Latest news with #HighwaySafetyImprovementProgram
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Public comments requested for safety improvement project
STRUTHERS, Ohio (WKBN) — The city of Struthers is asking for the public's opinion on proposed safety improvement projects downtown. A release from the mayor's office states the projects were recommended as part of a safety study that revealed areas that could use improvements, making things safer for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. The project will involve an upgraded traffic signal and intersection approach at State Street and Bridge Street, improved pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, curb extensions and bump outs, new pavement markings, new curb ramps, and traffic calming. The project is tentatively scheduled to be constructed in 2026 and is currently estimated at $1 million. The City received grant funding through the Ohio Department of Transportation Highway Safety Improvement Program to design and construct this project. There will be minor and temporary impacts to utilities and two business driveways, according to the release. The city is seeking public comments regarding the proposed project. Issues to comment on may include social, environmental and economic impacts. Comments, questions and concerns may be provided using the project website or by contacting Mayor Catherine Cercone Miller by email at mayor@ or calling 330.755.2181 x 111. Comments are requested by June 27. Additional public outreach will be provided before construction. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
PennDOT: 2024 traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania second lowest on record
May 5—WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation this week announced that the number of people who lost their lives on Pennsylvania highways decreased to 1,127 in 2024 — the second lowest since record keeping began in 1928 and 82 less than in 2023. "While this decrease in fatalities is certainly good news, even one life lost is one too many," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "PennDOT will continue to work with our partners to decrease traffic deaths through education and outreach, but we will only get to zero fatalities when everyone works together. Please pay attention when you are driving, always follow the speed limit, and never drive impaired. And buckle up! Your seat belt can save your life in a crash." PennDOT annually invests approximately $32.4 million statewide in federal grant funds in behavioral safety programs to reduce fatalities and serious injuries. In addition to behavioral safety, PennDOT focuses on infrastructure improvements. Approximately $591 million in federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds were invested in 392 unique safety projects from 2020 to 2024. During that same time, another $50 million in state funds was invested in low-cost safety improvements at over a thousand locations — which include centerline and edge-line rumble strips, warning signs and pavement markings and high-friction surface treatments. The number of fatalities in impaired driver crashes dropped from 429 in 2023 to 342 last year. PennDOT annually distributes more than $6.2 million from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for impaired driving enforcement. Impaired driving mobilizations include coordinated enforcement as well as education campaigns that aim to eliminate driving under the influence. Impaired driving enforcement goes beyond checking for alcohol impairment. Law enforcement also work to identify motorists impaired by illegal drugs and prescription medication or some combination of these. Pennsylvania has more than 260 Drug Recognition Experts or specially trained officers who look for impaired drivers and assist in DUI investigations when drug-impaired driving is suspected. Fatalities in lane departure crashes dropped from 629 in 2023 to 537 last year. This decrease continues a long-term trend of reducing lane departure fatalities. PennDOT's Low-Cost Safety Improvement Program has implemented safety countermeasures at thousands of locations over the last 15 years. These include rumble strips, high friction surface treatments, high-tension cable median barriers and advanced curve warning through signs and pavement markings. While fatalities for most types of crashes were down in 2024, some types saw increases. Fatalities in intersection crashes increased to 321 — up from 301 in 2023. Fatalities in crashes at intersections with a stop sign also increased from 98 in 2023 to 111 last year. PennDOT regularly reviews factors in fatal crashes at intersections and works to improve safety at intersections with stop signs by addressing issues like sight and stopping distance. For information on PennDOT's highway safety initiatives, visit Courts launch sexual violence awareness campaign In recognition of Sexual Violence Awareness Month in April, the Pennsylvania Courts recently launched a new digital ad campaign to inform the public about the resources available for survivors who seek the courts' assistance. Sexual violence involves any forced or manipulated sexual activity without consent. Nationally, one in five women and one in 71 men will experience sexual assault, with one in four girls and one in six boys assaulted before age 18. The Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation Act, enacted in 2015, provides a civil remedy for survivors who may not qualify for a Protection from Abuse Order. Specifically, survivors may seek a special type of protection order called a Sexual Violence Protection Order to guard against further abuse, even if no criminal charges have been filed. Unlike a PFA, an SVPO doesn't require an intimate or household relationship with the abuser. Survivors in need of support are encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect at 1-888-772-7227 or visit Landmark adult-use cannabis legislation introduced Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., and Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, officially introduced long-awaited legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania — a proposal designed to center public health, repair communities harmed by prohibition and create a stable, sustainable market. The Cannabis Health & Safety Act (HB1200) was approved by the House Health Committee Monday by a 14-12 party line vote and now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration. "The time is now for Pennsylvania," said Krajewski, who spent the last legislative session leading six hearings to study the successes and shortcomings of cannabis programs nationwide. "We have listened carefully to public health experts, criminal justice reformers, small business advocates and community leaders. Our bill reflects what we've learned — that we can and must legalize cannabis in a way that is safe, equitable and beneficial to all Pennsylvanians." With 24 states — including nearly all of Pennsylvania's neighbors — having already legalized recreational cannabis, and public opinion overwhelmingly in support, the lawmakers say the commonwealth cannot afford to wait any longer. The next step for the legislation is consideration by the House Health Committee Frankel chairs. "By legalizing and regulating cannabis thoughtfully, we can avoid pitfalls that have marred roll outs in other states," Frankel said. "Our plan will create clear rules that protect consumers, educate the public and ensure that Pennsylvania small businesses and taxpayers — not out-of-state corporations — benefit from the profits." Key priorities of the bill include: —Automatically clearing criminal records and advancing restorative justice for those impacted by cannabis-related offenses. —Reinvesting tax revenue into communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. —Implementing critical public health protections, including THC limits, marketing restrictions and child safety measures. —Creating pathways for diverse and local entrepreneurs to participate in the regulated cannabis market, with priority on licensing and contracting. —Maximizing state revenue and accountability with publicly owned and accountable retail stores. As structured in the Cannabis Health and Safety Act, the hybrid marketplace is projected to bring in more than a half-billion dollars for the Commonwealth every year from both taxes and profits. Walsh to host seminar on financial exploitation of seniors Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, invites residents of the 117th District to a free seminar on the financial exploitation of seniors at noon Friday, May 16, at the Meadows Manor Community Room, 200 Lake St., Dallas. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m., with a complimentary lunch provided at 11:30 a.m. David Shallcross, director of senior protection at the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, will lead a presentation on spotting and preventing financial exploitation among older adults. "Fraudsters and scammers are constantly changing their tactics to prey upon unsuspecting victims," Walsh said. "Awareness is our best defense against financial exploitation. I am happy to offer this free seminar to help my constituents learn the red flags and protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to financial fraud schemes." Registration is required. Call Walsh's Dallas office at 570-675-6000 for information or to reserve a seat. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Chicago Tribune
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Improvements to Stearns School Road intersection celebrated; ‘Really highlights just how important this project is'
Lake County officials last week celebrated the completion of improvement work done at the Stearns School Road and U.S. 41 intersection, which saw more than 100 crashes over a five-year period, including some resulting in fatalities. Jennifer Clark, chair of the Lake County Public Works and Transportation committee, said the $6 million project highlights how an intersection improvement can make a 'major' upgrade to safety and traffic flow for drivers. 'This is the first time we've held a celebration for an intersection improvement like this, and I think that really highlights just how important this project is, not only for this community, but for the future of our transportation system,' Clark said during a celebration of the project's completion. While such improvements 'may not always make the biggest headlines,' they will make 'a real and lasting difference' for residents. Kevin Carrier, assistant county engineer overseeing the capital projects team, said the project was to improve the safety of the Warren Township intersection. The improvements will allow 'safer and smoother' driving for motorists through one of the area's busiest intersections, a county news release said. Changes include the addition of new right- and left-turn lanes on southbound U.S. 41, a second left-turn on northbound U.S. 41, a second right-turn lane on eastbound Stearns School Road and a new westbound receiving lane on Stearns. Left-turn signals now have a 'green-arrow only' phase, the release said, which has been shown to reduce left-turn crashes 'by 99%.' In addition to the traffic improvements, the culvert under Stearns School Road was extended, and the storm sewer along US 41 was reconstructed to fit the new road design. The release said the project was a partnership between the Lake County Division of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Transportation, with LCDOT leading the engineering and land acquisition phases while IDOT managed construction using federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funding. According to Carrier, the project had a benefit-cost ratio of nearly 6 to 1. The release said that was calculated using state and federal guidelines, and is required when applying for federal funding. For reference, the release said, projects with a ratio above 1 to 1 are eligible for federal safety funding. Clark noted how it and other projects around the county, including a train track underpass and new sidewalk and bike paths, help better connect Lake County. According to Clark, in 2025, 64% of the county's projects, representing $75 million of a total $117 million construction program, are focused on modernization improvements. She said these projects are designed to increase safety, reduce delays, close 'sidewalk and bike path gaps,' and cut down on carbon dioxide emissions. This year, there will be another busy construction season in Lake County, officials said, including reconstruction and resurfacing work across the county, and new roundabouts being installed at key intersections. Numerous projects include the inclusion of shared-use paths.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
Bayles Lake highway still awaiting safety improvements in Iroquois Co.
WATSEKA, Ill. (WCIA) — There is still no decision on if Iroquois County will apply for a state grant to fund the improvement of a dangerous stretch of road at Bayles Lake. WCIA's partners with the Ford County Chronicle reported that on April 3, another meeting of the Iroquois County Board's transportation and highway committee commenced without a decision being made. The debate is for if the county should apply for a state grant to pay for the installation of guardrails or other safety improvements along a dangerous stretch of County Highway 10 in Watseka at Bayles Lake. Bill cracking down on license plate flippers in Illinois passes Senate With the grant application running from early May to mid-June for the Illinois Department of Transportation's Highway Safety Improvement Program, there is still no evidence that the county is attempting to apply. There have been repeated requests from the public to make immediate safety upgrades on the road, including from the mom of a Loda crash victim, the Loda Homeowners Association and many other members of the Loda community. There have also been two accidents in just over a year at this location where vehicles slid off the highway and crashed into the cold waters of Bayles Lake. The first in which 68-year-old Stevie A. Chapman died after his vehicle slid into the lake and sank underwater on Dec. 16, 2023. The second instance is when 18-year-old driver Elaine Carmen-Loveless hit a patch of black ice before losing control of her SUV which slid into the lake on Dec. 20, 2024. On the contrary, some have said the problem is not the county's responsibility to fix, but rather the Bayles Lake Homeowners Association's. Charles Alt, the transportation and highway committee chairman, said last month that State's Attorney Mike Quinlan raised an issue about the subdivision's potential responsibility and was looking into the matter. Quinlan said to Alt to not move forward with 'anything' until his review was finished. Woman arrested in connection to Urbana crash that killed two-month-old Additionally, Quinlan has not been present for the committee's meetings in recent months, and did not immediately respond to messages left over email with a secretary at his office requesting his comment. Iroquois County Highway Engineer Alan Hardwood confirmed this week that the committee and himself were still waiting to hear from Quinlan. 'There has been no further discussion,' Hardwood said in an email, 'as the committee is awaiting counsel from the state's attorney.' In January, Hardwood said Quinlan's predecessor, former State's Attorney Jim Devine, had advised that the county is not legally responsible for protecting drivers from hazards located outside the county's 'right-of-way.' This area would include Bayles Lake. County Highway 10 is owned and maintained by Iroquois County. However, Bayles Lake Homeowners Association president William Dick said he thinks there should be no question that the county, not the homeowner's association, is entirely responsible for keeping this road safe. 'We were startled to hear that the county would think that the Bayles Lake HOA — a neighborhood — should in any way financially support that project,' Dick said last month. 'We were startled to think that we had any responsibility for that road at all.' Illinois House passes 'Dillon's Law' to help more people carry Epi-Pens On the other hand, Illinois Department of Transportation spokesman Paul Wappel said in January that the county, not the homeowner's association, would need to be the entity to apply for a grant through IDOT's Highway Safety Improvement Program. Dick said he would be happy to help the county's highway department write the grant application if asked. While he said he fully supports the project, he also said it's not his responsibility to follow through with writing out and applying for the application. 'We are willing to help write the application if that is useful to the county, but we cannot be responsible for a major county road,' Dick said. The topic of County Highway 10 was listed under the 'public comments' portion of the April 3 meeting's agenda. The only person to comment on the matter was the committee's vice chairman, Jode Munsterman, who offered to share pictures she took of the highway where it bisects Bayles Lake. For more information on other business discussed during the April 3 board meeting, head to the Ford County Chronicle's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hochul announces highway safety funding
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday, March 6 that $90 million is now available to help local governments enhance safety and reduce fatalities on their roads. According to a news release from Hochul's office, the funding is part of a comprehensive 'Safe System' approach toward zero deaths being deployed by the state Department of Transportation to reduce fatalities on all highway systems across New York. The funding will support projects intended to prevent vehicles from inadvertently straying from their lanes and to lessen the severity of crashes that result from those instances. In New York state, about 40% of crash fatalities occur when a vehicle departs from its lane. The initiative is part of a multi-year, multi-agency action plan released last year by NYSDOT to reduce such incidents and minimize the injuries and fatalities that result from them. 'Safe highways save lives and through the adoption of a 'Safe System' approach, we are holistically looking at our highway systems to see where our safety investments can make the biggest difference in reducing fatalities,' Hochul said. 'The funding we are making available today will help local governments design and implement projects that will enhance the safety of their roadways and make it more likely that drivers reach their destination unharmed.' Last summer, NYSDOT released the Roadway Departure Safety Action Plan, which calls for comprehensive approach to be undertaken by the department and its partner agencies to reduce fatalities and serious injuries that result when vehicles inadvertently depart their lanes or the roadway. Under the plan, NYSDOT is focusing on engineering improvements, public education and awareness campaigns, and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee is coordinating law enforcement activities, the release stated. Funding for the projects is available through the Federal Highway Administration's Highway Safety Improvement Program and may be used to support the design and construction of countermeasures intended to reduce roadway or lane departures and lessen the likelihood that departure-related crashes cause death or serious injury. Such countermeasures include, but are not limited to, enhanced striping, curve warning signs, rumble strips and median barriers, the release stated. A portion of the funds — about $10 million — has been set aside to support local municipalities in developing Local Road Safety Plans, which identify and analyze problem areas and prioritize potential safety improvements. Minimum available funds per local project is $250,000. Entities eligible to sponsor a project include counties, towns, villages and Native nations and metropolitan planning organizations. Counties interested in sponsoring a project on behalf of one or more municipalities within their county also are eligible to apply. For more information, visit
