PennDOT recently announced another round of a funding program called the Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative (PCTI), which will provide $24 million statewide over two years for planning, design, and/or construction of transportation projects that support Smart Transportation Themes and link land use with transportation planning. The Application, Program Guide, and more information about Smart Transportation can be found online. Applications are due to PennDOT by Wednesday, September 15, 2010.
The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the regionally agreed-upon list of priority transportation projects, as required by federal law. The TIP shows estimated costs and schedule by project phase and is financially constrained based on the amount of federal, state, and local funds that will be available for transportation projects in the region. The TIP includes roadway, bridge, public transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and freight related transportation projects. The TIP is adopted by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), which is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Philadelphia--Camden--Trenton Metropolitan Area. The TIP can be amended after it is adopted and is updated every two years. For an overview of the TIP, how it was developed, and how you can become involved, see TIP - A Guide for Municipal Officials, Special Interest Groups and Citizens.
The DVRPC adopted the FY11 – FY14 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) in July 2010. The Pennsylvania TIP includes almost 400 projects totaling over $2.9 billion for the next four years. There are 60 projects in Chester County programmed with over $390 million for the next four years. Copies of the full Draft TIPare available for review on the DVRPC website, including a list and map of the projects in Chester County.
The DVRPC adopted the FY09 – FY12 TIP in June 2008. The FY09 – FY12 TIP includes 350 projects totaling over $4 billion for the next four years. There are 80 projects in Chester County programmed with close to $350 million for the four year period.
As input for the development of the 2011 Transportation Program, representatives from various Chester County organizations presented this list of the County’s transportation priority projects to the State Transportation Commission (STC) in September 2009. The list was supported by the Chester County Commissioners, State Legislative Delegation, and Planning Commission.
2009 Transportation Improvements Inventory (TII)
The Transportation Improvements Inventory (TII) is a comprehensive record of known transportation needs and projects within Chester County. The TII is updated biennially and contains projects that have been recommended to the Planning Commission by municipalities and other stakeholders over time. It includes 450 proposed roadway, bridge, bicycle and pedestrian, freight, and transit projects with a total estimated cost of $5.4 billion.
Economic Stimulus Funding for Transportation Projects in Chester County
Several transportation projects in Chester County and the Delaware Valley Region received federal funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Transportation projects in Chester County totaling over $48.1 million include:
The Planning Commission completed a trails inventory based on adopted municipal plans and studies. The project included coordination with land trusts, conservancies, other County Departments, and 73 municipalities to verify the data. The inventory includes 260 miles of existing surfaced trails in 51 Chester County municipalities.
Chester County Trail Projects
Chester County is working to advance construction of two multi-use trails within the County to enhance regional trail connections. For more information about the trails visit Chester County Parks & Recreation.
The Chester Valley Trail Overview map shows the trail alignment and construction phasing for a 15 mile trail segment from Commerce Drive in West Whiteland Township to Montgomery County. The trail will link Exton, Great valley, and King of Prussia.
The Schuylkill River Trail Overview map shows the proposed alignment for an approximately 10 mile trail segment from Phoenixville to Pottstown. This is part of a planned trail from Philadelphia to Pottsville. More information about the status of the trail in other Counties is available from the Schuylkill River Heritage Area website.
This classification is an important land use and transportation planning tool that establishes a hierarchy of roads based on their use relating to mobility and accessibility.
The Circulation Handbook is a tool that can be used to create a balance between accommodating transportation needs and protecting and preserving the environment in Chester County. It is a resource about the design and review of land developments plans for municipalities, planners, designers, and developers. The Handbook identifies commonly accepted design standards and provides policy recommendations for municipal ordinances and transportation studies.
Presents a summary of travel time surveys conducted on major roadways in Chester County over the last decade. The data sheet reports county-wide results, specific trends, and identifies major factors affecting travel speeds in Chester County. Noteworthy from the data sheet, county-wide travel speeds decreased 3.5 miles per hour between 2000 and 2009 based on the seven routes surveyed.
PennDOT is proceeding with major improvements to US 202 between US 30 and Swedesford Road. This PowerPoint presentation illustrates the Congestion Management Program that is one element of the overall project.
The Guide to Commuter Options U.S. 202 - Great Valley Area brochure includes information about share-a-ride, park-n-ride lots, and transit services in the Great Valley area. These options provide alternatives for commuters and other motorists to avoid congestion, particularly during the current and future construction on US 202.
This document, created by the Chester County Departments of Health and of Human Services, is a public transportation guide for Chester County families and caregivers. Guide is available in English or Spanish
Technical Memorandums
As the County’s long-range transportation plan develops, technical memorandums will be published and made available for public review. Different modes of travel will be addressed with background information, analyses, discussion of issues, and recommendations.
