TRANSPORTATION
Committees
The Lehigh Valley Transportation Study (LVTS) is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Lehigh and Northampton Counties. The body was formed in 1964 in response to the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1962, which stated that any urban area with a population exceeding 50,000 must maintain a transportation planning process in order to be eligible for federal transportation funds.
The LVTS is comprised of two committees - the Technical Committee and Coordinating Committee. The Technical Committee is an advisory body to the Coordinating Committee, reviewing plans, programs, and various other items brought before them for review and recommendation to the Coordinating Committee. The Coordinating Committee is the policy body which formally adopts items reviewed by the Technical Committee.
Since 2016, the Freight Advisory Committee has been advisory to the LVTS on all goods movement issues, studies and projects, and the development of a functional and efficient freight system. The Committee will consider the movement of freight to and from manufacturing sites, cities/downtown areas, intermodal facilities, warehouses, and utilities, as well as the region's freight transportation network (i.e., highways, railroads, ports, airports, and pipelines).
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 9 AM
Attending the meeting can be done by using this link to www.tinyurl.com/LVTS2023
From there, using “the web app instead” function will enable anyone to see the meeting and chat by computer.
Those who would also like to speak during the courtesy of the floor portion of the meeting can do it by calling 610-477-5793 and using the Conference ID: 841 854 041#.
AGENDA PACKET
2023 LVTS TIP
Coordinating Committee
next joint meeting
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Coordinating Committee Voting Members
Chair: Lamont McClure, Executive, Northampton County
Vice Chair: Michael Rebert, PE, PennDOT District 5-0 Executive
Secretary: Becky A. Bradley, AICP, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Executive Director
Matthew Tuerk, City of Allentown
David Petrik (Alt.), City of Allentown
J. William Reynolds, City of Bethlehem
Michael Alkhal (Alt.), City of Bethlehem
Salvatore J. Panto, Jr., City of Easton
David Hopkins (Alt.), City of Easton
Phillips Armstrong, Lehigh County
Richard Molchany (Alt.), Lehigh County
Owen O'Neil, Lehigh and Northampton
Transportation Authority
Thomas Stoudt, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority
Brian Hare, PE, PennDOT Central
Jim Mosca (Alt.), PE, PennDOT Central
Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every other month, starting in February at 9:00 am
April 19, 2023*
June 21, 2023*
August 16, 2023*
October 18, 2023*
December 20, 2023*
* Virtual Meeting
Current Agenda
Technical Committee
next meeting
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Technical Committee Voting Members
Chair: Brendan Cotter, Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority
Vice Chair: Ryan Meyer, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority
Secretary: Becky A. Bradley, AICP, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Executive Director
Matthew Tuerk, City of Allentown
Mark Hartney (Alt.), City of Allentown
J. William Reynolds, City of Bethlehem
Darlene Heller (Alt.), City of Bethlehem
Salvatore J. Panto Jr., City of Easton
David Hopkins (Alt.), City of Easton
Jennifer Ruth, PennDOT District 5-0
David Alas, PennDOT Central
Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every other month, starting in January at 9:00am
March 15, 2023*
May 17, 2023*
July 19, 2023*
September 20, 2023*
November 15, 2023*
* Virtual Meeting
Joint Technical + Coordinating Committee Meeting Minutes
2023 Minutes
February 15, 2023
April 19, 2023
June 21, 2023
August 16, 2023
October 18, 2023
December 20, 2023
2022 Minutes
2021 Minutes
2020 Minutes
2019 Minutes
2018 Minutes
2017 Minutes
Current Transportation Improvement Program Amendments
There are three Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendments for consideration at the February 15, 2023 Joint Technical and Coordinating Committee’s Meeting of the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study (LVTS).
Proposed TIP Amendment #1
Cementon Bridge Construction Phase – Increase of $4,612,567.
This increase is to fully cover the low bid for construction. This increase is attributed to mobilization, inflation of materials and labor, field office, temporary access roadways, light poles including luminaires, temporary causeway, temporary excavation support and protection system, other miscellaneous items, and the installation of the UGI facilities.
Funding Sources: The Construction Phase of 309 & Tilghman Interchange Reconstruction ($4,612,567).
Proposed TIP Amendment #2
LVTS Systemic Safety Improvements Construction Phase – Increase of $3,357,074
This increase is needed to cover the advanced construct conversion in the amount of $2,258,132 and $1,098,942 to cover low bid that came in higher than anticipated. The low bid increases are attributed to paved shoulders, high friction surface treatments, wet reflective striping tape, retroreflective strip for Type B sign posts, permanent impact attenuating device, type 31-S guide rail, 24” white hot thermoplastic pavement markings, design, and construction engineering.
Funding Sources: The Construction Phase of State Route 29 – Shimersville Hill Safety Improvement ($1,857,074) and the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Set Aside Reserve – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Central Office Line Item. ($1,500,000)
Proposed TIP Amendment #3
LANTA Engine Vehicle Overhaul (VOH) Program – Addition of $2,400,000
LANTA began purchasing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) model year 2017 powered buses equipped with the Cummins ISL-G engines and Allison B4000 transmissions. As these buses reach the mid-point of their useful life, many of the vehicle components are worn out or at the end of their service life and need to be replaced. To maintain a state of good repair and a better than benchmark mean distance between failure (MDBF), an ongoing vehicle overhaul program will begin in calendar year 2023 and continue with subsequent model years as they reach their mid-life point of 6 years.
Funding Source: FFY2022 Federal Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula funds that were programmed on the FFY2021-2024 TIP but were not obligated.
Previous Transportation Improvement Program Amendments
Amendment #1, December 21, 2022
LVTS Proposed 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment - Lower South Main Street over Martins Creek (MPMS #85930)
Add $3,300,000 to the Construction Phase of the project. This addition is to fully cover the current estimate for construction, which was previously to be let off the 2021 TIP but was held up due to Norfolk Southern Railroad Coordination.
Funding Sources:
Amendment #2, december 21, 2022
LVTS Proposed 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment - 222 and Shantz and 863 Improvements (MPMS #79554)
Add $2,784,279 to the construction phase of the project. This increase is needed to cover the current estimated costs related to management and disposal of contaminated soils; additional seed and mulch; concrete pipe changes under roadways; and asphalt and diesel adjustments.
Funding Sources:
Amendment #2, August 15, 2022
LVTS Proposed 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment – Riverside Drive RAISE Grant (MPMS #118070)
Add Preliminary Engineering (PE) phase for Riverside Drive RAISE Grant (MPMS #118070) project in Whitehall Township and the City of Allentown, Lehigh County for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2023 to the current 2021-2024 TIP.
Proposed TIP Amendment will be funded by assigning State Toll funds in the amount of $300,000 to allow the preliminary engineering tasks to commence, such as scoping, survey, data collection, etc.
Proposed TIP Amendment #1 309 & Tilghman Interchange Reconstruction – Add Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2022 funds to the Utility Phase in the amount of $2,101,757 to the current 2021-2024 TIP for utility relocations including a Sunoco gas line, PPL, and various other utilities.
Proposed TIP Amendment #1 consists of programmed projects to fund the 309 & Tilghman Interchange Reconstruction Utility Phase by:
Actions will not affect the project delivery schedules or air quality conformity.
AMENDMENT #2, June 15, 2022
Proposed TIP Amendment #2 US Route 22 from Farmersville Road to State Route 512 – Add Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2022 funds to the Construction Phase in the amount of $4,991,591 to the current TIP to meet the need for the low bid increase including asphalt, mobilization, guiderail, maintenance and protection of traffic, concrete overlay, concrete median barrier, plus the additional cost of consultant services, state police, and inspection.
Proposed TIP Amendment #2 consists of programmed projects to fund the US Route 22 from Farmersville Road to State Route 512 by:
Actions will not affect the project delivery schedules or air quality conformity.
Proposed TIP Amendment #1 Nazareth Pike Resurface – Add Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2022 Construction Phase in the amount of $1,900,000 to the current 2021-2024 TIP for milling, base repair, Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) ramps, resurfacing and new pavement markings on Nazareth Pike (State Route 191) from Newburg Road in Lower Nazareth Township to North New Street in Nazareth Borough.
Proposed TIP Amendment #1 consists of programming projects to fund the Nazareth Road Resurface by de-obligating $1,900,000 in Construction Phase funds for 309 & Tilghman Street Interchange Reconstruction from FFY 2022 and obligating to FFYs 2025-2028 and beyond to align with anticipated needs as the project undergoes construction and de-obligating funds from the LVTS Highway and Bridge Line-Item Construction Phase in the amount of $1,900,000 from FFYs 2025-2028 and beyond and obligating the funds to FFY 2022 Nazareth Road Resurface project as the source of funding.
Actions will not affect the project delivery schedules or air quality conformity
Proposed TIP Amendment #2 LVTS Systematic Safety Improvements – Add Federal Fiscal Year 2022 Construction Phase in the amount of $3,369,952 to the current TIP to implement Design/Build improvements to implement systematic type upgrades which may include but not limited to sign upgrades, friction surface treatments, pavement markings, reflective delineation, rumble strips, tree removal (fixed object), and traffic signal backplates at various locations throughout Lehigh and Northampton Counties.
Proposed TIP Amendment #2 consists of programming projects to fund the LVTS Systematic Safety Improvements by:
Actions will not affect the project delivery schedules or air quality conformity
AMENDMENT #1, February 16, 2022
Proposed Amendment #1 Powder Valley Road over Indian Creek – add Federal Fiscal year 2022 Final Design Phase in the amount of $275,000 and Federal Fiscal Year 2022 Right-of-Way Phase in the amount of $100,000 to current TIP.
Proposed TIP Amendment #1 consists of programming low bid savings from the construction phase of Meadows Road Bridge Removal in the amount of $$91,828 and funds returned to the region for reassignment in the amount or $22,957 , De-obligated funds from the Federal Fiscal Year 2022 Final Design Phase of the Coplay-Northampton Bridge in the amount of $121,984 and de-obligated funds from the LVTS Highway & Bridge Line-Item Reserve in the amount of $161,188.
AMENDMENT #2, February 16, 2022
Proposed TIP Amendment #2 US Route 22 from Farmersville Road to State Route 512 – increase Construction Phase costs to cover bridge work and anticipated increase in materials costs in the amount of $2,500,000.
Proposed TIP Amendment #2 consists of de-obligated funds from the Federal Fiscal Year 2022 of the Construction Phase of the 309 & Tilghman Street Interchange in the amount of $3,125,000 which will be carried on the Draft 2023-2026 TIP. $625,000 of the de-obligated funds will be included in the Federal Fiscal Year 2022 in the LVTS Highway & Bridge Line-Item reserve and $2,500,000 of funds will be provided for the bridge work and anticipated materials increase for the US Route 22 from Farmersville Road to State Route 512 Construction Phase.
AMENDMENT #3, February 16, 2022
Proposed TIP Amendment #3 State Route 611 Resurface Bucks County Line to Browns Drive – addition of Federal funds due to not having Capital Budget – $1,685,000 increase for Construction to fully cover current estimate for contracted work previously anticipated to be completed by Maintenance forces.
Proposed TIP Amendment #3 consists of de-obligation of funds from the 309 & Tilghman Street Interchange Reconstruction, Federal Fiscal Year 2022 Construction Phase in the amount of $2,200,000 to be added to Federal Fiscal Year 2022 Construction Phase of the State Route 611 Resurface Bucks County Line to Browns Drive, as the 309 & Tilghman Street Interchange Project is fully carried on the draft 2023 TIP. A de-obligation of State funds from the 309 & Tilghman Street Interchange Reconstruction, Federal Fiscal Year 2022 Construction Phase in the amount of $550,000 Funds and a de-obligation of State funds for the State Route 611 Resurface Bucks County Line to Browns Drive in the amount of $515,000 for a total of $1,065,000. Providing $1,065,000 of State Funds to the LVTS Highway & Bridge Line-Item Reserve Construction Phase to maintain fiscal constraint.
AMENDMENT #4, February 16, 2022
Preliminary Engineering or Study funds have been added to the following projects to incorporate available Highway Safety Improvement Funds (HSIP):
Proposed TIP Amendment #4 Cedar Crest Corridor Improvement Study from South Drive to Shrewsbury Road – add the project to the current TIP in the amount of $250,000 in the federal fiscal year 2022 Study Phase to use available Highway Safety Improvement Program funds.
Proposed TIP Amendment #4 LVTS On Demand Systemic Safety Improvements – add the project to the current TIP in the amount of $300,000 in the Federal Fiscal year 2022 Preliminary Engineering Phase to use available Highway Safety Improvement Program funds.
Proposed TIP Amendment #4 State Route 191 Lower Nazareth Intersection Improvements –add the project to the current TIP in the amount of $600,000 in the Federal Fiscal Year 2022 Preliminary Engineering Phase to use available Highway Safety Improvement Program funds.
Proposed TIP Amendment #4 Freemansburg Avenue Safety Improvements - add the project to the current TIP in the amount of $500,000 in the Federal Fiscal Year 2022 Preliminary Engineering Phase to use available Highway Safety Improvement Program funds.
Proposed TIP Amendment #4 consists of an adjustment of $1,833,333 in Federal Fiscal Year 2022 of the State Route 29 – Shimersville Hill Safety Improvements construction phase to align with anticipated need and carried on the draft 2023-2026 TIP with an addition of $1,666,667 to the construction phase in Federal Fiscal Year 2023 and addition of $166,666 to the construction phase in federal Fiscal year 2024; Release funds from the Route 145 Safety Improvements Construction Phase in the amount of $1,500,000 in Federal Fiscal Year 2023 and $150,000 in Federal Fiscal Year 2024 due to the project receiving spike funds and being carried fully on the draft 2023-2026 TIP; Adjust LVTS Highway & Bridge Line Item Reserve for funds in the Construction Phase in the additional amount of $183,333 in Federal Fiscal Year 2023, Subtract $166,667 in Federal Fiscal Year 2024 and $16,666 in Federal Fiscal Year 2024 as a balancing source to maintain fiscal constraint.
Amendment #1 MacArthur Road Resurfacing – quarter mile south of Grape Street to SR 329: $2,100,846.00 increase to meet low bid.
Amendment #1 consists of programming de-obligated project funds from the construction phase of the US 22 Resurface 309 to I-78 Split project, the construction phase of the Freeway Service Patrol project, the construction phase of the Race Street Resurface project and the construction phase of SR 1015 over Martins Creek project; the adjustment of funds from Urban Reserve Line Items and LVTS Highway & Bridge Reserve; and de-obligations returned to the region for the final design phase of Wire Mill Bridge and the preliminary engineering phase of the US 22 Resurface 15th Street to SR 309 project for the increase of $2,100,846 of construction federal funds to meet the low bid awarded on July 22, 2021.
Amendment #1: PA 33 Resurface - Chrin to US 22: $2,048,269 increase to meet low bid.
AMENDMENT #2, June 16, 2021
Amendment #2: Meadows Road Bridge Removal: $350,000 increase to advance the removal due to partial collapse.
TIP AMENDMENT #1 (E-Ballot) - August 18, 2020
Amendment #1 consists of programming de-obligated project funds from the Tilghman Street Railroad Crossing project and Freeway Service Patrol & Traffic Control Operations; and the adjustment of funds from Urban Reserve Line Items and LVTS Highway & Bridge Reserve Items for increases in National Highway Performance Program and Surface Transportation Urbanized program to advance funds totaling $2,495,000 for the Final Design phase of the 309 & Tilghman Street Interchange Reconstruction project.
TIP AMENDMENT #2 (E-Ballot) - August 18, 2020
Amendment #2 consists of programming de-obligated project funds from the Messinger Street Bridge; and the adjustment of funds from the Urban Line Item Reserve and LVTS Highway & Bridge Line Item Reserve for increases in National Highway Performance Program and Surface Transportation Urbanized program to advance funds totaling $2,485,135 for the Preliminary Design phase of the Hill to Hill Bridge project.
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WorkshopLV: Freight
The LEHIGH VALLEY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (MPO) is committed to compliance with nondiscrimination requirements of civil rights statutes, executive orders, regulations and policies applicable to the programs and activities it administers. Accordingly, the MPO is dedicated to ensuring that program beneficiaries receive public participation opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or economic status. Meeting facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities and the location is reachable by public transit. The MPO will provide auxiliary services for individuals with language, speech, sight or hearing impediments provided the request for assistance is made 14 days prior to the meeting. The MPO will attempt to satisfy other requests, as it is able. Please make your request for auxiliary services at 610-264-4544. If you believe you have been denied participation opportunities, or otherwise discriminated against in relation to the programs or activities administered by the MPO, you may file a complaint using the procedures provided in our complaint process document or by contacting us at 610-264-4544 or planning@lvpc.org.
WorkshopLV: Multimodal
The LEHIGH VALLEY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (MPO) is committed to compliance with nondiscrimination requirements of civil rights statutes, executive orders, regulations and policies applicable to the programs and activities it administers. Accordingly, the MPO is dedicated to ensuring that program beneficiaries receive public participation opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or economic status. Meeting facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities and the location is reachable by public transit. The MPO will provide auxiliary services for individuals with language, speech, sight or hearing impediments provided the request for assistance is made 14 days prior to the meeting. The MPO will attempt to satisfy other requests, as it is able. Please make your request for auxiliary services to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission at 610-264-4544. If you believe you have been denied participation opportunities, or otherwise discriminated against in relation to the programs or activities administered by the MPO, you may file a complaint using the procedures provided in our complaint process document or by contacting the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission at 610-264-4544.