TOM WOLF, GOVERNOR YASSMIN GRAMIAN, P.E., SECRETARY Volume 3 Issue 11 District Executive Message

The 2020/2021 winter season has definitely come in like a lion. The snow storm that hit the state in mid-December was likely the largest storm event we have seen in recent years. That storm was then followed by two weather events that hit southwest Pennsylvania on both the Christmas and New Year holidays.

While most of us were spending time with our families on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, maintenance employees were working hard to keep our roads open and passable. The storm that hit on Christmas produced snow fall amounts between 4 to 6 inches requiring crews to work 12-hour shifts keeping the roads passable for drivers to get to their destinations safely. A week later there was no rest for the weary as the second storm brought rain and freezing conditions to our area in time for New Year’s. Though the event brought less amounts than predicted, crews were still required to be out treating the roads for icing conditions.

With three storms behind us, the District 12 Maintenance Unit has again shown the ability to take on all weather challenges. In this case while also following COVID-19 protocols to keep themselves and co-workers safe. With three more months of possible winter weather, there is still a lot of work to be done. With a little luck perhaps winter will go out like a lamb, but if not I know our crews are ready to tame the lion and keep our roads open and passable. The time that was sacrificed from family by our crews during these holidays cannot be minimized and they will continue to work as long as needed during all upcoming events. To our operators who keep the roads open, our mechanics who keep the trucks and equipment operational, and support personnel; we thank them all for their hard work and dedication. Sincerely,

William L. Kovach, P.E. District Executive

Area Command Roadway Condition Standard

As Pennsylvanians know all too well, a winter storm can come unannounced and leave behind roadways that are less than ideal for travel. The fact that storms can be unpredictable makes keeping roadways clear even more of a challenge for department staff throughout the commonwealth. In the event of an extreme winter storm, the Department will activate the Incident Command Center (ICC) for the region. The ICC is utilized to ensure that everyone involved in maintenance operations is aware of the situation and have consistent plans in place.

One standard used by area command centers is the scale that identifies winter roadway conditions. It’s important for the maintenance representative to identify which condition is predominate at that point in time and assign the condition a score of 1-6, with condition 1 being “Clear”. This is the best case and would be for roadways that are simply wet or possibly even dry. One key factor of this condition is that motorists can maintain a speed of, or close to, the posted speed limit. Condition 2 represents “Wet with Freezing Conditions”. This condition illustrates a roadway that is at or near freezing temperatures and is expected to freeze in a short amount of time. Additionally, occasional spots of snow or ice may have accumulated. Condition 3 is for roadways that are “Snow and/or Slush Covered”. This is for light roadway coverings and a max of 2 inches of accumulation on secondary roadways. Also, reduced travel speeds may be noticed. The first 3 conditions are more manageable and don’t represent as great of a challenge as the following 3.

As a winter storm worsens, conditions 4-6 can create dangerous environments for travel. Condition 4 illustrates “Snow Packed/ Significant Snow Cover”. Continuous stretches of the pavement surface are covered at this point and can see as much as 2-5 inches of total accumulation. This can occur during times of heavy snowfall. It is important to consider speed limit and vehicle restrictions for safety at this point. Condition 5 represents “Icy”. There may be snow, sleet, or ice that creates a packed slick surface. And finally, condition 6 is for roadways that have become “Impassable”. This is the worst possible condition with blowing snow, low visibility, glare and other severe weather aspects. These roadways have excessive amounts of unplowed snow and are temporarily unable to be traveled on by most vehicles.

Using this system is a key way to ensure that everyone at area command is aware of the current roadway conditions in the district. Having this system in place is just one way members of the ICC team and county maintenance crews work together to avoid major catastrophes during severe winter weather. Furthermore, its utilization is crucial for Department forces when a major winter event has occurred or is anticipated. The date of the next winter storm is never known, but the fact that another storm is inevitable makes having processes in place of the utmost importance.

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TOM WOLF, GOVERNOR YASSMIN GRAMIAN, P.E., SECRETARY Volume 3 Issue 11

Projects to be Bid

Lettings January 14, 2021 (anticipated)

Route 4075 over Pucketa Creek – Department Force Bridge (DFB) ─ This is to supply and set a box culvert for the replacement of the structure carrying Route 4075 (Schaffer Drive) over Pucketa Creek in Upper Burrell Township, Westmoreland County. County Maintenance forces will complete all other aspects of the project.

Route 356 Safety Improvement ─ This project is for safety improvements to various intersections along the PA 356 corridor from just north of White Cloud Road where we will tie into the PA 356 Climbing Lane Project and south to Pleasant Hill Road in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County.

Route 1051 over Butler Run – Department Force Bridge (DFB) ─ This is to supply and set box culverts for the replacement of the structure carrying Route 1051 (Breakneck Road) over Butler Run in Bullskin Township, Fayette County. County Maintenance forces will complete all other aspects of the project.

Route 136 / Route 1055 Flashing Beacon ─ This project is for the installation of a flashing beacon at the PA 136 / Route 1055 intersection in Somerset Township, Washington County.

Westmoreland County #29 ─ This project is the rehabilitation of the locally owned structure that carries Ligonier Street over Loyalhanna Creek (County Bridge #29) in Latrobe Borough, Westmoreland County.

Lettings January 28, 2021 (anticipated)

D12 Stormwater Management ─ This contract will consist of maintenance activities on 53 stormwater facilities throughout the district.

Westmoreland County Epoxy Overlay 2020 ─ This project is the preservation (epoxy overlay) of various structures located within Westmoreland County.

Public Meetings

Valleybrook / Bebout Road Intersection (MPMS# 109242) – This is a virtual meeting that will show the following items: Plans and typical sections of roundabout layout. General information on how roundabouts work and the benefits. Proposed traffic control during construction. The virtual public display plan will be available on the D-12 webpage on 1-19-21.

Bridge Replacement on Route 4012, McDonald Borough in Washington County — The project consists of the replacement of the superstructure carrying Route 4012 (East Lincoln Ave.) over Robb Run near the intersection of Arabella St. The structure will remain on existing alignment and will match the existing typical section. Traffic control during construction will maintain one lane of traffic for most of the project using temporary signals. The virtual plans display includes project information, anticipated design and construction schedules, and a location map. The virtual plans display can be accessed on the PennDOT website beginning Monday, January 18 and will be available through Friday, January 29. To access the webpage visit www.PennDOT.gov/District12 click on the Public Meetings link under the District Links heading, pick the Washington County box, and then choose the Route 4012 (East Lincoln Ave.) over Robb Run Project tile.

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TOM WOLF, GOVERNOR YASSMIN GRAMIAN, P.E., SECRETARY Volume 3 Issue 11 District 12’s Construction Round Up

PennDOT District 12 is pleased to announce the completion of the PA 356 Truck Climbing Lane project in Westmoreland County. This project involved widening the roadway template from a two-lane to a four-lane configuration with a shared center turning lane in many locations throughout the project limits. Also included was a horizontal realignment of the lower portions of the roadway to reduce overall horizontal curvature and severity of the grade as the roadway ascends away from the Allegheny River.

Pictured below is the lower portion of the project in its new alignment. The cul-de-sac area is what remains of the original two-lane roadway and has been abandoned by the Department to Allegheny Township as per agreement. This area was originally a two-lane heavily canopied section. The new adjacent alignment was built entirely on new embankment and required a substantial stream relocation and mitigation effort to complete.

The project began in December of 2018 and was initially slated to be built in five phases in order to maintain two-way traffic throughout the duration of the project. During the 2019 construction season these phases were altered to include partial split phasing which allowed the contractor to have access to additional locations that were slated for future excavation operations. The result of this decision was that production rates proceeded ahead of schedule and at the end of the 2019 construction season the project was six weeks ahead of schedule. This also proved to be instrumental in the contractor’s ability to still complete the project ahead of schedule despite the COVID-19 delay in the Spring of 2020. A strong partnering relationship between Department staff and Plum Contracting, Inc.’s project management team resulted in a smoothly run project delivered ahead of schedule.

Congratulations to all involved! We believe this project is a great enhancement to the community, and will be a major improvement to the transportation system for this area.

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TOM WOLF, GOVERNOR YASSMIN GRAMIAN, P.E., SECRETARY Volume 3 Issue 11

Are you looking for work this winter? Work that could lead to a permanent job with benefits? If so, PennDOT District 12 is the place for you!!!!!

The Winter Maintenance Program is starting soon with the following positions available:

Transportation Equipment/CDL Operator – $ 16.72 per hour: Perform a variety of duties during the winter season, such as snow removal, traffic control, equipment repairs and maintenance, guide rail repair and truck unloading. To be eligible, you must have: Graduated from a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training School; OR have successfully completed the Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee Program; OR have an equivalent combination of experience and training. Special Requirement: Possession of an active PA Class A or B CDL or equivalent with the Air Brake (L) Restriction removed; certain positions require that the E or O restriction is removed. All candidates will be subject to a driving skills test as part of the interview process. Most of these tests will be conducted on vehicles with manual transmissions. Possession of an active Medical Examination Certificate is required.

Diesel & Construction Equipment Mechanic - $ 20.00 per hour: Repair and maintain PennDOT equipment and diesel-powered vehicles, including heavy trucks weighing 26,001 pounds or greater, graders, backhoes, front end loaders, etc. To be eligible, you must have: Three years of journey-level mechanical experience in the diagnosis and repair of automobiles, heavy trucks, or construction equipment. The three years must include one year of experience in the diagnosis and repair of diesel vehicles or equipment. OR an equivalent combination of experience and training. Special Requirements: Possession of an active PA Official Motor Vehicle Class 1 and 7 Inspection Mechanic Certificate, and an active PA Class B CDL or equivalent with the Air Brake (L) Restriction removed; some positions may require possession of an active PA Class A CDL or equivalent with the Air Brake (L) Restriction removed. All candidates will be subject to a driving skills test as part of the interview process. Most of these tests will be conducted on vehicles with manual transmissions. Possession of an active Medical Examination Certificate is required.

Auto Mechanic - $ 17.73 per hour: Conduct routine maintenance and repair of vehicles, equipment and parts, to ensure that all fleet vehicles and equipment operate at peak efficiency within department standards. To be eligible, you must have: Four years of experience in the automotive mechanic trade. OR completion of an approved apprenticeship. OR any combination of experience and training. Special Requirements: Certain positions include the possession of an active PA license of the class appropriate to the vehicle operated and inspected; ALL positions require possession of an active PA Inspection Mechanic Certification, Class 1 at minimum.

Tradesman Helper - $ 15.74 per hour: Assist the mechanics with the maintenance and repair of equipment. Previous experience working with Auto Mechanics is preferred, but not required. Special Requirement: Certain positions require possession of an active non-commercial PA Class C driver's license or equivalent.

Continued on next page.

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TOM WOLF, GOVERNOR YASSMIN GRAMIAN, P.E., SECRETARY Volume 3 Issue 11

Continued from previous page.

Welder - $ 17.73 per hour: Perform welding duties such as structural welding of bridge members and fabricating repair parts, in addition to repairs to frames on equipment, hitches and plows. To be eligible, you must have: Four years of experience in the welding trade. OR an equivalent combination of experience and training. Special Requirement: Possession of an active PA non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.

Radio Dispatcher - $ 13.97 per hour: Operate radios during snowstorms and perform various clerical functions. Previous clerical or radio dispatching experience, including the utilization of electronic communications equipment and visual display equipment is preferred, but not required.

If any of these positions appeal to you, simply log onto www.employment.pa.gov and apply or click on the following hyperlink: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ pabureau/jobs/2789055/penndot-seasonal-winter-jobs-cdl-operator-garage-mechanic- dispatcher-positio?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

General Reminders

• All candidates must create an online account with the employment website in order to apply for vacancy postings. • Complete all parts of the online application and be thorough and detailed. Your qualifications, eligibility, and score (if applicable) for vacant positions will be determined solely by the information entered on your application. • All state agencies post vacancies on this website, so check the website often! • It is the applicant’s responsibility to read the vacancy posting language and attach all the necessary documents to their online application. Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected from further consideration. • You must list your current Department employment on your application. (Be sure to include all facets of your work experiences – be very detailed – leave nothing out) • Your application and all required documents must be submitted by the closing date of the vacancy posting; information cannot be accepted after the closing date. • Double check that you are applying for the correct posting on the correct page. You can switch between the “Internal” and “Open to Public” pages using the menu button on the top left corner of the screen. • If you have any questions on a vacancy posting, contact the HR contact person listed on the vacancy posting.

For any questions and/or assistance regarding the Winter Maintenance Program, please contact Mary Grassi at 724.439.7346 or [email protected].

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