Pennsylvania is on the cutting edge with this pilot program which aims to reduce supply chain delays and cut customer costs
Technology installed on two busy truck corridors will reduce traffic congestion, keep goods moving and lead to less pollution
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that it was awarded a $1.3 million SMART grant from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). The grant will support PennDOT’s pilot of Freight Signal Priority (FSP) technology at two high truck traffic locations in central Pennsylvania, helping to relieve congestion and reduce air pollution while ensuring goods can more quickly get to market.
The technology uses real-time GPS data from truck electronic logging devices to determine a truck’s speed and location. When the truck is approaching a traffic signal, the system sends a priority request to the signal controller, causing the green light to be extended by five to seven seconds. This allows the truck to safely move through the intersection instead of stopping, which keeps traffic moving and reduces emissions produced by trucks idling.
“Efficient movement of goods is central to our economy, however truck traffic can create congestion, cause supply chain delays and increase pollution in our communities.” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “As the Keystone State, Pennsylvania is a critical freight hub. The Shapiro Administration looks forward to piloting this technology that will help keep our trucks and goods moving while also keeping our air cleaner.”
FSP technology will be installed on Cameron Street in the City of Harrisburg and along the Harrisburg Pike in Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, also known as the “Miracle Mile.” The pilot locations were chosen based on the traffic signals’ efficiency along the corridors, the percentage of each location’s total traffic coming from trucks, the air quality reports from USDOT’s Equitable Transportation Community Data, and the hardware in place at the traffic signals. The FSP technology has been successfully deployed in other states, like Texas, and has the potential to significantly improve traffic flow for all motorists and improve air quality in the community. After the pilot period ends, FSP technology will be deployed in other high freight areas around the state.
“Truck congestion has a significant impact on the supply chain, causing delays, increasing costs for consumers, and making the job more challenging for truck drivers,” said Rebecca Oyler, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association. “Pennsylvania ranks eighth in the U.S. for statewide costs related to truck congestion at over $3.7 billion, so we’re excited to be on the cutting edge with this pilot project. Technology solutions hold a lot of promise for helping to solve the challenging issue of truck congestion. We’re anxious to see the results of the project.”
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov. Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
To learn more about how PennDOT is delivering a safe and reliable transportation network across the state, visit penndot.pa.gov/results.
MEDIA CONTACT: Alexis Campbell, 717-783-8800 or alecampbel@pa.gov
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