TPD Relocates to City of Harrisburg’s Midtown Community

Posted on June 29, 2011 by admin

Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. (TPD) is pleased to announce the relocation of the firm’s Central PA region office to the City of Harrisburg’s Midtown Community. The 110-member transportation engineering firm selected the commonwealth capital, and specifically, the LEED Certified Campus Square Building as the location for their new office based on shared values and a commitment to urban revitalization that exist among the City, the building’s owner, GreenWorks Development LLC, and TPD.  Of particular importance is an emphasis on quality of life initiatives that continue to transform the City, constitute the Midtown community’s unique character, and form the basis of TPD’s commitment to remain an award-winning “Great Place To Work.”

Along with providing quality Transportation Engineering and related services since 1989, TPD is consistently recognized for dedication to improving quality of life for both staff members and surrounding communities. The company has been ranked among the Top 15 Best Places to Work In PA for eight consecutive years and has been hailed by Civil Engineering News magazine as one of the Best Civil Engineering Firms to Work for in the United States for nine consecutive years.  Furthermore, TPD’s plans, designs, and construction services are held in high regard by several industry professional societies which recognize the firm’s commitment to the safe and efficient transportation of people and goods.

Since 1989, TPD has recognized the direct link between developing a staff of top-notch professionals and providing superior quality and service to our clients and ultimately the traveling public.  Therefore, TPD is committed to providing exceptional staff benefits, including flexible schedules, to encourage a healthy Work/Life Balance.  From PA offices in Pittsburgh, Pottstown, Harrisburg, and the Lehigh Valley, and a NJ office on the Camden Waterfront, TPD’s 110 members specialize in Roadway Design, Bridge Design and Inspection, Transportation Planning, Traffic Signal System Design, Municipal Transportation Engineering Services, Environmental Permitting / Services, Construction Management and Inspection and Contractor Services / Design/Build for a diverse range of clients in both the public and private sectors. Visit TPD on the web at www.TrafficPD.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter @TrafficPD.

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PA Permitting Process Improvements in the Works

Posted on June 10, 2011 by admin

More often than not, the items identified that need the longest lead time when developing a piece of ground are the permits required from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).  Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. (TPD) has always informed clients to make contact with PennDOT sooner, rather than later, providing the agency with whatever information that the client may have as early in the process as possible because the funding and ultimate construction depend on having permits in hand.  Continue reading →

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Rebates for Energy-efficient LED Traffic Signals

Posted on June 2, 2011 by admin

Did you know that LED (Light-Emitting Diode) traffic signals typically use 80 to 90 percent less energy than the incandescent bulbs?  In addition, the life expectancy of LED traffic signal lamps can reduce maintenance costs over incandescent technology by approximately 75 percent. Continue reading →

Posted in Local Government, Traffic Signals | Leave a comment

TPD Maintains and Protects Traffic During I-476/Blue Route Construction

Posted on May 16, 2011 by admin

For the past 2 years, the oldest section of S.R. 0476 (aka “The Blue Route”) has been under construction.  The limits of construction extend from the Mid County Interchange with the PA Turnpike (northern limit) to the Schuylkill Expressway (southern limit).  The overall project was broken into two separate design sections (Section RES and Section RDC).  Section RES was constructed by JD Eckman, Inc. and involved the re-decking of the bridge carrying the Blue Route over the Schuylkill River, Route 23, the Schuylkill River Trail and Conshohocken Road.  Section RDC is a $72 million dollar project currently under construction by Allan A. Myers, Inc. which involves the complete reconstruction of the existing six mainline lanes, as well as all on-ramps and off-ramps at the various interchanges.  Other improvements include the rehabilitation of six twin main line bridges, extension of ramp lanes, shoulder widening, installation of new ITS equipment, placement of new storm water management facilities, and painting of all the existing bridges.  Section RDC is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2012.  AECOM, Inc. served as the designer of both sections of the project (Section RES and Section RDC). 

Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. (TPD) was responsible for the design of the Traffic Control Plans for the Section RDC project as part of a Design/Build contract with Allan A. Myers, Inc.  Continue reading →

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The Importance of Timely Access Permits and Approvals

Posted on May 9, 2011 by admin

Back in October of 2003, TPD authored the article “Value of Timely Access Permits Can Be Measured in Dollars” published in the NJPA Real Estate Journal.  The article mentioned that the value of timely access permits can best be measured in time-saving dollars throughout the entire development process.  The article went on to say, “Cost is driven by time, and the interest clock is always ticking.  This is why fast approvals and accurate and easily constructable designs are necessary for developments to be considered a success.”  Not only did those words ring true back in 2003, but they are even more important now due to the changes in the economy and the need to have developments under construction sooner rather than later. Continue reading →

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Traffic Signal Construction Changes in PA – UPDATED

Posted on May 2, 2011 by admin

As documented in the previous TPD blog post “Traffic Signal Construction Changes in Pennsylvania,” on October 14, 2010, PennDOT issued new traffic signal design standards, PennDOT Publication 148: “Traffic Standards – Signals” (TC-8800).  These new standards were released to bring the traffic signal design standards into compliance with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) “Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals.”  As an update, on April 21, 2011, PennDOT issued a revised Strike-Off Letter to amend a portion of Publication 148.  Continue reading →

Posted in Local Government, Traffic Signals | 1 Comment

Shiloh Road Relocation Project Wins Conservation Award

Posted on April 18, 2011 by admin

The Shiloh Road Relocation Project was named the Erosion Control Project of the Year by the Berks County Conservation District.  Representatives of Republic Services, Inc., operators of the Conestoga Landfill in New Morgan Borough, Berks County,  accepted this award on behalf of their firm and the project team.

Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. (TPD) was contracted by Republic Services to provide Design, Permitting, and Construction Management services for the Shiloh Road Relocation Project.  Continue reading →

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Transit Oriented Developments Are A Win For All Involved

Posted on April 14, 2011 by admin

By John Wichner, P.E.

As the Greater Philadelphia region is challenged to identify opportunities for growth and economic development, private developers are seeing bright spots in the market for luxury apartment/residential communities and mixed-use commercial uses that are desirable to future residents and tenants.  In lieu of finding a large tract of land/green space far from central business districts, many developers, with the assistance of local municipalities, are turning to the redevelopment of existing sites which have the potential to boost local economies.  One example of these types of projects is Transit Oriented Developments.

Transit Oriented Developments, or “TOD’s,” are communities that are structured to promote and maximize transit and non-motorized transportation, and with other features, to encourage transit ridership.  Continue reading →

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Traffic Signal Construction Changes in Pennsylvania

Posted on April 6, 2011 by admin

By Eammon Farley and Wayne Droesser, P.E.

Throughout history, a strong infrastructure has been the foundation for which a thriving civilization is built upon.  From the building of roads and bridges to the design of traffic signals at congested intersections, it is essential to place a high priority in preserving their intended function.  Over the past decade the United States has witnessed the crumbling of its infrastructure.  With a continued focus on bridge maintenance and rehabilitation, this has left little funding for other improvements.  As indicated in the Transportation Advisory Committee’s funding report, Pennsylvania’s infrastructure is currently underfunded by $3.5 Billion annually.  In Pennsylvania, Title 67 Section 212.5 places the responsibility on local municipalities to install and maintain traffic control devices. Continue reading →

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The Need For Transportation Infrastructure Funding

Posted on March 25, 2011 by admin

I’m Kevin Johnson, the President of Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. (TPD), a 110 member transportation planning and highway design firm headquartered in Pottstown with three other offices in Pennsylvania as well as an office in New Jersey.  I also wear another hat as one of the two Chester County members of the SEPTA Board of Directors.  In addition, I recently finished a six and a half year stint on the Chester County Planning Commission Board.  In these roles, I am a user of the SEPTA system and our highway network, I am a person who is responsible for supplying engineering staff that design and inspect our highway system, I am a person who is responsible for the oversight of part of our transportation system, and, more importantly, I am a business owner whose employees rely on this highway system to get to and from work safely and efficiently every day. Continue reading →

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