Volume 3 Issue 11 District Executive Message

TOM WOLF, GOVERNOR YASSMIN GRAMIAN, P.E., SECRETARY Volume 3 Issue 11

District Executive Message

Earlier this month, PennDOT held its PennDOT Innovation Awards presentation. It was a very nice program, which was held virtually this year due to the pandemic; to recognize certain innovations from across the state. District 12 had an award in the program. The award was for the State Police Inspection pull-off on the Route 119 ramp in Westmoreland County. Assistant Construction Manager Len Kubitza was recognized as the award winner. Len championed the innovation, but I know he would agree that he accepted it on behalf of several people that collaborated in making the innovation possible. Congratulations to Len as well as the others on the team that championed this innovation. As a quick background; we have annual meetings between Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and PennDOT District 12. Frequently at these meetings, PSP ask us for help in making their work safer. Items often discussed include requests for “launch pads” where they can safely park while doing speed enforcement. Another is inspection areas that are safely away from traffic for truck safety inspections. Len recognized that the Route 119 project had a location that would be suitable for a truck inspection area. He coordinated between a number of people to get the inspection area designed to meet the PSP needs. Then while in discussions with the contractor, they decided it would be a good opportunity to use a product that has just recently started being used in Pennsylvania. This product is Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC). The real innovation was in the way the product was used. Typically, RCC is placed like asphalt pavement. The concrete is placed very dry and rolled with a roller. This would leave the surface with small holes / irregularities, which would have made it difficult to use a creeper. The team working on this came up with an innovative solution to use an admixture on the surface of the concrete which slowed the set of the concrete. (Admixtures are chemicals or products added into the mix or applied to the surface to aid in performance, looks, reduce cracking, or slow the set time.) That allowed time for the concrete to be finished with a “Whirlybird” ride on concrete finisher to close-up the surface. The final product was a win-win for everyone involved and may open up other opportunities for future uses of RCC. I would also like to mention that our District had a lot of other innovations that could have been submitted. Many of our employees have worked on various types of innovations that help make the District and the Department better, safer, and more efficient. These have ranged from better and safer ways to do our everyday work, to improvements to our equipment, to designing and building innovative interchanges. I thank all of you for your work in this area. In a recent visit, PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian told me that she was very impressed with the innovative spirit of the people in our district. I am also proud of the innovative work of our people. Stay safe and healthy. Sincerely,

William L. Kovach, P.E.

The photo to the left shows three concrete finishes. 1. Standard look following the roller, 2. Smoother finish following the ride on

(whirlybird) finisher, and 3. A broom finish used to increase skid

resistance (reduce slipping while walking).

The photo to the right shows a creeper and how the wheels look. The goal was to make sure the wheels did not get stuck in the concrete grooves.


Projects to be Bid Lettings November 5, 2020

Route 4005 over Polen Run-Department Force Bridge (DFB) ─ This project is for the replacement of the structure carrying Route 4005 (Poland Run Road) over Polen Run in Richhill Township, Greene County. The contractors will bid on supplying the items needed. Route 4006 over Branch of Maranda Run-Department Force Bridge (DFB) ─ This project is for the replacement of the structure carrying Route 4006 (Maranda Run Road) over a branch of Maranda Run in Center Township, Greene County. The contractors will bid on supplying the items needed.

Projects that Have Been Bid Bids October 22, 2020

Route 3027 over Buffalo Creek ─ This project is for the replacement of the structure carrying Route 3027 (Chapel Hill Road) over Buffalo Creek in East Finley Township, Washington County. The apparent low bidder on this $691,777.76 project is Pugliano Construction Co. Inc. Route 2026 over a Tributary of the Monongahela River- Department Force Bridge (DFB) ─ This project is the replacement of the structure carrying Route 2026 (Main Street) over a tributary of the Monongahela River in Centerville Borough, Washington County. The contractor bid on supplying the items needed.The apparent low bidder on this $222,048.41 project is CriLon Corp.

Public Meetings Route 19 Bridge #2 over Dunkard Creek (MPMS# 76027) – This virtual meeting will outline the anticipated timeframe of the construction work, what work will be done, the project impacts and illustrate the traffic control plan needed for this project. This virtual public plan display will be available on the D-12 webpage on 11-23-20 to 12-4-20. Laurel Valley Transportation Improvement Project (LVTIP): Norvelt to Pleasant Unity (MPMS# 108010) and LVTIP: Pleasant Unity to Airport (MPMS# 108140) – This virtual meeting will provide an overview of Sections 2 and 3 (Y10 and V20 respectively), summarize key activities of preliminary engineering, gather feedback on the known environmental features within the proposed environmental footprint and potential concerns within both sections, and provide an update on section 1 (981-Q20) final design and right-of-way process. The virtual public display plan is on the District 12 webpage between 12-8-20 and 12-15-20. Route 4012 over Brush Creek (MPMS# 81960) – This virtual meeting will outline the anticipated timeframe of construction work, what will be done, the project impacts and illustrate the traffic control plan needed for this project. This virtual public plan display will be available on the District 12 webpage between 11-9-20 and 11-23-20. The District 12 webpage for public meetings — https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-12/PublicMeetings/Pages/default.aspx


District 12’s Construction Round Up

Route 88/SLD – 2019 Slide Repairs

District 12-0 is pleased to announce the substantial completion of the 2019 Slide Repair Project. The project included five slide locations in Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties. In addition to repairing the slides, the project involved drainage upgrades, roadway improvements, and other miscellaneous construction at the various locations. Prior to repairs, these roads were restricted down to one lane with temporary barrier and stop signs due to the slides. The current contract amount is $3,483,394.85 and the contractor was Carmen Paliotta Contracting. In late 2019, the slide repair for Route 4022 (Narrows Road) in Brownsville, Fayette County was completed. This roadway was the only location required to be completed in 2019 since this road serves as the primary access to the Fayette State Correctional Institute. The repair for this location consisted of drilled rock sockets (holes drilled into the ground) with H-piles (beams that are shaped like the letter “H”) to stabilize the location. Because this road could not be detoured, a one lane closure with a traffic signal was implemented. This posed a challenge for the contractor since a large drill rig was required to drill the rock sockets in a small work area. Additionally, the rock sockets were required to be drilled deeper than anticipated, which resulted in splicing piles to achieve a 10 ft. socket.

Route 4022 Before and After

This year, the slide repairs for Route 1003 (North Porter Street) in Waynesburg, Greene County and Route 993 in Irwin, PA were completed first. The repair method utilized for Route 1003 was the same as the Route 4022 location mentioned above. The Route 1003 slide included new guide rail installation as a safety enhancement due to the curvature of the road on a steep slope. The Route 993 slide had progressed since the design phase of the project which required an additional 100 ft. of repair to be added. This repair was completed under a full road closure to construct a benched rock slope for stabilization. Waterline relocation for this site began before the COVID-19 shut down and was completed after construction projects could resume in late April. Before construction, an asbestos abatement needed to be performed prior to the demolition of an existing house structure.


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The last two locations repaired were Route 88 in Finleyville, PA and Route 119 in Connellsville, PA. Both slide locations involved an approved Value Engineering submitted by the Contractor that changed the repairs from a jumbo block wall to a concrete lagging wall. Value Engineering benefits both the Department and the contractor as the cost savings is split equally between the two parties. The Route 88 location has been completed and the road is open to the travelling public. The Route 119 location is scheduled to be completed in November of this year.

Route 119 Before

and During Construction

Route 88 After

This project provided an opportunity to implement various methods to repair the slides based on the unique

conditions of each location. The Department and the Contractor worked together as a team to ensure this project was a success.

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Winter Maintenance PennDOT maintains 94,000 snow-lane miles across the state. District 12 owns 8,239 of them. Maintaining roads encompasses many things, but since it is November, we are going to focus on our winter maintenance program. Around this time each year, our county maintenance organizations begin to shift into winter mode. All staff change work times. “A” shift starts a regular day at 4am and ends at 12pm. “B” shift starts a regular day at 12pm and ends at 8pm. If there is a storm moving through the area, managers will mandate that employees work overtime. “A” shift will start at 12am and end at 12pm. “B” shift will start at 12pm and end at 12am. This provides around the clock coverage to handle storm events. This kind of staffing requires more employees. Each year in late summer temporary employees are hired to work the winter. They work alongside the permanent employees and get the same training to carry out their winter tasks. The plow truck operators, both permanent and temporary, work out of stockpiles. Each stockpile is strategically placed to cover its assigned number of roads. Each plow truck covers a roughly 40-mile route. The plow truck removes snow with a front plow and sometimes a wing plow. At the same time, the trucks spread a combination of salt, salt brine, and anti-skid material. Each stockpile has various pieces of equipment to handle storm events. In addition to the plow trucks, each stockpile has at least one loader to load the trucks with salt and/or antiskid material. The stockpiles together share anti-icing trucks, graders, and even snow blowers in the mountainous areas. To keep all this equipment running, each county has mechanics that work both “A” and “B” shifts. They work in the garage facility located at the County’s headquarters repairing equipment and performing preventative maintenance. Average Plow Times During Winter Events – Under Ideal Conditions in a Low-Accumulation Storm* Interstates and Expressways – 2 hours Other Major Routes – 3 hours Secondary State Roads – Several Hours *Depending on the storm event, these times could increase.


Are you looking for work this winter?

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.

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Welder - $ 17.73 per hour:

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,

please contact Mary Grassi at 724.439.7346 or [email protected].

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http://www.employment.pa.gov

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/2789055/penndot-seasonal-winter-jobs-cdl-operator-garage-mechanic-dispatcher-positio?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs



Volume 3 Issue 11 District Executive Message

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Transcript of Volume 3 Issue 11 District Executive Message