Page 1 TOM WOLF, GOVERNOR YASSMIN GRAMIAN, P.E., SECRETARY Volume 3 Issue 9 District Executive Message Planning for Winter in a COVID-19 Environment We at District 12, like many of you, are adjusting to working in a “new normal” pandemic environment. Unfortunately, SNOW & ICE don’t follow COVID guidelines and we must be prepared for winter! We are doing our best to prepare for winter while realizing that many changes will be necessary compared to our “old normal” way of doing business. Most importantly, we must keep the safety of our employees as our first priority. We also must balance that with our goal of keeping the roads in District 12 safe and passable. We are preparing to clean our vehicles before and after each operator enters/exits. Our employees are provided with the necessary cleaning supplies to ensure this happens. Our employees are also provided with masks and follow the social distancing rules. Our Winter Maintenance Program hires temporary CDL operators, Clerks, Tradesman Helpers, and Diesel and Auto Mechanics. These temporary positions sometimes can turn into full time positions on a seniority basis. This winter we need to hire approximately 100 temporary CDL Operators. We currently have about half of the applicants we need. COVID has made our traditional recruiting methods challenging and we are exploring alternative avenues to advertise our open positions. Our interviewing process has changed somewhat, but we are finding ways to handle that as well, without putting our employees or job applicants at risk. The temporary operators and other positions are critical to our success during winter storms. Each truck with a plow and spreader is assigned a particular “snow route”. Temporary operators allow us to assign two operators to each truck, one for each shift (that will work up to 12 hours each if necessary). Failure to be able to hire enough temporary personnel to staff winter requires the snow routes to be modified, increasing the mileage for each truck and operator to cover. This equates to more time to cover the route, and each roadway section receiving service at longer intervals. The same scenario happens in the event permanent employees are unable to work due to illness or other reasons. Planning for winter is very critical in a normal year; and our Maintenance personnel do an excellent job with the planning. This year it will be even more critical than ever, understanding that we will need additional planning for unexpected circumstances. We are committed to being agile, and quickly adjusting to changing situations. As always when it comes to winter operations, we will be planning for the worse, but hoping for the best. Sincerely, William L. Kovach, P.E. District Executive See pages 6 and 7 to learn more about the PennDOT jobs that are available in District 12.
Planning for Winter in a COVID-19 Environment We at District 12, like many of you, are adjusting to working in a “new normal” pandemic environment. Unfortunately, SNOW & ICE don’t follow COVID guidelines and we must be prepared for winter! We are doing our best to prepare for winter while realizing that many changes will be necessary compared to our “old normal” way of doing business. Most importantly, we must keep the safety of our employees as our first priority. We also must balance that with our goal of keeping the roads in District 12 safe and passable. We are preparing to clean our vehicles before and after each operator enters/exits. Our employees are provided with the necessary cleaning supplies to ensure this happens. Our employees are also provided with masks and follow the social distancing rules. Our Winter Maintenance Program hires temporary CDL operators, Clerks, Tradesman Helpers, and Diesel and Auto Mechanics. These temporary positions sometimes can turn into full time positions on a seniority basis. This winter we need to hire approximately 100 temporary CDL Operators. We currently have about half of the applicants we need. COVID has made our traditional recruiting methods challenging and we are exploring alternative avenues to advertise our open positions. Our interviewing process has changed somewhat, but we are finding ways to handle that as well, without putting our employees or job applicants at risk. The temporary operators and other positions are critical to our success during winter storms. Each truck with a plow and spreader is assigned a particular “snow route”. Temporary operators allow us to assign two operators to each truck, one for each shift (that will work up to 12 hours each if necessary). Failure to be able to hire enough temporary personnel to staff winter requires the snow routes to be modified, increasing the mileage for each truck and operator to cover. This equates to more time to cover the route, and each roadway section receiving service at longer intervals. The same scenario happens in the event permanent employees are unable to work due to illness or other reasons. Planning for winter is very critical in a normal year; and our Maintenance personnel do an excellent job with the planning. This year it will be even more critical than ever, understanding that we will need additional planning for unexpected circumstances. We are committed to being agile, and quickly adjusting to changing situations. As always when it comes to winter operations, we will be planning for the worse, but hoping for the best.
Construction Round Up PennDOT District 12 is pleased to announce the substantial completion of the Donegal roadway reconstruction project. The Donegal project located in Westmoreland County is a 1.91-mile long project on PA-31 to improve the corridor from the PA Turnpike interchange, to the SR 381/SR 711 Intersection. The highlight of this project is the innovative Continuous “T” or Florida “T” intersection at the PA Turnpike, replacing the old unsignalized intersection and adding approximately 175 feet of pavement between the PA Turnpike Toll Booths and PA-31. The new project involves adding lanes and a traffic signal at the intersection that features a dedicated eastbound through lane on PA-31, bypassing eastbound traffic and around the signal. Combined with a westbound right turn lane onto the Turnpike, dedicated left and right turn lanes coming off the Turnpike onto PA-31, this intersection is intended to prevent traffic backups that used to extend onto the Turnpike mainline. A center turn lane was added from the end of the continuous “T” intersection to the intersection of PA-31 with SR 711 North and King’s Way to better serve the businesses in this area. The SR-711 North/King’s Way, and School House Lane/Mountain View Road intersections were realigned to create plus intersections, with turning lanes added. A signal was also added at the SR 711 North intersection. A left turn lane was added at Clubhouse Drive and the nearby vertical curve was improved for better sight distance. The intersection at SR 381/SR 711/SR 2031 was also upgraded and the roadway was widened to include an eastbound right turn lane on SR 31, new flashing beacon, and a speed minder for eastbound traffic descending to the intersection. All intersections include High Friction Surface Treatment, and the signalized intersection includes highway lighting to improve safety. There have been significant changes made to the project during construction. Notably, a 72-inch Reinforced Concrete Pipe was rerouted underneath the Turnpike intersection due to issues encountered when boring was attempted. In addition, some upgrades were made during construction which included updating guiderail to comply with new MASH standards, the addition of base and joint repairs for pavement preservation, and additional drainage to address erosion problems. Possibly the largest impact to the project has been leaking underground storage tanks, and contaminated soils. Surprisingly, this was not at the old Exxon station where anticipated, but at other areas of the project where property was purchased for the realignment. This required extensive coordination with PA DEP, the Westmoreland Co. Conservation District, Central Office, and all consultants and contractors involved. In total, over 21,000 tons of contaminated soil was hauled off site to a landfill. This extra work, extensive testing and remediation, and coordination had a detrimental effect on the project schedule. However, traffic was maintained on PA-31 and paving work was completed at night for most of the mainline work to limit delays for motorists. Most of the roadway work is complete but the contractor continues to work on miscellaneous construction activities such conversion of permanent E & S controls. The overall project completion is anticipated this fall. When completed, the project will provide much safer travel through a busy corridor that sees a tremendous number of visitors every season. Positive relationships with Donegal Township, the Laurel Mountain Chamber of Commerce, businesses, and property owners were maintained throughout the project, to keep them informed of project progress. Plum Contracting was the contractor Plum Contracting, Inc. for this $24 million project.
Intelligent Transportation System (D12 Interstate 70/79 DMS Boards) ─ This project is for the installation of message boards, cameras, poles, foundations, electrical services, fiber optics, electrical cable, conduit on a 4 lane roadway and other miscellaneous construction in various municipalities for State Route 79 Section DMS (Interstate I-79), State Route 70 Section ITS (Interstate I-70), and State Route 79 Section ITS (Interstate I-79) in Washington and Allegheny counties, from approximately the PA/West Virginia state line to approximately the Dunningsville Interchange (#27) exit & I-79 at approximately the Allegheny/Washington County line to segment 0496 offset 0800 NB / segment 0497 offset 0800 SB & various locations on I-70. Intelligent Transportation System (D12 I-70 Camera Systems) ─ This project is for the installation of six closed circuit cameras at five exits along Interstate I - 70, from the Lover exit to the Dunningsville exit in various municipalities in Washington County. The proposed locations are at the following I-70 Exits: Exit 36 - Lover Exit 35 - Route 481 Exit 32 - Bentleyville Interchange Exit 31 - Kammerer Exit 27- Dunningsville Fiber Optic cable to replace wireless communications from Exit 36, Lover to Exit 25, Route 519 CCTV- A high speed camera, with built in video content analysis (VCA) to detect and analyze moving objects, capable of streaming and recording high quality HD video. Intelligent Transportation System (D12 I-79 Camera Installation) ─ This project is for the installation of six closed circuit cameras along I-79 exits from the I-70 North junction to the Canonsburg exit in various municipalities in Washington County. Camera Locations: McClelland Road Interchange Weavertown Road Interchange 519 Interchange Racetrack Rd Interchange Meadowlands Interchange In between Meadowlands and North Junction CCTV- A high speed camera, with built in video content analysis (VCA) to detect and analyze moving objects, capable of streaming and recording high quality HD video.
Projects that Have Been Bid Lettings August 20, 2020
Highway Lighting 12-20-LM1 ─ District-wide Highway Lighting and overhead sign structure lighting repairs and maintenance on I-70, I-79, Route 22, Route 119, other various routes, Park & Rides, Rest Area and Welcome Centers in Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties. The apparent low bidder on this $596,000 contract is Kriger Construction, Inc.
On Demand Bridges 12-0 ─ Bridge on-demand maintenance of various structure types including but not limited to structural steel repairs, concrete deck repairs, concrete substructure repairs, bearing repairs, and scour countermeasures along with other miscellaneous construction for various State Routes in various Municipalities in Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. The apparent low bidder on this $1,702,377 contract is Allison Park Contractors, Inc.
Salina Bridge Preservation - 2020 ─ This project consists of full encasement of the beam ends at both abutments and both piers, minor modifications to the bearing roller nests, bridge deck repairs, minor approach roadway work on the far approach (Edmond), and other miscellaneous construction on State Route 1060 in Bell Township, Westmoreland County. The apparent low bidder on this $415,403 contract is MEKIS Construction Corporation.
Westmoreland County Bridge Preservation 2020 ─ The scope of this project is replacing worn and leaking seals as well as other various repairs including concrete roadway and approach slabs, subbase materials, concrete repairs, and other miscellaneous construction on State Route 3013 in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County. The apparent low bidder on this $352,522.05 contract is Gulisek Construction LLC.
Permit Process for Drainage Drainage is an essential element to consider with maintenance of state roadways. Water can leave devastating results behind if it is not removed from the road in the quickest and most efficient manner. Standing water can freeze and damage the subgrade of the roadway and creates unsafe conditions for motorists. Improper drainage conditions can also lead to accelerated erosion along the roadway. Numerous elements of design such as the crown of the road, shoulder curbs, ditches/swales, pipes and culverts, if installed correctly can aid in proper drainage. In addition, sub surface drainage elements such as pipes, base drains and storm sewers all work unground to further aid the process. When considering access to state driveways, local municipalities must work to ensure all aspects of drainage are in place to control the run off and water issues that may be created from a new access. State law mandates that in these situations a shared responsibility can exist between the department and the municipality and this is where the District Permit office team comes in to ensure consistency. Unique legal agreements may exist for various storm water facilities in different municipalities. These agreements can be regarding specific systems or can encompass a locale completely. These contracts ensure the responsibility of each party is clearly defined. Facilities that incorporate any sanitary waste water remain the responsibility of local governments or private owners to maintain. This also applies to shared or combined drainage system and PennDOT does not maintain these. In no circumstance will the department maintain any sanitary or combined sewer facilities. Once these guidelines have been established, they can be utilized if at any time a situation arises that may change the drainage system of water flow to the roadway. An example of this would be a new driveway being introduced to the state right of way as a connection. If this driveway introduces new water to the roadway, the department must contact the property owner and notify them to fix this issue as soon as possible. This remains true regardless of the driveways permit status. Section 421 of the “State Highway law of 1945” makes it unlawful for any person to discharge sewage or drainage, except surface drainage, on or within the legal limits, of any State Highway. Any sewer outlet placed or located within the limits of a State Highway, or so located that the discharge therefore enters a State Highway, is a public nuisance under Section 421, and may be blocked or removed by PennDOT. There are also standards for dealing with drainage on local roads and/or local roads intersecting with state routes. These are reflected in the Highway occupancy permit, and must confirm the municipality will design and construct these connections to have water traverse the state route in a safe and timely manner. Accordingly, the HOP shall require the municipality to design, construct and maintain all affected storm water appurtenances subject to any agreement with the developer and in accordance with Publication 282. PennDOT will however be accountable for installing and maintain cross pipes that need to be placed under state roads. With these examples in mind it is important to remember that although each situation may be unique, there will always be a process and standard to follow to ensure applicable specifications are met. Permit managers are responsible for enforcing terms of a driveway permit. Resolving and correcting drainage issues within state right of way is the responsibility of County maintenance managers. The department will work with municipalities and private owners to ensure these laws are followed. These guidelines are legally binding and in certain cases can be subject to summary offenses for failing to follow the guidelines. Working together with locals is key to ensuring all roads are safe and dry!
PA’s 2021 12-Year Transportation Program
The State Transportation Commission (STC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) are excited to announce the adoption of PA’s 2021 12-Year Transportation Program (TYP). Your support of PA’s TYP update process is greatly appreciated and valued by the STC. You can view PA’s updated 2021 TYP on the Talk PA Transportation website. You can view the web or PDF version of the document here: https://talkpatransportation.com/transportation-planning/twelve-year-program.
District 12’s Maintenance Update The COVID-19 pandemic has caused everyone in the world to adjust in one way or another. PennDOT’s Maintenance organization has been no exception as work plans needed to be adjusted due to lost time and funding shortages. In District 12 several major work activities had to be reduced or postponed until future years. The first to see a reduction was the Department Force bridge replacement program. Typically, the District plans to replace 12 poor structures each construction season, however this year due to the work shutdown during the months of March, April & May this had to be reduced to 8. Planning for future years has been adjusted to capture the 4 projects that had to be delayed. The next activity to see a reduction was the slide repair program. Over the past several years the District has averaged over 40 slide repairs each construction season. This year due to the work shutdown and decreased budgets only 10 repairs have been completed to date. These repairs have been completed using our existing inventory of rip-rap and once this is depleted the crews will move on to other activities. Another major program that had to be reduced was the Surface Improvement Program (SIP) contracts. The SIP contracts in Fayette and Washington counties had to be deferred in order to use that money to fund other maintenance activities. The program was initially planned to complete 98 miles of paving districtwide, but this had to be reduced to only 27 miles due to the budget constraints. Through all of this we were still able to perform our core maintenance activities. Each county planned a typical seal coat program with 2 already finished and the other 2 currently in production. The counties also plan on full shoulder cutting, side dozing, and drainage programs to be carried out. Though the pandemic caused a lot of adjustments to be made District 12 has still managed to be as productive as possible with the resources available.
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.
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,
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