The Hub 3/8/2024: Clean Air Council’s Weekly Round-up of Transportation News
“The Hub” is a weekly round-up of transportation related news in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Check back weekly to keep up-to-date on the issues Clean Air Council’s transportation staff finds important.
City of Philadelphia: What We’ve Learned from the Washington Avenue Year 1 Evaluation Report – The Washington Avenue Repaving and Improvement project was completed in 2023. This project aimed to improve safety and curbside management. Traffic calming measures including speed cushions were installed, and new loading zones were added, along with other improvements. According to the city’s year 1 evaluation results, the street is safer, greener, and more efficient. The city also found that between fourth and 11th street, where protected bike lanes were installed, bike volumes increased by 181%. Illegal parking was a mixed bag – double parking and median parking decreased, but there was an increase in sidewalk parking by 81%. The next evaluation is scheduled for March 2025.
PhillyVoice: PennDOT, PA Turnpike Commission implement work zone speed cameras – Pennsylvania entities started to enforce the Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program, which Gov. Josh Shapiro made permanent by signing House Bill (H.B.) 1284 into law in December. This program tickets drivers at least 11 miles over the speed limit in an active work zone. The program aims to raise awareness and change unsafe driving behaviors to prevent work zone crashes. This legislation became effective on February 15th. First-time violators will get a warning letter in the mail, a $75 fine for the second offense, and a $150 fine for the third and other subsequent violations.
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh officials recommit to goal of zero traffic related deaths – Between 2018 to 2022 fatal crashes in Pittsburgh increased by 70%. In response, Pittsburgh’s officials have recommitted to a “vision zero” plan, which aims to achieve zero traffic fatalities. With this recommitment, the city has invested approximately $1.4 million in the 2024 budget for traffic calming measures.
Other Stories
WHYY: Three trains involved in ‘collision and derailment’ in eastern Pennsylvania; no injuries reported
The Inquirer: NJ Transit says it needs $917 million, but riders say poor service doesn’t warrant paying more per ride
CBS News: SEPTA study using AI finds parking in bus lanes blocks safe access for disabled community
The Inquirer: New York is tapping the National Guard to combat crime on its subways. Here’s why Philly isn’t doing the same.
Government Technology: To Fund Micromobility, Connect It to Public Transit
