Awards Gala on February 3, 2011, in Hershey, Pa.

Clearance Transmittal Pub 93

This message is being sent on behalf of Brian G. Thompson, P.E., Director, Bureau of Design

Attached is the Clearance Transmittal for Pub 93 – Policy and Procedures for the Administration of Consultant Agreements.

Please review and return comments to Paula Sube (psube@state.pa.us)  by close of business September 17, 2010.

We appreciate your attention to this matter.

Pub93 CT

Pub 93 2010 Rev.

Revision Chart

Pub 93 Clearance Transmittal Comment Form 20100803

Worksheet A Paper Price Proposal Submission Design n CI

Worksheet B Paper Price Proposal Submission NBIS

PennDOT Estimating Manual

PennDOT has completely revised and reorganized Publication 352, the Estimating Manual. To view the revised publication visit:

ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/Bureaus/design/PUB352/inside_cover_page.pdf

Then click on Table of Contents in the Bookmarks bar to view the revised publication.

Or click Transmittal Letter to see the letter.

(We have reports that the PDF may be difficult to navigate.)

Design Community Training Announcement

This message was generated by the Bureau of Design’s Course Notification System. The Bureau of Design is sponsoring and funding the following course(s).

Department Personnel can register through their local Training Coordinators.

Non-PennDOT Personnel should use the Training Calendar’s automated, self-registration process. Click the link at the bottom of this announcement to take you to the course. Then on the “Course Information” screen, click the class you wish to attend. On the “Class Information” screen, click the Scroll to Business Partner Information button to register.

Click here to get more information about this course from PennDOT’s Technical Training Calendar.

Golf Outing 2010: Sign Up Today!

Start gathering your foursomes and bring your game to the 9th annual ACEC/PA Scholarship Golf Outing on September 20. All proceeds benefit the ACEC/PA Scholarship Fund for engineering students.

• Date: September 20
• Format: 4-person scramble
• Place: Eagles Crossing Golf Club, Carlisle, Pa.
• Cost: $95 pp ($25, dinner only)

Sponsorship opportunities available.

See flyer for registration and sponsorship details.

Governor Rendell Urges Senate Transportation Committee to Work to Meet Road, Bridge and Transit Funding Challenges this Year

With a little hard work this summer, legislative leaders can solve Pennsylvania’s transportation funding problem without fiscal pain, Governor Edward G. Rendell today told members of the Senate Transportation Committee in Harrisburg. 

“One in five bridges in the state is considered ‘structurally deficient,’” Governor Rendell said, noting that there are structurally deficient bridges on most of the major and secondary roads in the state. “And, if we lined up all the miles of Pennsylvania roadways in need to repair, they would stretch across the entire country three times.

“I believe the best strategy is to identify the resources necessary to address the entire transportation funding gap of $3 billion,” Governor Rendell said. “I am willing to work on solutions that generate fewer funds. But I am not willing to let this issue be ignored.

“I urge you — as leaders and committee members — to work every day this summer so that by before the end of this year, a real and lasting transportation funding solution is enacted. It’s something we must do.”

Earlier this year, the Federal Highway Administration rejected Pennsylvania’s application to generate transportation funding via tolls on Interstate 80. That decision created an immediate need for $472 million in next year’s budget and a $60 billion hole over the life of Act 44, the 2007 transportation funding law that was enacted with widespread bipartisan support. It called for tolling I-80 as well as annual toll increases on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Despite additional investments in recent years, Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of structurally deficient bridges with 5,646 such spans. That exceeds the total number of similarly deficient bridges from Virginia to Maine, combined. There are more than 10,000 miles of state roads in need of repair, with 7,000 miles of those classified as in “poor condition.”

Governor Rendell also stressed the immediate economic benefits that significant new transportation funding would produce. Work on highways and bridges would directly create thousands of jobs, and more would result from the in-state production of steel, concrete, asphalt, and employment in other construction-related industries.

In May, Governor Rendell called on the General Assembly to hold Special Session on Transportation to address the funding gap. House Transportation Committee meetings were held across the state in May and June and House Bill 6, which includes some funding solutions, was introduced but not acted upon. Today’s hearing by the Senate Transportation Committee was the panel’s fourth hearing on transportation infrastructure needs.

Governor Rendell recently sent a letter to legislative leaders asking them to return to Harrisburg on Aug. 23 to continue the Special Session on Transportation so that they can enact legislation before the scheduled October recess.

Currently, the Senate is scheduled to return to Harrisburg on Sept. 20; the House returns Sept. 13, leaving both chambers with fewer than 20 working session days left before the end of the year.

“On transportation, it seems to me that the question is not whether we need to address the funding gap created the loss of the I-80 toll revenue, and there is no real dispute about whether there is a $3.5 billion road, bridge and transit infrastructure need as outlined in the updated report from the Transportation Advisory Committee’s report released last May,” Governor Rendell said. “We simply lack consensus on the answer to the question of how to generate the revenues.

Governor Rendell favors passing an oil company excess profit tax, but he said he will consider other proposals to generate the funds necessary to ensure a safe and efficient transportation infrastructure that will serve future generations.

“It is ludicrous that major corporations like Exxon and BP, companies that are reaping enormous profits, do not have to pay us any tax on the profits they make on the sale of their product in Pennsylvania.  I remain convinced that this is the most appropriate and fairest way to raise the bulk of the funds we need to keep the driving public safe and our mass transit systems viable.”

More information about Pennsylvania’s transportation funding needs may be found online at www.FundPaTransportationNow.com.

View Archived Testimony From House Joint Transportation Funding Hearings

The House Republican Policy Committee and the House Democratic Policy Committees have the archived testimony from the Statewide Transportation Funding Hearings.  The Republican site has each testimony as an individual pdf.  The Democrats have all testimony from each hearing as a single pdf.

Special Notice on Continuing Education Requirements from Registration Board

The State Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists has issued a notice that clarifies continuing education credit requirements.

Read notice

Link to Registration Board Web site

Read bill