The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently released a report updating the public and partners on the deployment of the department’s PennDOT Connects initiative.
PennDOT Connects provides a new approach to project planning and development. It expands the department’s requirements for engaging local and planning partners by requiring collaboration with stakeholders before project scopes are developed. Areas for discussion during collaboration include but are not limited to safety issues, bicycle/pedestrian accommodations, transit access, stormwater management, utility issues, local and regional plans and studies, freight-generating land uses and more. The initiative was implemented in 2016.
According to the report, PennDOT has completed project-planning collaboration and outreach with more than 750 municipalities on more than 1,850 projects through the new planning process.
“I am gratified to see PennDOT Connects being embraced by our team, communities, and planning partners,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said. “Our report shows that we are hearing and considering community needs earlier in the process, resulting in outcomes that benefit our citizens and wisely use resources.”
The report includes more details on the initiative and examples of successful projects across the state.