Introduction

Safety across all transportation modes is the MPO’s highest priority. The annual number of traffic fatalities has averaged 18 in recent years. Total roadway crashes continue to trend upward, even as the demand for travel has remained relatively constant (and even declined during the COVID-19 pandemic). Addressing safety will entail an array of strategies that include education, improved traffic operations, needed countermeasures, and strategic additions to network capacity. The MPO also continues to work with PennDOT to monitor safety performance targets in support of attaining statewide and national highway safety goals.

Conduct road safety audits on corridors/intersections to identify lowcost, near-term improvements.

The Franklin County MPO will also coordinate with PennDOT District 8-0 to identify locations for conducting roadway safety audits as part of its TIP development process. Additionally, the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program (SS4A) funding aims to prevent roadways deaths and serious injuries. The Franklin County MPO will apply for this funding to conduct planning, design, and development activities in support of the Action Plan, in addition to carrying out projects and strategies identified in the plan.

Reduce conflicts between motorized and non-motorized modes (e.g., bicycles, pedestrians, etc.).

The MPO will seek to improve conditions for non-motorized users by working with PennDOT to implement low-cost opportunities to improve non-motorized safety and connectivity. The MPO will ensure that safety measures for non-motorized users are incorporated into programmed projects, when feasible.

Improve predictability of work zones.

Work zones are characterized by traffic pattern changes, the presence of construction workers, and work vehicles frequently entering and leaving construction areas. These factors create increased risk for crashes in work zones. The Franklin County MPO will continue to work with PennDOT to implement best practices to improve the predictability of work zones.

Identify roads used by horse-and-buggy travelers and agricultural traffic (e.g., tractors, farm equipment) for improvement.

Franklin County has a sizeable Plain Sect population and agricultural communities with distinct and unique transportation needs. Truck traffic has increased on county roads that are also heavily frequented by Plain Sect travelers using buggies and bicycles, and walking. The MPO will continue to work with the Plain Sect and agricultural communities to provide wider shoulders and safer intersection crossings on roads identified as priorities.

Explore the feasibility of Traffic Incident Management (TIM) training to improve clearance times, particularly on I-81.

Roadway closures impact emergency response time and the reliability of the county’s roadways. Franklin County will seek to improve the emergency response capabilities of those who are responding to and clearing incidents from the county’s roadways. Other efforts include improving Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) infrastructure, including weather information systems and dynamic messaging signs. New data and tools have provided valuable insight into incident management by helping identify the causes of non-recurring congestion. These include crashes, weather, and road construction.

Address safety at at-grade public railroad crossings.

According to FHWA, 94 percent of all rail-related injuries occur at railroad crossings or due to trespassing, and most of them are preventable. Working with federal, state, and local agencies, the MPO will collaborate with PennDOT to address and increase safety at railroad crossings.

Introduction

The role of planning for improved traffic operations in transportation planning has increased in recent years in response to several related factors: the increased demand for travel in general, the lack of state and federal funding for major capital-intensive projects, and technological advances. The MPO continues to partner with PennDOT in these areas through such initiatives as the update and maintenance of a Regional Operations Plan (ROP), and planning for Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO).

Fund and develop plans for measuring and addressing congestion.

The LRTP planning team used RITIS data to identify the county’s top bottlenecks, based on the extent and duration of congestion. This data provides the MPO with a starting point for addressing the most critical locations where congestion relief is needed. The MPO should further explore PennDOT’s data on estimated causes of congestion after it has been refined and released to better understand how it can be used for making decisions on reducing recurring and non-recurring congestion.

Implement new technologies to improve safety and reduce congestion.

Recommendations from the Eastern Regional Operations Plan (ROP) detailed elsewhere within this plan should be explored.

Upgrade and maintain connections to interstates in response to growth in industrial and commercial development within the county and in neighboring counties.

Interstate 81 accommodates approximately 43 percent of all travel demand within Franklin County, making it the county’s most strategic roadway. It connects the county and its shippers and receivers to the broader state and national economies, with overland access to origins and destinations in other market areas. Planning and programming functions for the interstate are centralized within PennDOT; the MPO must continue its efforts to maintain proper connections and access to the interstate through the TIP process.

Improve Traffic Incident Management and first responder response times.

Incidents on Interstate 81 often have a deleterious effect on the county’s mobility, causing delays on the mainline and congestion and safety concerns on parallel roadways. A Traffic Incident Management Strategy (TIMS) is needed for the length of Interstate 81 in Franklin County. Within these limits there are 10 full-access interchanges and nearly 26 miles of mainline from the Mason-Dixon Line to the Cumberland County border. Franklin County’s neighboring MPO regions in Harrisburg and Lebanon have established TIMS teams to coordinate incident management strategies and enhance response times, including along the I-81 corridor. The Franklin County MPO could coordinate with those MPOs to discuss best practices.

An ideal TIMS program relies on efficient data collection, analysis, and reporting to measure performance and identify gaps that can be addressed. Other options to consider include Computer-Aided Dispatch, electronic crash reporting, traffic management center software, and smart devices that simplify data collection.

Explore cooperative management of traffic signals along priority corridors that cross municipal/county boundaries.

Traffic signals are typically installed by PennDOT and then owned and maintained by the host municipality. Signal equipment that is properly timed and maintained helps improve travel efficiency and reduces the cost of signal operation/ maintenance over time. There are 121 signalized intersections county-wide, and of prime concern are the signals along commercial corridors that traverse multiple municipalities. Prime examples are the signalized corridors of US 11, US 30, and PA 316. New Traffic Signal Technologies grants passed by the General Assembly in July 2022 provide an additional $5 million statewide for municipalities to install and maintain traffic signal technologies such as adaptive signal control, detection, and communication technology.

Identify pre-established detours for use during incidents.

There is a need to compile traffic operations infrastructure assets and planned “colored” detour routes and present it in both spreadsheet and GIS output formats. Moreover, incident management needs (gaps and issues) need to be identified to improve the traffic operations environment.

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic was an historic, disruptive event that changed much of the way we live, work, and travel. The health crisis fueled a greater public desire for active transportation and facilities. Interest in bicycle and pedestrian forms of travel as a mode of transportation and form of recreation has increased. Moreover, the MPO seeks to plan for facilities that encourage mode choice and reduce the county’s dependence on the private automobile.

Improve and encourage bicycle and pedestrian accessibility and walkability in downtown areas and large employment hubs.

Bicycle and pedestrian facilities are critical infrastructure for accessibility and mobility. Developing this infrastructure also improves quality of life, connecting people while also improving their health and wellness. The MPO will seek to implement plans that encourage bicycle and pedestrian activity.

Address sidewalk, trail, and bicycle network gaps that impact connectivity.

A key component of improving bicycle and pedestrian safety and increasing micromobility is to connect gaps in sidewalk and trail networks. The MPO should make it a priority to address these concerns with the appropriate stakeholders. A key action item will include the designation of US Bicycle Route 11 through the county, in collaboration with PennDOT, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and Adventure Cycling.

Construct separated bicycle/pedestrian facilities and shared-use paths (where feasible).

Greater separation of bicyclists and pedestrians from vehicular traffic can reduce fatalities and serious injuries for all users, while also encouraging greater use of non-motorized modes of transportation. Shared-use paths connect people to jobs, schools, parks, and other transportation routes. In addition to their transportation function, they offer opportunities for improving community health and wellness.

Install pedestrian “countdown” signal heads, particularly in areas that have a high population of seniors and people with disabilities.

Countdown signals help pedestrians judge whether there is sufficient time to cross, which can be especially helpful to mobility-challenged and elderly pedestrians. The MPO will work to identify appropriate crosswalks at which to install these signals.

IIJA/BIL includes a new Vulnerable Roadway Users (VRU) Special Rule. For Pennsylvania, at least 15 percent of the state’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) allocation must be spent on VRU-related projects. In Franklin County, the investment will be used to implement a system-wide safety improvement for VRUs by installing pedestrian countdown timers (PCTs). It will require several tiered projects based on the level of effort to install PCTs, which varies for each location. PennDOT District 8-0 took the lead for this effort in 2022.

Improve availability and accessibility of bicycle and pedestrian amenities (e.g., bike racks).

Expanded and improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure ensures that a network is in place to make biking and walking viable modes of travel that are safe and convenient. Strategies can support Safe Routes to School, Complete Streets, and Encourage Bicycling and Walking programs.

Develop an Active Transportation committee to help guide bicycle/pedestrian planning efforts.

An Active Transportation Advisory Committee, comprising bicyclists, pedestrians, and other active movers, can advise the MPO based on their own personal experiences and related work backgrounds with the goal of implementing an active transportation plan. Such a committee could help guide bicycle and pedestrian planning efforts at a local level and form a consortium for regional dialog and planning as it relates to active transportation.

Introduction

Transportation’s impact on the environment remains a critical policy issue for the MPO. County planning staff will continue to work with all agencies to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts from transportation projects on the environment. The MPO’s ongoing involvement in the PennDOT Connects process will further facilitate the identification of potential impacts of projects early in the preliminary design process so that agencies can be contacted to review and comment on strategies to reduce negative impacts.

Coordinate with the Franklin County Conservation District and other environmental resource agencies to incorporate best practices into transportation projects and planning (e.g., runoff control, green spaces, stormwater).

Consideration should be given to incorporating resiliency into the MPO’s project prioritization process. Ongoing coordination with federal, state, and local environmental agencies is critical in prioritizing these vulnerable locations. Franklin County should partner with its municipalities and PennDOT to identify where stormwater infrastructure is lacking or could be improved on roadways with high levels of vulnerability in extreme rain and snow events. This reduces the need for emergency roadwork on critical highways and bridges and the need for emergency funds due to flood damage.

Address high-volume roadways and bridges prone to flooding.

The MPO continues to work toward improving the resiliency of its transportation network in the face of both natural and man-made disruptions. Part of this effort includes identifying high-volume roadways that are prone to flooding, which affects network reliability.

Educate municipal governments on best practices for stormwater management.

The MPO will work with municipalities to help advance MS4 or municipal separate storm sewer systems, countywide. These systems help protect water quality and manage runoff and flooding during storms. Helping to develop these programs throughout the county can help protect transportation infrastructure during severe weather events.

Plan for use of alternative fuels (e.g., electric-vehicle charging stations, etc.).

Many states (including Pennsylvania) are currently in the process of developing National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) plans for developing essential charging corridors to help spur electric vehicle adoption. While PennDOT implements its NEVI plan for implementing electric-vehicle infrastructure, the MPO can prepare and identify which corridors will become electrified and prepare for this new infrastructure.

Introduction

The MPO recognizes transportation’s role in not only providing mobility and access, but also in maintaining and improving the county’s economic competitiveness. In fact, this is one of the federal planning factors for transportation and one of the guiding principles in the county’s planning and programming activity. The LRTP recognizes transportation’s impact in connecting workers to jobs, consumers to commercial outlets, and the county’s businesses and industries in general to consumer market areas both near and far. Within Franklin County, transportation is a major employment sector in its own right, constituting 11.6 percent of the county’s total employment—more than double the state rate of 4.8 percent.

Coordinate with PennDOT, developers, and local governments on access management strategies.

A safe and efficient transportation system is a key component of an area’s quality of life. It has direct bearing on mobility and the access of people and goods to employment, shopping, and recreation. Access management strategies help improve the safety and efficiency of traffic by reducing congestion and decreasing accidents while also preserving community character through site design and land use planning.

Educate municipal officials and developers on the transportation planning, programming, and project development process.

In conjunction with the PennDOT District 8-0 office, the MPO can hold regular outreach and information sessions with municipal governments and developers countywide to keep them up to date on transportation developments and inform them of the procedures that are required as part of the transportation planning process.

Assist local governments in their local land use planning efforts.

The Franklin County MPO should be involved in any comprehensive planning efforts spearheaded by municipal governments to help advise on local land use planning and the strategic placement and development of economic centers and design as it relates to transportation infrastructure.

Give funding priority to critical freight corridors (e.g., PA 16, US 30, US 11).

Franklin County’s share of FHWA’s priority freight designations includes portions of US 11 in Antrim Township (between Greencastle and I-81), PA 16 in Antrim Township (between I-81 and the Village of Shady Grove), and portions of PA 997, US 11, and PA 433 between I-81 and Letterkenny Army Depot. Even as these segments have been certified by FHWA and are eligible for National Highway Freight Program (NHFP) funding, the MPO may also consider elevating these and other priority freight segments for suballocating available TIP funding for these corridors.

Encourage development that supports multiple transportation options, such as walking, biking, and regional/community ridesharing.

Increased access to low-cost multimodal transportation options expands economic opportunity by giving non-drivers access to jobs, businesses, and other locations that are otherwise out of reach without a car. Multimodal transportation options also expand the labor force available to some businesses.

Develop a countywide freight plan.

The passage of MAP-21 and its successor legislation, the FAST Act, placed a greater emphasis on planning for goods movement. MPOs and DOTs alike have put forth plans and initiatives to address the growth of freight and its impact on public infrastructure. Surrounding MPO regions in Harrisburg and Hagerstown have already developed and adopted regional freight plans. The availability of additional federal funding through formula and new discretionary programs from IIJA/ BIL, coupled with the explosive growth of warehousing and distribution centers in Franklin County, make this a critical action item for the future.

Introduction

With more than 1,700 linear miles of roadway and approximately 320 state-owned bridges (and more than 100 locally owned bridges), Franklin County has an extensive and mature transportation system. While there are a few major capacity-adding projects planned (a new Exit 12 on Interstate 81 being a prime example), the MPO will use new tools and techniques to invest in system maintenance and preservation. New approaches such as Lowest LifeCycle Cost will provide needed attention to the system to extend the life of its transportation assets and provide the MPO with the greatest benefit for its limited transportation funding.

Invest in roadway maintenance.

The MPO will continue to work with PennDOT District 8-0 to fund and plan for resurfacing and pavement preservation activities. A regular investment in maintaining roadway pavements will reduce the need for large investments in roadway reconstruction projects. It will also reduce the need for road closures and lengthy detours. PennDOT’s forthcoming asset management planning tool will include the county’s unconstrained needs by each highway category on PennDOT’s Business Plan Networks.

Invest in bridge maintenance.

The Franklin County MPO will continue to work with PennDOT District 8-0 to fund and plan for routine bridge maintenance activities. A regular investment in maintenance will reduce the need for large, one-time investments in necessary rehabilitation or replacement projects. The goal is to extend the useful life of an asset and prevent costly emergency repair situations. A source of sustainable funding for bridge maintenance should be identified and programmed on future TIPs. PennDOT is developing a Web-based asset management planning tool that will be accessible by the MPO. It will include the county’s unconstrained needs by each highway category on PennDOT’s Business Plan Networks, consistent with asset management principles in the Pennsylvania Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP).

Collaborate with municipalities to improve local bridge conditions.

Local bridges are often ineligible for federal transportation funds, with the exception of the Off-System Bridge program. It establishes criteria for funding improvements to bridges that are not on the Federal-Aid System. PennDOT is required to apply 15 percent of its annual funding allocation to these bridges. The Franklin County MPO will assist its municipal partners in addressing local bridge needs by maintaining a list of priority off-system bridges to refer to when federal funding is available. The MPO in August 2022 moved to waive the 5 percent local match for federal dollars for off-system bridges. This will give the MPO more flexibility with its TIP, and will assist municipalities that are still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction

The MPO remains committed to planning for public transportation services for its residents. This included the adoption of a Local Coordinated Plan in July 2021, and the launch of a pilot program for microtransit (rabbittransit’s “Stop Hopper” program) in August 2022. Public transportation is crucial to the county’s transportation system, as it provides accessible and affordable transportation for people with limited mobility options. Planning for this mode should assess transportation needs for seniors, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals; strategies and/or projects to address any gaps between current services and future needs; and priorities for implementation based on resources, time, and feasibility.

Investigate emerging and traditional transit options to make connections between residential areas and major commercial and employment centers.

Fixed-route bus service is an important element of the regional economy, providing people with mobility and access to employment, community resources, medical care, and recreational opportunities. The Franklin County MPO and regional partners will investigate possibilities for instituting fixed-route service.

Explore the feasibility of additional public transportation options (e.g., microtransit services, vanpools, employer sponsored shuttles).

The implementation of the new microtransit service (“Stop Hopper”) serves as a two- to three-year pilot for the Greater Chambersburg area. The MPO will monitor the pilot’s effectiveness and coordinate with rabbittransit, PennDOT, and the Franklin County Commissioners on its evolution.

Improve connections with existing public transit service in adjacent counties.

PennDOT and Franklin County MPO have worked together for many years to improve transportation infrastructure in the region. Moving forward, the MPO will continue to work with PennDOT to improve connections with adjacent transit agencies (e.g., Capital Area Transit) to create a region with more connected commercial and recreation hubs.

Support ridesharing (e.g., carpool, vanpool) programs that connect people to jobs and essential services.

Analysis of travel patterns in the county indicates several places that could serve as parking lots for ridesharing programs. The county should work with municipalities where appropriate to implement park-and-ride lots through the land development process and through partnerships with rabbittransit and Commuter Services.

Update the Local Coordinated Plan.

Since 2007, Coordinated Plans have been a crucial tool for regional multimodal transit planning. Coordinated Plan requirements place a large emphasis on stakeholder engagement and public involvement to ensure that the plan is designed by, and benefits, those who need and use public transportation. The MPO acknowledges the need to improve mobility throughout the county, including the interconnectedness of the county and the inter- and intra-county travel of residents. While the current plan serves as an administrative update of its predecessor, the next update should engage the public and transit stakeholders.

Introduction

The passage of the FAST Act in 2015 added new provisions for long-range transportation planning, including the enhancement of travel and tourism. The MPO recognizes the role that travel and tourism have on the transportation system, and the need for the system to be intuitive and easy to navigate for the county’s visitors, as well as serving the county’s many tourist destinations. Tourism continues to be a major industry, and especially so as the Baby Boomer generation transitions out of the workforce with more disposable income and a greater degree of mobility compared to previous generations.

Support connections and access to tourism destinations, including parks, forests, historic/cultural attractions, and trails.

Not only do trails, parks, and cultural attractions provide an opportunity for outdoor recreation, they can also provide a means of transportation or a commuting connection. By promoting the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR’s) grant programs, the MPO can assist the county and local municipalities in securing funding for trail gap closures and enhancing local tourism and travel destinations.

Improve signage and resources to better direct visitors to tourism destinations, parks/forests/trails, etc.

In improving access and connectivity to tourism destinations and visitor centers, efforts can be made to improve the signage and resources at these facilities countywide.

Collect relevant transportation data related to tourism and use in transportation planning efforts.

Data related to tourism should be part of the planning and programming process to ensure that future projects and programs are supportive of the county’s tourism industry. Ensuring the proactive involvement of tourism groups—such as the Franklin County Visitors Bureau—in the county’s transportation planning process will help ensure tourism interests are being considered.