Latest Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Stories

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch today lauded the efforts of the more than 141,000 volunteers who cleaned 13,589 miles of roads, trails and shorelines in this year's Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania, which lasted from March 1 through May 31. "The department is very thankful for the thousands of people who turned out this year to beautify Pennsylvania," Schoch said. "Pennsylvania is fortunate to have so many people who...

Police, Safety Groups to Offer Safety Seat Checkpoints Statewide HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State Police and PennDOT are encouraging motorists to participate in free child passenger safety seat checkups throughout Pennsylvania as the agencies mark National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 16 - 22. "Only about one in every four child safety seats are installed correctly, so we're urging those transporting our smallest passengers to get their seats...

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to customer interest in obtaining photo IDs for voting, five PennDOT locations in Philadelphia County will offer extended hours on Thursday evenings, effective Sept. 27 through Nov. 8. Transportation Secretary Barry Schoch said that since the Voter ID law was enacted, the vast majority of PennDOT IDs for voting purposes have been issued in Philadelphia County. "PennDOT actively monitors customer flow at our 71...

Law Intended to Boost Safety for Drivers, Emergency Responders HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new state law imposing stiff penalties on motorists who ignore "road closed" or other safety warning signs and devices is now in effect, PennDOT said today. Act 114, signed on July 5 by Governor Tom Corbett, reinforces the critical need for all drivers to obey traffic control signs. The law aims to increase safety for motorists and emergency responders in areas...

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PennDOT's newly-launched Facebook page gives Pennsylvanians even more ways to interact with the agency and find valuable transportation news and tips. "As social media becomes more popular with our customers, they rightfully expect that they can find information in ways they're used to receiving it," PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said. "We're pleased to now have another way that we can communicate with Pennsylvanians and...

Enforcement to Increase Awareness of Drugged-Driving HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State and local police, along with PennDOT, will take part in a national enforcement effort through Labor Day on Sept. 3, targeting motorists driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" effort will target impaired drivers and highlight the worsening problem of drugged driving. "As we remind motorists to drive sober for the Labor...

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today announced a $3.7 million state investment that will help 19 airports enhance their operations and accommodate increasing business needs. "Transportation is an economic driver, and Pennsylvania's aviation industry plays a major role in delivering good-paying jobs and connections for commerce," Governor Corbett said. "We continue to invest in airport improvement projects because they help meet...

BETHLEHEM, Pa., Aug. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The State Transportation Commission today approved an update to Pennsylvania's 12-Year Transportation Program, which anticipates $41.6 billion being available over the next 12 years for improvements to roads, bridges, transit systems, airports and railroads. "PennDOT is working very hard to make the most of every available dollar," said PennDOT Secretary and Commission Chairman Barry J. Schoch. "This plan, which was developed...

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A recently negotiated contract for vehicle emissions and safety inspection station management services will save the state approximately $1 million annually and could save vehicle owners nearly $5.5 million. Parsons Commercial Technology Group, Inc., a provider of auto emissions management programs, has been contracted to oversee privately owned safety and emissions inspection stations in the 25 counties where emissions...

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele today announced the creation of a new card that can be issued to voters who need photo identification under Pennsylvania's voter ID law. The Department of State voter cards, which will be issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, will be available to registered voters who are not able to provide all of the documents they would normally need to obtain a photo ID from...