US 202 CONSTRUCTION IS COMING TO A CLOSE PAGE 6 PAGE 4 TMACC hosted its 6th Annual Bike to Work Challenge on Friday, May 13th of this year. The forecast was scheduled for bad weather, but the rain held off for the 70 plus riders who attended this year – a new attendance record! MACC MEMBER PROFILE T When Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building materials manufacturer, celebrated its 350th anniversary last year, part of the celebration included the move of its North American headquarters to a new building in Malvern. Approximately 10 miles away from the Valley Forge site where CertainTeed (Saint-Gobain’s largest subsidiary) had been based since... Runners, cyclists and walkers rejoice! It’s trail season! And “The Circuit,” one of America’s largest trail networks, is sure to have a trail segment near you. This year, barring weather or other delays, the end of summer will bring US 202 motorists a huge relief in the form of six lanes of travel from the Route 30 Bypass all the way to King of Prussia. Throughout the winter, crews continued installing ... PAGE 2 PAGE 8 IN THIS ISSUE CHESTER COUNTY’S TRANSPORTATION NEWSLETTER C ONNECTIONS Spring 2016
Transcript
US 202 CONSTRUCTION IS
COMING TO A CLOSE
PAGE 6
PAGE 4
TMACC hosted its 6th Annual Bike to Work Challenge on Friday, May 13th
of this year. The forecast was
scheduled for bad weather, but the
rain held off for the 70 plus riders
who attended this year – a new
attendance record!
MACC MEMBERPROFILE
T
When Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building materials manufacturer, celebrated its 350th anniversary last year, part of the celebration included the move of its North American headquarters to a new building in Malvern.
Approximately 10 miles away from the Valley Forge site where CertainTeed (Saint-Gobain’s largest subsidiary) had been based since...
Runners, cyclists and walkers rejoice! It’s trail season! And “The Circuit,” one of America’s largest trail networks, is sure to have a trail segment near you.
This year, barring weather or other delays, the end of summer will bring US 202 motorists a huge relief in the form of six lanes of travel from the Route 30 Bypass all the way to King of Prussia. Throughout the winter, crews continued installing ...
PAGE 2PAGE 8
IN THIS ISSUE
CHESTER COUNTY’S TRANSPORTATION NEWSLETTER
CONNECTIONS
Spring 2016
TMACC is a non-profit organization comprised of over 120 members and growing! Our membership is a diverse group ranging from universities, townships, elected officials, corporations, engineers, real estate agents, financial consultants, banks and more. Any company seeking a better transportation system should be joining TMACC!
With your membership and support, TMACC is able to carry out its mission of providing transportation solutions and alternatives in Chester County to support better air quality and reduce traffic congestion. We advocate and get actively involved in county projects that affect your daily commute and reactional activity. Check out the many projects and activities in this newsletter from the 202 expansion project to the usage of the trail system to the tracking of pothole updates. We provide a number of transportation and commute benefits for your company and the employees that work there.
And these are just the beginning of the benefits that we offer! There are plenty of additional benefits your company can take advantage of with your TMACC membership.
If you are interested in joining TMACC or are already a member contact Jonathan Ewald, Manager of Corporate and Community Relations, at [email protected]. To learn more about our benefits!
B E I N G A Member H A S I T S
B E N E F I T SA D D I T I O N A L B E N E F I T S
Discounted tickets to TMACC events
Exclusive member-only events - often with local authorities providing informational regional updates
Assistance with company shuttle service creation
Bicycle audits – review and recommend workplace bicycle amenities
Commuter shed analysis – assisting you with developing sustainable modes of transportation for company employees
Information clearinghouse for transportation projects – if it involves transportation, we know it!
AND MORE!
SPRING 2016 | 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chris Williams, ChairMcMahon Associates, Inc.
Mike Grigalonis,Vice ChairChester County Economic Development Council
Greg Davis, SecretarySaul Ewing, LLP
Don Jacobs, TreasurerTraffic Planning & Design, Inc.
Matthew BaumannTredyffrin Township
Kristin S. CampBuckley, Brion, McGuire & Morris, LLP
Bonny Coddaire Vanguard
Pamela Conti WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff
Grant EverhartQVC, Inc.
Vito A. GenuaGannett Fleming Inc.
Kerry JonesImmaculata University
Gary D. Krapf Krapf’s Coaches, Inc.
Patty McFadden Penn State Great Valley
Steve MooreEnvision Consultants, Ltd.
John NagelEast Whiteland Township
Anthony Nichols, Jr.Liberty Property Trust
Timothy SmithExton Square Mall
Dr. Louis J. Beccaria, Ex OfficioPhoenixville Community Health Foundation
Gene Blaum, Ex OfficioPennDOT, District 60
Erin Burke, Ex OfficioDelaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
John Calnan, Ex OfficioSEPTA
Commissioner Michelle Kichline, Ex OfficioChester County Commissioner
Jackie Koons-Felion, Ex OfficioPennDOT, Central Office
Brian O’Leary, Ex Officio Chester County Planning Commissio
Gary Smith, Board EmeritusChester County Economic Development Council
pring has finally sprung! People who have been hibernating indoors for the past 5 months can finally escape outdoors. You feel energized, motivated, exhilarated because the “warm” weather is here.
So you get ready for a walk, jog, or bike ride. You dust off your shoes and helmet and get ready to crank out a great exercise. As you begin your athletic adventure you begin to realize that your route is not very pedestrian or biking friendly. You are missing sidewalk connections and now walking in the street. The shoulder that you were running along has become very narrow and the cars are riding close to the white line. The shoulder isn’t wide enough to ride your bike in and vehicles whizzing by are not giving way to the 4-feet law. You’re left scratching your head and wondering where you are going to be able to do any of these activities because vehicular traffic has increased in your community.
For years, the primary focus of transportation and land planning has been the automobile. Wider lanes, quicker cycle times of traffic lights and more convenient parking spaces. Today the shift is toward people leading a more “active lifestyle” or being more environmentally
or economically responsible. People are looking for alternative commuting methods. PennDOT, Chester County Planning Commission and municipalities are considering more multimodal options in the land planning phase. It’s unfortunate that we have to live like this, but it’s not impossible to change.
Little by little, municipalities and businesses in Chester County are taking advantage of new State funding and are shifting the focus from transit-oriented to people-oriented. Municipalities are adding sidewalks to their connections. New resurfaced roads include a better shoulder. Businesses, like Vanguard and PNC, are seeing the value of adding bicycle amenities for their employees.
We need more people like you, to encourage a more people-oriented culture; TMACC is here to help. This spring we hosted a variety of events for biking in the community (visit page 8 to learn more). Or contact us to learn how you can improve your community’s multimodal connections.
P. TIMOTHY PHELPS Executive Director of TMACC
@TMACCTim
LETTER FROM TIMAS 1
4
2
5
6
8
9
• A Letter from Tim
• Board of Directors
• TMACC Member Profile:
Saint-Gobain
• US 202 Construction is
Coming to a Close!
• Train Station Updates
• Transportation Update
• The Circuit Trails
• TMACC Hosts 6th Annual
Bike to Work Challenge
• State of Transportation
Breakfast
Saint-Gobain’s North American Headquarters Moves to Malvern
When Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building materials manufacturer, celebrated its 350th anniversary last year, part of the celebration included the move of its North American headquarters to a new building in Malvern.
Approximately 10 miles away from the Valley Forge site where CertainTeed (Saint-Gobain’s largest subsidiary) had been based since 1970, the new headquarters site is located on a 65-acre campus. The main building is a state-of-the-art facility which features more than 40 products made by CertainTeed and Saint-Gobain, used in a renovation of two abandoned office buildings that is so drastic—and elegant-- that occupants of the original structures wouldn’t recognize the place. It’s a showcase-quality “living laboratory” that allows the company to evaluate the performance of its products and make refinements based on real-world conditions. The structure features the very best of the company’s glass, insulation, drywall, roofing, ceilings and architectural fabrics, which keeps the headquarters comfortable, energy efficient, protected from the elements and acoustically ideal.
The open-style work environment, central collaboration areas, cleaner indoor air and glass walls offering sweeping views of nature and plenty of natural light are a dramatic transformation from the old campus. CertainTeed’s R&D operations, previously based in Blue Bell, moved to the Malvern campus in October 2014, and the rest of the CertainTeed and Saint-Gobain employees followed a year later. With all of the CertainTeed businesses, R&D team and corporate staff now in one place, the facility offers an environment that truly fosters collaboration for its 800-plus employees, ready to play a part in developing Saint-Gobain’s next great innovations.
MACC MEMBERPROFILE
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2 | TMACC CONNECTIONS
The headquarters, situated on 65 acres in Malvern Pa., is expected to achieve LEED Platinum certification for the interior and the core and shell.
SageGlass is installed on the western and southern elevations of the façade and plays an integral role in helping its parent company Saint-Gobain achieve its sustainability goals, while creating a next-generation workplace that puts employees’ comfort first.
But There’s a Challenge.
Moving westward into Chester County has shifted Saint-Gobain further away from urban, Millennial-friendly downtown Philadelphia…and further away from the easy access to public transportation so valued by employees, as well as future talent the company hopes to attract. With the addition of a convenient SEPTA bus route unlikely in the near future, Saint-Gobain has begun providing its employees with regular shuttle service between the Paoli train station and the Malvern headquarters. Paoli was the logical choice for a shuttle location, with AMTRAK as well as SEPTA rail and bus service…and it’s only a short drive between the station and the Saint-Gobain campus, which the free shuttle motors along four times in the morning and again in the afternoon.
Response to the shuttle service has been positive and ridership continues to grow. Riders can use their commuting time to work, read, converse with co-workers—and sleep! Everyone benefits. The shuttle keeps enough cars off the road to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than one ton every month. Also, the shuttle aligns well with Saint-Gobain’s goals of energy efficiency, environmental stewardship and healthy working environments, and provides the company with points to help the building achieve the much-sought-after U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® v3 Platinum status — the highest level of certification — for both the interior and exterior, making it the first commercial building in Chester County—or Pennsylvania--to receive the certification.
For more information on Saint-Gobain visit their website at www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com.
SPRING 2016 | 3
4 | TMACC CONNECTIONS
Exton Train Station UpdateSEPTA began Phase 2 of the Exton Train Station in the beginning of May. Phase 2 work includes the installation of an underground storm water retention system, platform foundations, and work preparation for Phase 3 and Phase 4 work. Phase 2 of the project is expected to last approximately 8 months and includes additional parking spaces, high-level accessible boarding platforms, a new station building on the inbound platform, and upgraded signage, lighting and landscaping. The work is expected to be completed in six phases over a three year period.
Paoli Station Accessibility Improvement Project – Upcoming Public Meeting - Wednesday, June 8th, 4:00 pm–7:30pm
Amtrak is in the process of beginning this project which will include a series of improvements aimed at making the station fully accessible for all passengers. The project includes a new center high level platform, new elevators and ramps, a pedestrian overpass, parking lot improvements, ADA improvements to the existing station building, and changes to infrastructure that allow for construction of the center high level. This summer, Amtrak and SEPTA will hold a public meeting to discuss the project plans on June 8th at the Paoli Train Station.
T H E E N D I S N E A R
U S 2 0 2 C O N S T R U C T I O NI S C O M I N G T O A C L O S E !
This year, barring weather or other delays, the end of
summer will bring US 202 motorists a huge relief
in the form of six lanes of travel from the Route 30
Bypass all the way to King of Prussia. Throughout the winter,
crews installed storm water systems and continued other prep
work for the road construction season. Commuters should take
note that work activity is going to increase substantially. This
will result in increased heavy truck traffic, and overnight lane
closures as needed, as well as increased enforcement of work
zone speed limits.
US 202 Construction on Route 401
As part of the larger US 202 widening project, Route 401 in East Whiteland has been the focus of
numerous improvements. In May, motorists will notice construction coming to completion on most of
the projects including new on and off ramps to US 202, improved signals and turning lanes.
Construction crews work to pour and smooth concrete for the base of the road.
SPRING 2016 | 5
Route 926 Bridge Replacement and Roadway ImprovementsThis spring, PennDOT announced plans for the replacement of the Route 926 Bridge, as well as major roadway and intersection improvements for Route 926 and Creek Road in Pocopson Township. The project will include removal and replacement of the 79-year-old bridge over the Brandywine Creek with a new three-span structure at a higher elevation. In order to make the approaching roadways less prone to flooding, additional work will include rebuilding and raising 1,700 feet of the roadway approaches, and replacing the nearby culvert over Radley Run, by realigning 800 feet of Creek Road at its northern intersection with Route 926. The 926 bridge carries 13,000 vehicles a day. Construction is expected to begin in late fall 2016 and will result in an approximately 12-18 month detour around the Route 926 Bridge and Radley Run culvert.
Yellow Springs Road BridgeIn February, contractors for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission began work on the Yellow Springs Road Bridge that crosses the Turnpike near the Route 29 exit. Last month, crews successfully executed a controlled explosion to demolish the existing structure during an overnight closure of the turnpike. The new bridge, similar to the Mill Road Bridge and Valley Forge Road Bridge, will widen the underpass from four lanes to six, as well as improve sightlines and straighten out the approaching roadways. Construction is on schedule and expected to last until late November/early December.
Route 29 and Pothouse Road UpdateDue to limited inclement weather this winter, utility crews were able to work throughout the winter and early spring to relocate utility poles located along Pothouse Road and Route 29 in Schuylkill Township. Preliminary grading and construction of storm water management systems have already begun with roadway construction expected to begin late spring. This summer, motorists should be prepared for a short term closure that will require a detour for several weeks. The improvements are part of the construction of the nearby Phoenixville Area School District Early Learning Center. When complete, commuters will notice improved traffic flow resulting from left turn lanes in each direction at the intersection of Route 29 and Pothouse Road, as well as new turning lanes on Pothouse Road to access the new school.
RT 926 Bridge Public MeetingAbout 175 people attended an Open House Public Meeting for the upcoming Route 926 Bridge Closure. Frank Eelis, project engineer at Gannett Fleming, Inc. presented the project to the group. To view the presentation from the public meeting, visit www.route926.com.
RANSPORTATIONUPDATES
T
Proposed plans for the Route 926 bridge replacement and roadway improvements.
The Yellow Springs Road Bridge was demolished in late March to widen the Pennsylvania Turnpike below to six lanes.
Learn more about the 926 Project at: www.route926.com.
Frank Eelis from Gannett Fleming, Inc. and Leanne Fullard of PennDOT presenting at the Public Meeting.
6 | TMACC CONNECTIONS
Runners, cyclists and walkers rejoice! It’s trail season! And “The Circuit,” one of America’s largest trail networks, is sure to have a trail segment near you. A regional network, the Circuit currently includes more
than 300 miles of multi-use trails that span nine counties in southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The network will ultimately include 750 miles of interconnected trails.
Last month, The Circuit debuted its new campaign, Proud to Trail, and a new, user-friendly website. On CircuitTrails.org, visitors can explore trails, find fun and informative events and things to do on the Circuit Trails and learn more about getting involved to support the growing network. Proud to Trail also encourages people to share their trail stories and photos on social media. Like, follow and engage with the Circuit Trails on Facebook @TheCircuitTrails, Twitter @circuittrails and Instagram @thecircuittrails and tag your posts with #onthecircuit.
Get out #onthecircuit this season!
RELIEVE
CONGEStioNTAKE
TRANSIT!sign up to getfree air quality alerts:www.AirQualityPartnership.org
This April, TMACC and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission presented the Air Quality Excellence Awards to two organizations based out of Chester County. Each year the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Air Quality Partnership recognizes the positive actions taken by people and organizations in the region to reduce air pollution and protect public health.
May is Air Quality Awareness Month.
Check out tips and tricks to improve your air quality on our Facebook and Twitter!
IR QUALITY AWARDS
ARTH DAY
A
E
West Chester University was presented with the Air Quality Excellence Award for a public organization. WCU was presented the award for their fleet of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered vehicles, providing Zipcar rentals and sponsoring a shuttle bus to enable access to the Exton train station.
TMACC hosted its 2nd Clean the Trail Celebration on the Chester Valley Trail to celebrate Earth Day. Over 40 volunteers joined us on the trail to plant and replace trees and pick up waste. Thanks to the helpful volunteers it took us less than an hour to plant the trees! A big thank you to Chester County
Johnson Matthey, Inc. was presented with the Air Quality Excellence Award for a private organization. Not only are they the world leader in designing emissions control analysts (catalytic converters) for automobiles, trucks, off-road vehicles, locomotives and stationary source pollutant emitters, but they are also heavily involved in setting tough environmental goals for their company to reducing their carbon footprint by half in the next 10 years.
For more information on how your company can be involved in Air Quality Improvement, visit www.airqualitypartnership.org.
Erin Burke from DVRPC and Tim Phelps from TMACC present the Air Quality Excellence Award to
Johnson Matthey’s Howard Hessand Bob Stajnrajh
Thank you to our group of volunteers for helping on Earth Day!
Team McMahon Associates, Inc. working on Earth Day.
Facilities and Parks for allowing us to do the work and to our sponsors PNC Bank.
8 | TMACC CONNECTIONS
TMACC hosted its 6th Annual Bike to Work Challenge on Friday, May 13th of this year. The forecast was scheduled for bad weather, but the rain held off for the 70 plus riders who attended this year – a new attendance record!
The Challenge was to bring the most employees out for the ride, and Team Cerner knocked it completely out of the park with a total of 29 riders! Second place was Team Traffic Planning and Design with 9 riders and third place was Team Vanguard with 8 riders.
Even though the Challenge and National Bike Month may be over, show your support of riding to work on social media by using the hashtag #MakeYourCommuteBearable!
Team Traffic, Planning & Design, Inc. placed second with 9 Riders.
Riders celebrate Bike to Work Day with TMACC at their National Bike Challenge.
Team Cerner Rider, Jenny Brower, accepts the Bike Horns Trophy from TMACC Chair, Chris Williams.
SPRING 2016 | 9
From doorstep to desktop, save money when your employees use transit.RideECO is good for business.This easy-to-administer, pre-tax employee benefi t can actually help boost your bottom line. Find out how today.
Savings, everywhere you turn. Learn more at www.RideECO.org or 215-592-1800. A program of the Delaware Valley
Regional Planning Commission.
SEPTA | PATCO | NJ TRANSIT | DART FIRST STATE | VRIDE | AMTRAK
PennDOT Deputy Secretary of Planning,
James D. Ritzman, P.E. speaking.
West Chester University’s Vice President, Mark Mixner, and Garage Supervisor, Larry Krackov, accept the Air Quality Excellence Award to their efforts to improve air quality.
On Thursday, April 14, 2016 TMACC hosted their 2016 State of Transportation Spring Breakfast. Over 120 engineers, planners, municipal officials and university representatives attended the breakfast to hear Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary of Planning, James D. Ritzman, P.E. and SEPTA’s General Manager, Jeffrey D. Knueppel, P.E. The guest speakers discussed the advancement in projects and transportation initiatives spurred from
the ACT 89 Transportation Bill that was signed by former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett in November 2013. Thank you to our Gold sponsors Burns Engineering and McMahon Associates, Inc.
tate of Transportation BreakfastS
Our mission is to activate, foster and facilitate cooperation between
the public and private sectors of Chester County to identify, evaluate,
and analyze significant transportation issues and to recommend
solutions that reduce congestion and improve air quality.
