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PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE COMMISSION
Bedford to Somerset Extended
Closure
January 22 – 24, 2016
After Action Review
April 5, 2016
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page i Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Table of Contents
I. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1
II. Overview............................................................................................................................. 1
A. Event Summary ............................................................................................................... 1
B. Primary Events ................................................................................................................ 3
C. Preparedness and Situational Awareness ....................................................................... 6
D. Response and Recovery ................................................................................................10
III. After Action Review Process ..............................................................................................14
IV. Continuous Improvement Practices (CIP), Current Initiatives, Future Opportunities for
Improvement ......................................................................................................................15
V. In Summary .......................................................................................................................30
Appendices:
Appendix A – State, Local and Community Response Resource Partners
Appendix B – PA Turnpike Weather Emergency Traffic Management Plan
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page ii Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Acronyms
AAR – After Action Review
AS – Action Strategy
ASP – Authorized Services Provider
ATMS – Advanced Traffic Management Software
CCTV – Closed Circuit Television
CIP – Continuous Improvement Process
DMS – Dynamic Message Signs
EMS – Emergency Medical Services
EPLO – Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer
ETOP – Emergency Transportation Operations Plan
ICS – Incident Command System
IMT – Incident Management Team
MCIRP – Mass Casualty Incident Response Plan
MM – Mile Marker
MRE – Meals Ready-to-Eat
MPH – Miles Per Hour
MUW – Maintenance Utility Worker
NIMS – National Incident Management System
NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NWS – National Weather Service
PEMA – Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
PennDOT – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
PSP – Pennsylvania State Police
PTC – Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
SEOC – State Emergency Operations Center
TOC – Traffic Operations Center
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 1 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
I. Introduction
The winter storm event of January 2016 was a historic storm that impacted a large
portion of the southern, eastern, and northeastern United States from January 21 – 23,
2016, ranging from southeast Nebraska to the Carolinas to the New York City metro
area and New England states. The storm impacted the southern half of Pennsylvania on
Friday and Saturday, January 22 – 23, 2016, and resulted in over 500 vehicles and
hundreds of motorists being trapped and stranded for approximately 24 hours along a
rural 12-mile section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s mainline in Bedford and Somerset
counties. The Turnpike’s response and recovery operations began Friday evening and
extended through the afternoon on Sunday, January 24, 2016. The safe conclusion to
these operations was directly attributed to the dedication and professionalism of the
approximately 300 personnel representing over 30 state, county, municipal, and private
resources deployed to assist with the recovery efforts (Appendix A).
On Monday, January 25, 2016, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC)
commenced a two-phase After Action Review (AAR) of its response to and management
of the winter storm event. Phase 1 of the AAR was the information-gathering phase,
which involved the collection of data for a timeline of the response and traffic-
management decisions and the actions taken such as lowering the speed limit, banning
trucks, and detouring traffic off the highway. Phase 2 of the AAR was an examination of
the various decisions made and actions taken before, during, and after the event along
with an analysis of the consequences of those decisions and actions.
This report is the culmination of the Turnpike’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 AAR efforts and
includes a series of continuous improvements and key recommendations that will further
strengthen the Turnpike’s winter weather maintenance and traffic incident management
operations. The Turnpike is committed to implementing the recommendations through
an aggressive continuous improvement program founded on effective leadership, strong
partnerships, and enabling technologies. The implementation phase of this AAR has
already commenced and will continue in earnest throughout 2016 and the immediate
future to ensure the Turnpike is well-positioned and prepared to respond to and manage
small- and large-scale traffic incidents and weather events alike, and above all ensure
the safety of its customers.
II. Overview
A. Event Summary
The January 2016 winter storm was a historic weather event that impacted a
large portion of the southern, eastern, and northeastern United States from
January 20 – 23, 2016, ranging from southeast Nebraska to the Carolinas to the
New York City metro area and New England states. The winter storm event was
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 2 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
the largest snowstorm on record for several locations in the eastern and
northeastern United States with snowfall totals measuring 42 inches in parts of
West Virginia, and at least 14 states in total received more than a foot of snow
from the storm.
The historic storm event impacted the southern half of Pennsylvania on Friday
and Saturday, January 22 – 23, 2016. Snow began falling around 2 PM Friday
and continued with severe, blizzard-like intensity through most of Saturday and
ended around 10 PM Saturday night. Blizzard-like conditions affected many
portions of southern Pennsylvania with snowfall rates averaging 1-2" per hour
with some periods exceeding 2" per hour. Total snowfall amounts ranged from
approximately 36 inches (3 feet) across many portions of southern Pennsylvania
to as little as 0.5” along the I-80 corridor. Figure 1 provides a comparison of the
forecasted snowfall totals against the actual totals received at specified locations
across the Turnpike system. Figure 2 illustrates the observed 48-hour snowfall
totals as recorded by the National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing
Center on January 24, 2016. According to Pennsylvania’s Acting State
Climatologist, for many locations in southern Pennsylvania, this storm went in the
record books as a Top 3 or Top 5 highest snowfall total event for a 24- or 48-hour
period. Furthermore, in excess of three feet fell in southeastern Pennsylvania as
well as in the highest elevations of the Laurel Highlands, which was in the vicinity
of those portions of the Turnpike’s mainline that experienced the trapped
motorists between mile marker (MM) 126W and MM 129W (New Baltimore, PA).
Figure 1 - Forecasted vs. Actual Snowfall Totals
Source: NOAA, 2016
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Inch
es o
f Sn
ow
*Champion, PA used for New Stanton actual snowfall totals. **Everett, PA used for Breezewood actual snowfall totals.
Forecasted Snowfall – Friday AM (in) Forecasted Snowfall – Friday PM (in) Actual Snowfall Totals (in)
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 3 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Figure 2 - Observed Snowfall Totals Received January 22 - 23, 2016
Source: National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center, 2016
The increasingly heavy snowfall coupled with the significant number of trapped
motorists rapidly taxed the Turnpike’s traffic incident and emergency
management capabilities early in the storm event. The Turnpike’s resource
needs were, however, quickly met through mutual-aid assistance coordinated by
Bedford and Somerset County emergency management agencies and the State
Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). In total, over 300 professionals from 30
state, county, municipal, and private resources were deployed to assist with the
recovery efforts that entailed performing ongoing wellness checks on the
stranded motorists and the laborious process of removing snowbound vehicles
from two separate backlog areas that extended over 12 miles.
B. Primary Events
The following is a summary of the four primary events that occurred on Friday,
January 22, 2016, on the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s mainline between the
Breezewood and Donegal interchanges, MM 161 and 91, respectively. These
events factored directly into the Turnpike’s response to and management of the
trapped and stranded motorists located in the westbound travel lanes of the
Turnpike’s mainline system between MM 125.9 – 129 and MM 132 – 139.
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 4 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
1. Single tractor-trailer crash at MM 155.5W (westbound) of the Turnpike’s
Mainline System
At approximately 5:21
PM, the PTC’s Traffic
Operations Center
(TOC) was advised of
a single tractor-trailer
crash blocking both
westbound lanes at
MM 155.5W. The
tractor-trailer was
cleared from the
roadway around 7:11 PM that evening, at which time the 5.6-mile traffic
backlog was able to proceed westward and for safety reasons was paced
behind Turnpike plow trucks that were plowing and treating the roadways.
The Turnpike’s roadway clearance objective from this event was
complicated by the truck’s precarious position down a steep embankment
as shown in the above photo. A Turnpike maintenance loader was
required to push the tractor-trailer to the side of the roadway, where it was
later recovered and cleared from the system on January 28, 2016.
2. Multiple disabled tractor-trailers at MM 126W of the Turnpike’s Mainline
System
At approximately 7:40 PM, the TOC was advised that two to three tractor-
trailers were struggling to ascend the Allegheny Mountain at MM T126W.
Initially, Turnpike snow plow trucks and traffic were able to proceed
around the disabled tractor-trailers until approximately 8:40 PM.
Thereafter, the increasing snow intensity and rapid accumulations,
coupled with the 5.6 mile backlog of traffic released from the 155W crash
(described in Section II.B.1), made it increasingly difficult for Turnpike
maintenance crews to perform effective snow removal operations. This
also kept passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and charter busses alike
from proceeding by the disabled tractor-trailers. Further complicating the
Turnpike’s snow removal operations was the failure of commercial
vehicles to obey the Turnpike’s travel-lane restrictions, which required all
commercial vehicles to remain in the right lane through the Turnpike’s
New Baltimore Slide Remediation construction zone area extending from
approximately MM 128.9W to approximately MM 125W. Instead,
commercial vehicles began using all lanes and ultimately inhibited the
Turnpike’s snow removal operations in the westbound lanes. By
approximately 10 PM, all traffic including several Turnpike plow trucks
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 5 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
became stuck in a 3-mile backlog located between MM 126W and MM
129W (vicinity of New Baltimore, PA).
3. Multiple disabled tractor-trailers at MM 105.1E of the Turnpike’s Mainline
System
At approximately 8:53 PM, the Turnpike’s TOC was advised that multiple
tractor-trailers were stuck in the snow and blocking both eastbound lanes
of the Pennsylvania Turnpike mainline system at MM 105.1E, which is
approximately 5 miles west of the Turnpike’s Somerset Interchange (Exit
110). Pennsylvania State Police Troop T units from the Somerset Station
along with the Turnpike’s maintenance and authorized [towing and
recovery] service providers’ (ASPs) units quickly responded and worked
effectively under the same deteriorating weather conditions to recover the
stuck tractor-trailers. All lanes were cleared and reopened at 1:30 AM on
Saturday, and the resulting 1.3 mile backlog was able to proceed
eastbound.
4. Emergency Traffic Stoppage beginning at MM 132.2W of the Turnpike’s
Mainline System
At approximately 9:07 PM, Kegg Maintenance staff stopped all
westbound traffic at the Kegg Maintenance facility location at MM 132.2W
per the Turnpike’s pre-planned Emergency Traffic Stoppage Plan (E-
STOP). The E-STOP was developed and tested by PSP Troop T in
conjunction with PTC staff and first responders (ASPs, local fire
departments, etc.) as a specific traffic management strategy to safely
handle a traffic incident occurring within the New Baltimore Slide
Remediation construction zone area located between MM 132W and MM
127W. The E-STOP plan was implemented to preclude any additional
traffic from entering the construction zone area beginning at MM 132W
and exacerbating the increasingly challenging snow removal operations
occurring as a result of event number 2 discussed above. The E-STOP
plan also allowed Kegg Maintenance crews to begin turning passenger
cars and tour busses around at this location beginning at approximately
1:30 AM on Saturday. The westbound traffic was routed eastbound on
the Turnpike back towards Bedford via the Kegg Maintenance facility’s
access gate located at MM 132.2W to the Cider Road overpass and then
to the Turnpike’s eastbound lane access gate at MM 132.7E. The
trapped backlog at this location extended for almost 7.6 miles towards the
Bedford Interchange located at MM 146. At approximately 8:35 AM on
Saturday, the Turnpike also began turning westbound traffic around via its
access gates located MM 138.1. The use of these gates was also made
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Page 6 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
possible through the coordinated snow removal assistance from
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Bedford Maintenance
District.
Figure 3 provides an illustrative summary of the above four primary events.
C. Preparedness and Situational Awareness
In preparation for the January 2016 winter storm event, the PTC took the
following actions:
1. Traffic Operations Center / Emergency Communications
On Wednesday and Thursday, January 20 – 21, 2016, the PTC’s
senior leadership participated in multiple weather briefings with PEMA
and PennDOT officials. These briefings included weather forecast
information and preparedness status checks from all participating
agencies.
On Friday, January 22, 2016, the PTC’s TOC and Maintenance
Department staff received and closely monitored Daily Weather
Briefing reports communicated by the Pennsylvania Emergency
Management Agency (PEMA) on behalf of the State Meteorologist
and weather forecasts published by its contracted weather service,
AccuWeather. AccuWeather reports were issued at 4:00 AM, 10:00
AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15 PM, and 9:45 PM, and Daily Weather Briefings
were received at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Figure 4 shows the forecast
reports issued by AccuWeather for 3:15 PM and 9:45 PM respectively
on Friday, January 22, 2016. These reports were used by the PTC to
assist with their weather preparedness activities.
On Friday, January 22, 2016, at 11:34 AM, the PTC TOC staff issued
standby schedules for its ASPs and Safety Advisors according to the
updated PTC’s Weather Emergency Traffic Management Plan Level 2
activation (see Appendix B).
On Friday, January 22, 2016, at 2:03 PM, the PTC TOC advised
PEMA, PennDOT Area Command, PSP Troop T of the PTC’s
Weather Emergency Traffic Management Plan Level 2 activation
commencing at 4:00 PM.
On Friday, January 22, 2016, at 3:00 PM, the PTC issued a Travel
Advisory specifying “PA Turnpike Will Reduce Speed Limits on Some
Sections Tonight Due to Weather – Certain types of trucks, trailers
also to be banned during the weather emergency.”
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
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Figure 3 – Primary Event Locations
Source; Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, 2016
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 8 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Figure 4 – AccuWeather Forecasts, 3:15 PM and 9:45 PM, Friday, January 22, 2016
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 9 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
On Friday, January 22, 2016, at 5:41 PM, the TOC advised PEMA,
PennDOT Area Command, PSP Troop T that 45 MPH Speed Limit
restriction will be placed into effect at 8:30 PM on Friday, January 22,
2016, and effective immediately the truck and trailer ban was placed
into effect between the New Stanton Exit 75 and the Delaware River
Bridge on the mainline Turnpike, and between Mid-County and Lehigh
Valley Interchanges on the Northeast Extension, as well as the entire
Mon Fayette Expressway.
On Friday, January 22, 2016, at 8:30 PM, the PTC implements its 45
MPH speed restriction on the entire Turnpike system earlier than
previously planned due to the storm’s severity.
On Friday, January 22, 2016, at 9:50 PM, the PTC issues a travel
advisory banning all empty and double truck trailers and non-
commercial trailers from the Turnpike system.
2. Winter Maintenance Operations
On Thursday, January 21,
2016, the Director of
Maintenance issued a Winter
Weather Shed Radio Checks
directive to PTC Maintenance
and TOC personnel outlining
the timeframes and protocols
for the TOC to facilitate radio
checks with each maintenance
district regarding local weather
conditions.
Leading up to the events, the
Turnpike’s Everett, Kegg, and Somerset Maintenance units conducted
the following winter maintenance operations:
Both Everett and Kegg Maintenance units were in snow patrol
mode for the storm event during the 7 AM – 3 PM shift on Friday,
January 22.
Somerset Maintenance units began treating roadways at 1:30 PM
on Friday, January 22.
Kegg and Everett Maintenance units began treating roadways at
3:30 PM on Friday, January 22.
Kegg Maintenance units began plowing at 4 PM on Friday,
January 22.
Kegg Maintenance plow trains commenced operations as follows:
o First plow train left Kegg at 7:55 PM
o Second plow train left Kegg at 8:22 PM
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 10 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
D. Response and Recovery
1. Health and Safety Checks
In response to the primary events described in sections II.B.2 and II.B.4
above, the Turnpike’s maintenance and safety patrol units, coupled with
local volunteer fire department resources dispatched via Bedford and
Somerset Counties emergency management and 911 agencies, began
(approximately 12 AM on Saturday) conducting wellness checks on the
motorists caught in the two trapped backlogs located between MM 126W
– MM 128.9W (just below the eastern portal to the Allegheny Tunnel to
the New Baltimore area) and MM 132.2W – MM 124.6W (Kegg
Maintenance area and east towards Bedford Interchange). Later in the
day on Saturday, National Guard units were received at the Kegg
Maintenance incident command post and were deployed to assist with
conducting wellness checks on and distributing food and water to the
trapped motorists.
2. Vehicle Recovery
The Turnpike’s ASP units were initially dispatched at 10 PM on Friday,
January 22, 2016 to begin assisting with the removal of the stuck tractor-
trailers at MM 126W as described in the primary event under section
II.B.2 above. ASP units were dispatched to Kegg Maintenance around
12:12 AM on Saturday, January 23, 2016 to provide fuel for any disabled
vehicles stopped in the emergency stoppage event beginning at MM
132.2W as described in section II.B.4 above. Motorist assistance and
vehicle recovery operations continued until all vehicles were removed
from the Turnpike by 2:25 PM on Sunday, January 24, 2016.
It is important to note that the vehicle recovery operations were greatly
hampered by the heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions. Phase
1 AAR interviews with the Turnpike’s ASPs determined that such weather
conditions greatly decreased their capabilities to perform vehicle recovery
operations efficiently and effectively. For example, a typical recovery
operation would take on average 15 minutes per vehicle. However, the
ASPs specified that it was taking upwards to 45 minutes to recover some
vehicles; particularly the heavy commercial vehicles, which then had to be
individually towed a significant distance (i.e., to the top of Allegheny
Mountain and into the dry and clear tunnel lanes) before they could safely
proceed on the system.
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 11 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
3. Traffic Management
Turnpike officials closely coordinated with PSP and the Governor’s Office
through PennDOT and PEMA to determine the needs, requirements, and
impacts of a roadway closure decision based on specific circumstances
or events. In the case of the January 2016 winter storm event, the
Turnpike Commission initially chose not to close the Turnpike system
based on the following factors:
The storm system was widespread across the southern half of the
Commonwealth and in neighboring states of Maryland and West
Virginia. Conditions on alternative routes were thereby equally
impacted by the storm, and a closure of the Turnpike system
would have had significant impacts on regional, state and local
roads, and local communities.
Traffic was either approaching or already on the Turnpike system
at the time of the traffic backlog incidents, so there was an
immediate need to ensure the safety of these motorists by
keeping the roadway open for their safe passage.
Closing the Turnpike system requires an extensive amount of
Turnpike resources (specifically Maintenance crews and
equipment) that were already committed to winter maintenance
operations.
Turnpike winter maintenance units were responding effectively
elsewhere on the system keeping it open throughout the entire
storm period.
PennDOT winter maintenance units were also responding
effectively elsewhere keeping interstate and secondary roadways
open throughout the entire storm period.
However, at 11:10 AM on Saturday, January 23, 2016, the Turnpike
Commission implemented a Plan X to effectively close the Turnpike
mainline in both east- and westbound directions between the Breezewood
and New Stanton interchanges to support the rescue and recovery
operations of the trapped motorists, and to ensure the safety of all
personnel involved in the operations. Without closing this portion of the
mainline would have precluded the Turnpike’s ability to turn traffic around
at certain access gate locations as follows:
8:35 AM Saturday – Access Gate Milepost 138W
1:10 PM Saturday – Access Gate Milepost 129W
The Turnpike and PSP Troop T determined that no other access gate
locations within the trapped backlog areas proved to provide safe egress
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Page 12 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
points for the trapped motorists to exit the system. For example, such
access areas connected to local roadways that were snow covered and
impassable and/or led into more rural areas that would have jeopardized
motorist safety and further taxed local resources.
In addition to the above access gate locations, PSP Troop T and the
Turnpike removed the concrete median barriers at the following locations
to further assist with removing the snowbound vehicles from the Turnpike
system:
5:14 PM Saturday – Median Barrier removal at Milepost 132
6:04 PM Saturday – Median Barrier removal at Milepost 128.5
7:44 PM Saturday – Median Barrier removal at Milepost 127
The decision to remove these median barriers was determined by the on-
site PSP Incident Commander based on safety considerations and
functional value. The barriers were removed at the earliest time possible
given the continuing storm conditions and poor visibility throughout the
day on Saturday, January 23.
4. Customer Sheltering and Safety
In conjunction with the above response and recovery actions, the
Turnpike closely coordinated with the SEOC to identify three distinct
approaches to providing safe shelter for the trapped motorists.
Approach 1 – Shelter the motorists in-place (i.e., in their respective
vehicles) and through the health and safety checks ensure their basic
food, water, and medical needs (including the dispatch and response of
emergency medical services, EMS) were met to include refueling vehicles
and removing snowpack from engine exhaust pipes. This approach also
included the use of the Kegg Maintenance facility for restroom, warming,
and food distribution needs.
Approach 2 – Relocate all motorists to warming busses that would be
strategically positioned along the eastbound travel lanes adjacent to the
trapped queued vehicles. Motorists would be returned to the their
respective vehicles once the vehicles were recovered from the snow and
the motorists were able to proceed safely on the system or were
evacuated to a safe route and/or location away from the impacted
roadway area (Approach 3).
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 13 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Approach 3 – Ensure the motorists whose vehicles were recovered and
removed from the trapped queue were able to proceed safely on the
system or were evacuated to a safe route and/or location away from the
impacted roadway area. Prior to implementing this approach, the PTC
ensured through aggressive winter maintenance operations that the
remaining portions of the Turnpike system were cleared of snow and well-
treated. In addition, the Turnpike also coordinated with PennDOT on the
conditions of state roadways to confirm their safe travel conditions for the
evacuated motorists’ use.
It is important to note that most motorists chose to remain in their vehicles
(i.e., shelter in place) even though they were given the option to relocate
to warming busses and/or available shelters. Ultimately, their decision to
shelter in place greatly aided the Turnpike’s ability to quickly remove
vehicles from the area and reopen the roadway.
5. Roadway Restoration
Throughout the storm event, Turnpike Maintenance crews were able to
maintain effective snow removal operations on the remaining Turnpike
system including the eastbound lanes adjacent to the trapped queued
areas of the Turnpike system (i.e., MM 126W – MM 129W and MM 132W
– 139W). Keeping the eastbound lanes open proved not only critical to
preventing additional traffic incidents and potential backlogs from
occurring, but it also proved invaluable to supporting the Turnpike’s
overall response and recovery operations once the Plan X was fully
implemented between Breezewood and New Stanton. During the Plan X,
the eastbound lanes afforded Turnpike Maintenance, PSP, first
responders, and additional resources greater access to and visibility of
the trapped queued areas.
Within the effected westbound lanes of the trapped queued areas, the
Turnpike’s ability to restore the roadway became increasingly more
effective once the storm system passed and as vehicles were recovered
and removed from the impacted area. The Turnpike was then able to
safely use heavy equipment to remove the significant amounts of snow
and ice compacted to the roadway as a result of the vehicle recovery
operations. The compacted and frozen snow left on the roadway after all
vehicles had been cleared required the use of specialized loaders and
roadway graders to effectively restore the road surface to safe conditions.
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Page 14 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
6. Community and Public Agency Partner Assistance
The success of the Turnpike’s response and recovery operations was
directly attributed to the dedication and professionalism of the
approximately 300 personnel representing over 30 state, county,
municipal, and private resources deployed to assist with the recovery
efforts.
At the onset of the event, the Turnpike received immediate assistance
and support from the local fire and EMS agencies – coordinated and
dispatched from Bedford and Somerset Counties, and the SEOC – to
conduct customer health and safety checks. Local businesses, schools,
churches and other community organizations also answered the call to
provide food and shelter for the trapped motorists. The combined efforts
of these partners greatly aided the traffic management and vehicle
recovery efforts of the PSP and ASPs.
III. After Action Review Process
On Monday, January 25, 2016, the PTC
commenced a two-phase AAR of its
response to and management of the
winter storm event. Phase 1 of the AAR
was the information-gathering phase,
which involved the collection of data for
a timeline of the response and traffic-
management decisions and the actions
taken such as lowering the speed limit,
banning trucks, and detouring traffic off
the highway. Phase 2 of the AAR was an
examination of the various decisions made and actions taken before, during, and after
the event along with an analysis of the consequences of those decisions and actions.
The Turnpike’s AAR process began with initial meetings with the three maintenance
units involved in the January 2016 winter storm event from start to finish, including
Everett, Kegg, and Somerset Maintenance units. In addition, the AAR team solicited
feedback from over 150 internal and external response partners to include in-person
meetings with PSP Troop T, Turnpike Safety staff, ASPs, fire and EMS departments,
and county EMA and 911 agencies. The team also conducted multiple AAR meetings at
the Turnpike’s Central Administration Building in Middletown on February 2 and 8, 2016.
The first meeting included over 30 participants from the Turnpike, PSP Troop T, and
PennDOT. The second AAR meeting involved over 30 participants from the Turnpike,
PSP Troop T, PennDOT, PEMA, National Guard, and Bedford County Emergency
Management Agency. Finally, Turnpike officials participated in legislative hearings held
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 15 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
by the PA House Transportation Committee on February 10, 2016, and the Joint Senate
Committee Hearing on February 16, 2016.
The results of the Turnpike’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 AAR efforts, coupled with the
outcomes of the aforementioned legislative hearings serve as the basis for the
identification of best practices and key recommendations that will further improve the
Turnpike’s winter weather maintenance and traffic incident and emergency management
operations.
IV. Continuous Improvement Practices (CIP), Current Initiatives, Future
Opportunities for Improvement
Table 1 summarizes the continuous improvement practices identified through this AAR
as methods, techniques, or protocols that the PTC and its Traffic Incident Management
(TIM) partners utilized to achieve positive outcomes to the January 2016 winter storm
event. These practices were implemented following the February 14, 2014 multiple
vehicle crash in Bucks County, PA and were in place prior to the January 2016 winter
storm event. Each practice proved beneficial to the Turnpike’s response to and
management of the trapped motorists in Bedford and Somerset Counties.
Table 2 inventories the Turnpike’s current projects and initiatives that were underway
prior to the January 2016 winter storm event and are deemed to have a direct impact on
improving the Turnpike’s traffic incident and emergency management preparedness,
response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.
Table 3 details the new opportunities for improvement and recommended courses of
action to enhance the Turnpike’s response to and management of future traffic incidents
and associated impacts.
PHASE 1 AAR
• INFORMATION GATHERING AND FACT FINDING
• INTRA- AND INTERAGENCY AAR MEETINGS
• TIMELINE OF EVENTS
PHASE 2 AAR
• PA HOUSE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE HEARING
• JOINT SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING
FINAL
AAR REPORT
DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
1/25/2016 2/16/2016 4/5/2016 2016 – 2017
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 16 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Table 1 – Continuous Improvement Practices
Continuous Improvement Practices (CIP)
Summary
CIP.1 – After Action Review of the
February 14, 2014 Multiple Vehicle
Crash in Bucks County, PA
The PTC’s AAR of the February 14, 2014 multiple vehicle crash in
Bucks County, PA resulted in the identification of 26 key
recommendations that were immediately acted upon. To date, 12 of
the 26 recommendations have been implemented and 14 are
undergoing further implementation. Many of these recommendations
proved beneficial to the PTC’s response to the January 2016 winter
storm event.
CIP.2 – After Action Reviews (AARs) The PTC routinely utilizes a collaborative After Action Review (AAR)
process to proactively engage and communicate with its TIM partners
to obtain the feedback necessary to continually improve and strengthen
the PTC’s TIM program, which in turn helps the PTC provide a safer
highway experience to PTC customers and identify future TIM training,
policy and operational improvement needs. Within recent years, the
PTC’s AAR process has been standardized based on guidelines
specified in the PTC’s TIM Guidelines and Emergency Transportation
Operations Plan (ETOP): One key outcome of each AAR is a series of
key recommendations focusing on specific improvements to the PTC’s
overall Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO)
program.
CIP.3 – Teambuilding Exercises During September and October of 2014, the PTC conducted eight
teambuilding sessions with more than 90 members of the Turnpike’s
Maintenance and Traffic Operations departments. Participants
engaged in activities to enhance working relationships and critical
teambuilding skills through exercises applicable in day-to-day
interactions on the job. This provided a positive and energizing way to
build on a solid tradition of excellent customer service. The PTC
considers such teambuilding initiatives as a critical element to its
training and exercise program and seeks to continue and expand the
teambuilding program to include its external TIM resource partners.
The teambuilding exercises sought to address:
Leadership
Coordination
Knowledge Transfer
Processes and Procedures
Technology
CIP.4 – FHWA SHRP2 Training The PTC has delivered the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA)
Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) National Traffic Incident
Management Responder Training to nearly 700 Turnpike staff and
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Traffic Incident Management (TIM) resource partners including PSP
Troop T, ASPs, local fire and EMS agencies, hazardous materials
response teams, county emergency management agencies, etc. The
training course provides first responders a shared understanding of the
requirements for safe, quick clearance of traffic incident scenes;
prompt, reliable and open communication; and motorist and responder
safeguards.
CIP.5 – Emergency Traffic Stoppage
Plan (E-STOP) for the New Baltimore
Slide Remediation Project
The E-STOP plan is a specific traffic management plan (TMP) strategy
developed by PSP Troop T and the PTC to establish protocols to safely
handle an incident in the New Baltimore Slide Remediation Project
area, which is located between mainline MM 123 to 130 in Bedford and
Somerset counties and traverses one of the highest elevation point
along the entire Turnpike system and is subject to severe weather
conditions (particularly winter snow and ice). Both the eastbound and
westbound travel lanes within the project are reconfigured utilizing
cattle chutes and the E-STOP plan was specifically designed to
address how traffic will be managed during an emergency condition or
crash in the construction zone. The E-STOP plan proved to be an
effective traffic management strategy during the January 2016 winter
storm event given Kegg Maintenance’s situational awareness of the
traffic backlog forming in the cattle chutes and their quick decision to
begin stopping westbound traffic at Kegg Maintenance (MM T132.3W)
per the E-STOP plan. The E-STOP plan prevented additional traffic
backlogs from forming behind the cattle chutes and allowed Kegg
Maintenance and PSP to begin turning passenger cars and bus traffic
around at Kegg Maintenance early in the event timeline.
CIP.6 – New Baltimore Slide
Remediation Project Tabletop Exercise
The PTC in conjunction with PSP Troop T, emergency responders,
Authorized Services Providers (ASPs), and project design consultants
conducted a discussion-based, tabletop exercise (TTX) on its New
Baltimore Slide Remediation Project. The TTX was designed to
discuss specific emergency response operations for incidents that may
occur within the project’s east- and westbound cattle chute lanes. The
project is located between mainline MM 123 to 130 in Bedford and
Somerset counties and traverses the highest elevation point along the
entire Turnpike system and is subject to severe weather conditions
(particularly winter snow and ice). The TTX directly lead to the
development of the E-STOP Plan discussed above.
CIP.7 – Revised Traffic Management
Plan Procedures and Design
Operations Manual Revisions
Based on the successful outcomes of the New Baltimore Slide TMP
and E-STOP strategy, the PTC has since updated its Traffic Design
Operations Manual (DOM) to require TTXs on future construction
projects.
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CIP.8 – 2015 Papal Visit Preparations Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia from Friday, September 25 –
Sunday, September 27, 2015, was expected to draw approximately 1
million visitors to the city’s downtown; the access to which was
restricted by planned road closures into the city. The PTC proactively
participated in the interagency (federal, state, and local) coordination
and interoperability planning activities leading up to the Papal Visit.
The coordination and multi-agency pre-planning was well executed and
greatly demonstrated to the PTC’s preparedness and response
capabilities.
CIP.9 – PTC NIMS and ICS Training The PTC continues to promote and support NIMS and incident
command system (ICS) training for its staff and has recently integrated
its NIMS training into its job description core competency.
CIP.10 – Waze™ Closures and
Shelters
The PTC enhanced its utilization of Waze™ during the Bedford to
Somerset extended closure event by pushing notifications regarding
Turnpike Plan X, alternative route detours, and the locations of
emergency shelters.
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Page 19 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Table 2 – Ongoing PTC Supporting Projects and Initiatives
Category Project/Initiative Status
Planning and
Programming
PI.1 – ITS Capital
Plan
Deploying DMS on each segment and pre-entry
Deploying CCTVs at each interchange and tunnels
Assessing need for CCTVs at crash cluster locations
Planning and
Programming
PI.2 – Update
Maintenance
Operations Plans
Updating maintenance operations plans to include gates,
detours, u-turns, backlog assistance procedures/guidelines
Modifying crash cluster report to include weather hot spots
Engineering and
Construction
PI.3 – Truck Parking
Study
Ongoing study to evaluate future truck parking
opportunities
Identifying need and feasibility of a truck parking
information system
Winter Maintenance
and Operations
PI.4 – Maintenance
Utility Worker (MUW)
Program Review
Ongoing evaluation of potential program enhancements,
training improvements, and job responsibility modifications
Winter Maintenance
and Operations
PI.5 – Weather
Management Study
Evaluating the PTC’s weather information, forecasting and
decision-making needs of maintenance, traffic operations
and others
Considering the role of new technology and other
mechanisms to enhance weather management
Traffic Operations PI.6 – ASP Incentive
Program
Updating ASP rates and implementing an incentive
program pilot
Traffic Operations PI.7 – DMS Operating
Guidelines
Developing guidelines for consistent messaging to
customers
Plan to include a “quick alert” message and “detailed alert”
phased messaging approach
Traffic Operations PI.8 – Mobile CCTV Deployed 9 mobile CCTV and 16 handheld CCTV
accounts
Plan to deploy mobile CCTV on all MUW vehicles
Traffic Operations PI.9 – Mobility
Performance Metrics
Incorporated mobility and incident metrics in the PTC’s
Annual Performance [Metrics] Report
Ongoing pilot project (with data analytics provider) that will
integrate all data in real-time
Developing requirements for the PTC’s Next Generation
Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), which will
provide enhanced data for additional metrics (see ATMS
Project below)
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Category Project/Initiative Status
Traffic Operations PI.10 – Traffic
Operations Center
Review
Reviewing existing TOC layout, equipment, software,
procedures and staffing needs to address current and
future needs
Traffic Operations PI.11 – Transportation
Operations
Performance Program
Reviewing future needs, focus areas, priority projects and
staffing of the traffic operations program
Objective is to develop a performance-based program that
prioritizes and maximizes the investment in operations
Traffic Operations PI.12 – Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Deployment Plan
Submitted Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
application and developed flight guidelines
Expecting approval in Spring 2016 and deployment by
Summer 2016
Traveler Information PI.13 – Notification
Tools
Working on developing alerting tools for HERE (probe
data) and Waze™
Traveler Information PI.14 – Social Media
Alerting
Partnering with Carnegie Mellon University and PennDOT
to study automated monitoring of social media for incidents
Future study phase would allow for alerting directly into the
Turnpike’s TOC
Traveler Information PI.15 – Waze™
Partnership
Sharing data with Waze™ including incidents and events
Currently coding road closures, shelters and other events
into Waze™
Waze™ providing email alerts to users
Communications and
Coordination
PI.16 – PTC Traffic
Incident Management
(TIM) Newsletter
Published first quarterly newsletter (Winter 2015) to keep
PTC employees, and emergency and incident
management partners better informed about Traffic
Engineering & Operation’s projects and initiatives
Incident and
Emergency
Management
PI.17 – Advanced
Traffic Management
Software (ATMS)
Implementation
Developing requirements and RFP for next generation
ATMS software, which will (1) provide enhanced situational
awareness and quicker incident response; and (2) include
a weather module equipped with predicative alerts and
decision support capabilities
Implementation starting in 2016
Incident and
Emergency
Management
PI.18 – After Action
Reviews (AAR)
Implemented AAR guidelines and reporting template
AAR results will be shared via intranet, website and PTC
Traffic Incident Management (TIM) newsletter beginning in
2016
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Category Project/Initiative Status
Incident and
Emergency
Management
PI.19 – PEMA EPLO
and Emergency
Transportation
Operations Playbook
Developing guidelines for PTC EPLOs and Area Command
regarding staffing, resources and responsibilities when
activated
Incident and
Emergency
Management
PI.20 – Special
Events Playbook
Developing guidelines and checklists for planned and
unplanned special events
Incident and
Emergency
Management
PI.21 – Traffic
Incident Management
Guidelines/ Website
Consolidating/ developing traffic incident management
guidelines for all responders
Developing framework for a website to share information
Incident and
Emergency
Management
PI.22 – Traffic
Management Plan
Guidelines
Developed guidelines that have been included in the PTC’s
Design Operations Manual
Policy and Legislation PI.23 – Hold
Harmless Legislation
Advancing Hold Harmless legislation to protect the PTC
and Authorized Services Providers (ASPs) pursuant to the
Pennsylvania Transportation Advisory Committee Traffic
Incident Management Report (February 2014)
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Table 3 – Opportunities for Improvement
Category Action Strategy
(NOT listed in priority order)
Implementation Steps
Engineering and
Construction
AS.1 – Conduct a
systemwide evaluation of
existing and proposed
access ramps/gates and
median barriers to
determine their capacity to
manage the diversion and/or
turnaround of backlogged
traffic.
Step 1: Continue to advance the PTC’s Access Gate
Program, which seeks to achieve a turnaround
approximately every 5 miles across the system.
Step 1A. Determine each existing access ramp’s/gate’s
capability to accommodate passenger and commercial
vehicles alike and identify their limitations and
improvement needs.
Step 1B. Determine the access route(s) servicing each
access ramp/gate and identify their limitations and
improvements in carrying passenger and commercial
vehicles alike in winter and non-winter seasons.
Step 2: Deploy heavily reinforced, removable median gate
technologies for emergency openings, contraflow
applications, and workzone access at strategic locations
across the Turnpike system.
Step 2A: Monitor the use and application of the sliding
median barrier that is being constructed as part of the
PTC’s A101 Total Reconstruction project.
Step 2B: Continue to research alternative heavily
reinforced, removable median gate designs for emergency
openings, contraflow applications, and workzone access.
Step 2C: In conjunction with PSP Troop T, identify and
prioritize critical median access points across the Turnpike
system and determine the appropriate removable median
gate technologies based on the A101 pilot and best
practices research.
Step 3: Prioritize the proposed access ramp/gate and
median barrier improvements and ensure they are included
in the 10-year Highway Capital Plan.
Engineering and
Construction
AS.2 – Enhance the PTC’s
workzone safety procedures
and strategies.
Step 1: Review year-round construction projects to include
the need for Traffic Management Plans to include
emergency stoppage, backlog assistance, stand-by towing,
fully capable CCTV, median barriers, etc.
Step 2: Deploy regional smart work zones such that all
long-term construction projects include smart work zones.
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Category Action Strategy
(NOT listed in priority order)
Implementation Steps
Forecasting and
Preparedness
AS.3 – Strengthen the
PTC’s weather forecasting
and situational awareness
capabilities.
Step 1: Pursue additional customization and
enhancements to the PTC’s weather forecasting
capabilities
Step 2: Align Weather Emergency Traffic Management
Plan level with National Weather Service (NWS) levels –
address restrictions for 1) all vehicles 2) trucks and buses
and 3) empties and doubles 4) construction activities
Step 3: Request that PEMA consolidate NWS reporting
and provide one NWS/PEMA report
Step 4: Conduct training/ education with National Guard to
achieve a common understanding of each organization’s
operations and missions
Winter
Maintenance and
Operations
AS.4 – Complete the PTC’s
Weather Management Study
to determine the role of new
technology and other
mechanisms to enhance the
Turnpike’s weather
forecasting, information
management, and decision-
making capabilities.
Step 1: Program recommendations
Winter
Maintenance and
Operations
AS.5 – Conduct a thorough
review of the Maintenance
Department’s equipment
and staffing by shed to
ensure the PTC’s winter
maintenance capabilities
sufficiently address threats
and risks.
Step 1: Conduct a gap and needs analysis of each
Maintenance facility’s resource needs based on region-
specific threats and risks analysis.
Winter
Maintenance and
Operations
AS.6 – Create a connected
vehicle program to include
the tracking of snow
maintenance operations and
other winter operations
connected vehicle
applications.
Step 1: Complete the connected roadway project.
Step 2: Develop the joint strategic plan with PennDOT.
Step 3: Implement a connected fleet.
Step 4: Program projects.
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Page 24 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Category Action Strategy
(NOT listed in priority order)
Implementation Steps
Winter
Maintenance and
Operations
AS.7 – Update PTC’s
Weather Emergency Traffic
Management Plan.
Step 1: Conduct a review meeting(s) to identify and
prioritize the necessary revisions to the plan. For example:
Align the weather plan levels with NWS levels
Specify restriction standards for 1) all vehicles 2)
trucks and buses and 3) empty and double
trailers.
Define clear procedures for activating the TOC’s
War Room and its staffing.
Step 2: Update the plan according to the revisions and
communicate the revised plan to all internal stakeholders
for review and comment.
Step 3: Publish the final plan and conduct training on the
revisions in advance of the 2016-17 winter season.
Traffic
Operations
AS.8 – Conduct a study and
implementation plan for
hurricane gates.
Step 1: Conduct a study to identify and prioritize hurricane
gate locations and their use demand.
Step 2: Identify feasible hurricane gate technologies and
present such technologies to the Innovation Council for
review and recommendation.
Step 3: Program priority hurricane gate installations into
the Highway Capital Budget.
Traffic
Operations
AS.9 – Clearly define
roadway closure decision
process.
Step 1: Participate in the Commonwealth’s interagency
roadway closure policy discussion.
Step 2: Update the PTC’s Weather Emergency Operations
Traffic Management Plan accordingly.
Traffic
Operations
AS.10 – Enhance the PTC’s
pre-staged towing
procedures for weather
emergency and construction
projects.
Step 1: Develop pre-staged towing guidelines.
Step 2: Implement incentive towing pilots.
Traveler
Information
AS.11 – Continue to
increase and enhance the
PTC’s use of crowdsourcing
technologies (e.g., Waze™,
Twitter™, etc.). This will
strengthen communications
with the PTC’s customers
Step 1: Continue to partner on the joint Carnegie Mellon
University/PennDOT automated monitoring of social media
for incidents study.
Step 2: Update the PTC’s social media/crowdsourcing
procedures to consolidate Twitter™ handles and allow for
24/7 response from Communications/PR and/or
Operations Center: Also consider the following:
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Page 25 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Category Action Strategy
(NOT listed in priority order)
Implementation Steps
and augment its situational
awareness capabilities.
Permit Duty Officers to send out manual tweets in
support to augment the Public Relations and
Communication’s capabilities.
Provide crowdsourcing and social media training
for Duty Officers and Public Relations and
Communication’s staff.
Develop templates for Twitter™ messages (based
on plausible event scenarios) that may be readily
used by PTC staff during emergency
communications.
Along with other transportation agencies,
proactively advocate to have Waze™ technology
upgraded to include the capability to respond to
user messages.
Step 3: Continue to evaluate Traffic Engineering &
Operations’ organizational structure and staffing to
efficiently and effectively manage the PTC’s increased use
of and dependency upon Waze™ and other social media
emergency communication/information/situational
awareness tools.
Traveler
Information
AS.12 – Improve travel
information communication
strategies for passenger,
commercial vehicles and
buses.
Step 1. Proactively engage AAA Foundation, Pennsylvania
Motor Trucking Association (PMTA), Pennsylvania Bus
Association (PBA), and Pennsylvania School Bus
Association (PSBA) to:
Review the PTC’s current public communication
programs and technologies.
Determine specific information needs and
communications requirements/barriers of the
commercial vehicle and bus industries.
Identify commercial vehicle and bus restrictions
that may occur during winter weather events.
Discuss coordination with neighboring states.
Identify emerging programs and next generation
technologies.
Step 2: Update existing standards and/or develop new
protocols according to the priority outcomes of Step 1.
This includes reviewing existing traveler notification
procedures/protocols and determining ways to directly
communicate with such customers (e.g., email, reverse
call, social media, data feed).
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 26 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Category Action Strategy
(NOT listed in priority order)
Implementation Steps
Step 3: Update the Turnpike’s notification protocols to
require timely updates through the PTC’s Emergency
Notification System (ENS) and social media tools. For
example, update travel information system no less than
hourly for incidents lasting more than two hours.
Step 4: Consider the Emergency Alert System (EAS) as an
additional emergency communication tool.
Communications
and Coordination
AS.13 – Strengthen the
PTC’s communications and
information sharing
capabilities with its TIM
resource partners.
Step 1: Create and maintain an online portal (e.g.,
ShareFile, Basecamp, etc.) to share and store reports,
policies, procedures, etc. with the PTC’s TIM resource
partners (both internal and external).
Communications
and Coordination
AS.14 – Continue the PTC’s
proactive involvement in
regional and state Traffic
Incident Management (TIM)
programs and ensure
participation includes
Regional Task Forces.
Step 1: Work with PEMA and County EMA’s to ensure the
Commonwealth’s Regional Task Forces are included in
regional and statewide TIM programs.
Step 2: Continue participating in SPC’s and DVRPC’s TIM
programs and consider creating TIM Coordinator positions
responsible for east and west regions of the PTC system.
Step 3: Implement a statewide TIM Program.
Communications
and Coordination
AS.15 – Continue to
strengthen the PTC’s
partnerships with and
among its incident and
emergency management
partners.
Step 1: Continue to sponsor and deliver traffic incident
management training to first responders.
Step 2: Identify teambuilding needs among the PTC’s
incident and emergency management partners, and deliver
the appropriate training.
Step 3: Organize and host an annual incident management
and emergency services partners meeting to create a
forum for information exchange and enhance partnering
opportunities.
Incident and
Emergency
Management
AS.16 – Augment the PTC’s
current incident and
emergency management
capabilities through auxiliary
personnel and equipment
and develop the appropriate
procedures for their
training/preparedness,
activation, mobilization,
Step 1A: Organize functional Strike Teams or Task Forces
to augment the PTC’s traffic incident management and/or
maintenance operations during large scale incidents where
existing resources may already deployed (e.g., winter
maintenance operations, etc.). Such resources should
consider greater utilization of municipal resources and non-
deployed Turnpike personnel.
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 27 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Category Action Strategy
(NOT listed in priority order)
Implementation Steps
deployment, and
deactivation.
Step 1B: Develop procedures for Strike Teams/Task
Forces’ training/preparedness, activation, mobilization,
deployment, and deactivation.
Step 1C: Ensure each Maintenance District is equipped
with a Mobile Incident Command Post (ICP) and Vest Kit,
and administer the appropriate training of the ICP tools in
conjunction with the appropriate first responders.
Step 2: Work with County EMAs to identify their respective
emergency management resources and capabilities to
augment the PTC’s incident and emergency management
needs based on its all-hazard risks.
Incident and
Emergency
Management
AS.17 – Continue to
integrate the National
Incident Management
System (NIMS) into the
PTC’s Traffic Incident
Management and
Maintenance Operations.
Step 1: Continue to administer the PTC’s National Incident
Management System (NIMS) training as specified in the
PTC’s Emergency Transportation Operations Plan (ETOP)
and ensure the concepts of Incident Command and Unified
Command are indoctrinated into the Turnpike’s traffic
incident and emergency management operations.
Step 2: In coordination with PSP Troop T, ensure the
PTC’s incident management and maintenance operations
are clearly organized according to the Incident Command
System (ICS) functional structure and are expandable
according to the required geographical or functional areas
of operation.
Step 3: Ensure the PTC’s facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications are integrated into a common framework for coordinating and supporting multiagency and multijurisdictional incident/unified command operations.
Incident and
Emergency
Management
AS.18 – Develop a Mass
Casualty Incident Response
Plan (MCIRP).
Step 1: Collaborate with PEMA, PennDOT, and the PTC’s
fire and EMS response agencies to develop a MCIRP and
integrate the plan into the PTC’s Traffic Incident
Management (TIM) program.
Step 2: Conduct tabletop exercises on the MCIRP and
maintain and communicate the plan to all PTC TIM
partners, including hospital facilities servicing the PTC’s
area of impact.
Incident and
Emergency
Management
AS.19 – Ensure first
responders have adequate
and reliable mobile and
Step 1: Ensure the PTC maintains a current inventory of its
mobile and portable radios issued to first responders.
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 28 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Category Action Strategy
(NOT listed in priority order)
Implementation Steps
portable Turnpike radio
communication capabilities.
Step 2: Determine deficiencies in radio devices among its
first responders.
Step 3: Identify the appropriate capital programming needs
to finance the purchase and/or replacement of radio
devices.
Incident and
Emergency
Management
AS.20 – Ensure the PTC’s
State EOC EPLOs attain
current training on their roles
and responsibilities.
Step 1: Complete the PTC’s EPLO Playbook (regarding
staffing, responsibilities, and available resources) and
ensure it is communicated to the appropriate Turnpike
staff.
Step 2: Provide continuous training to Turnpike EPLOs.
Incident and
Emergency
Management
AS.21 – Further refine the
PTCs Trapped Queue
Motorist Assistance Plan to
address specific
requirements across the
system.
Step 1: Develop a Trapped Queue Motorist Assistance
Plan for each Maintenance District based on their unique
circumstances and environments. Such plans should be
based on the template created for Maintenance District 2
and include the access gate evaluation initiative specified
in AS.2.
Step 2: Ensure each district plan addresses Incident
Command/Unified Command and is integrated into the
Turnpike’s Traffic Incident Management (TIM) and PSP
Troop T’s traffic incident response protocols.
Step 3: Work with local fire and EMS departments to
ensure each plan includes protocols and standards for
conducting health and safety checks including provisions
for identifying and marking vehicles, dissemination of
written and electronic communication methods to trapped
motorists, vehicle inventory and tracking methods, and
other protocols deemed necessary.
Step 4: Conduct tabletop exercises on each district plan
and ensure such exercises included participants from
TE&O, Maintenance, PSP Troop T, PEMA, National
Guard, County EMAs, and local fire and EMS units.
Incident and
Emergency
Management
AS.22 – Maintain
strategically located caches
of emergency food supplies
to support the PTC’s safety
and care of motorists that
may become stopped for
Step 1: Conduct an evaluation of the PTC’s warehouse
facilities’ capacity to store caches of emergency food
supplies, such as bottled water, energy bars, Meals Ready-
to-Eat (MRE), etc.
Step 2: Determine the appropriate quantities of food
supplies needed to be stored at any given time.
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 29 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Category Action Strategy
(NOT listed in priority order)
Implementation Steps
long periods of time in a
backlogged traffic queue.
Step 3: Work with statewide partners to identify existing
caches to maximize available resources.
Step 4: Ensure the caches are properly tracked and
rotated based on their respective shelf-lives.
Step 5: Develop a logistics plan for the caches’ timely
distribution to any location along the Turnpike system.
Such a plan should be developed in conjunction with the
PA National Guard as a potential resource for logistics
support.
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Page 30 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
V. In Summary
The Turnpike, in strong collaboration with its staff, and state, local and community
partners, has conducted a thorough review of the Bedford to Somerset Extended
Closure event. The decisions made in response to and management of the event were
based on the most current information available to the Turnpike and its response
partners. Such decisions and actions helped to limit the expansion of a difficult and
inconvenient situation from becoming a more serious event. The response of the
Turnpike, working in close coordination with the community, brought the event to its
conclusion without injury or loss of life. Furthermore, through extensive review and
research, the Turnpike concluded that a variety of factors contributed to its traffic
management decisions that included the timing of the Plan X implementation, opening of
certain access gates, and removal of median barriers.
The Turnpike is committed to implementing the projects and recommendations outlined
in this report through an aggressive, continuous improvement program founded on
effective leadership, strong partnerships, and enabling technologies. The
implementation phase of this AAR has already commenced and will continue in earnest
throughout 2016 and the immediate future to ensure the Turnpike is well-positioned and
prepared to respond to and manage small- and large-scale traffic incidents and weather
events alike, and above all ensure the safety of its customers. As outlined in Tables 1,
2, and 3, the Turnpike has identified various practices, procedures, and technologies to
strengthen its future response to and management of significant weather events and
traffic incident situations to ensure the safety of its customers and incident and
emergency management partners.
It is important to note that beyond the operational confines of this review, the Turnpike
continues to work with its state transportation and emergency management partners
(i.e., PennDOT and PEMA) to develop and implement enhanced communication
systems and response capabilities that will provide for a better overall future experience
for motorists involved in extended-duration, limited-access highway closures.
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Appendix A
State, Local and Community Response
Resource Partners
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
The Turnpike acknowledges that the success of its response to and management of the Bedford
to Somerset Extended Closure event was directly attributed to the dedication and
professionalism of the approximately 300 personnel representing over 30 state, county,
municipal, and private resource partners deployed to assist with the recovery efforts. These
partners included the following:
Alum Bank Fire Company
Bedford Area School District
Bedford County 911
Bedford County Emergency Management Agency
Bedford Fire Company
Bedford United Methodist Church
Berlin Fire & EMS
Bollman Charter Service
CoGo’s™
Dollar General™
Herring Motor Company
Interstate Emergency Services, Inc.
Lakewood Automotive & Towing
LaSalles Garage
Myers Garage
New Baltimore Fire Company
Pennsylvania National Guard
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA)
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Pennsylvania State Police
Shanksville Fire Company
Shawnee Market
Shawnee Valley Ambulance
Shawnee Valley Fire Company
Sheetz™
Somerset County 911
Somerset County Emergency Management Agency
Southern Cove Fire Company
St. Thomas Parish
Subway™
Walmart Distribution – Bedford
Waze™ Connected Citizens Program
Wissingers Repairs
Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR
Appendix B
Weather Emergency Traffic Management Plan
December 28, 2015 FINAL
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Weather Emergency Traffic
Management Plan
December 28, 2015
Final
December 28, 2015 Final 2
Table of Contents
Page #
Weather Emergency Plan Levels and Definitions 3
Pa. DOT Publication 23, Section #4 Road Condition Descriptors 4
Weather Advisories 5 - 6
Level 1 Storm Procedures 7 - 9
Traffic Engineering and Operations
Maintenance
State Police Troop T
FEMO
Travel Plazas and PTC Concessions
Fare Collection & Toll Waiving
Communications and Public Relations
Engineering
Level 2 Storm Procedures 10-14
Traffic Engineering and Operations
Maintenance
State Police Troop T
FEMO
Travel Plazas and PTC Concessions
Fare Collection & Toll Waiving
Communications and Public Relations
Engineering
Level 3 Storm Procedures 15-20
Traffic Engineering and Operations
Maintenance
State Police Troop T
FEMO
Travel Plazas and PTC Concessions
Fare Collection & Toll Waiving
Communications and Public Relations
Engineering
Level 4 Storm Procedures 21-25
Traffic Operations and Engineering
Maintenance
State Police Troop T
FEMO
Travel Plazas and PTC Concessions
Fare Collection & Toll Waiving
Communications and Public Relations
Engineering
December 28, 2015 Final 3
Weather Emergency Traffic Management Plan This plan is designed to guide the operations of the Pennsylvania Turnpike when there
is significant weather forecast that includes the following conditions: snow
accumulation of (6 in.), ½ inch of ice, high winds in excess 40 mph, flashflood rain fall at
a rate of 1 inch per hour, or other weather conditions that may impact traffic and
public safety. Weather Advisories can be activated for a specific region or the entire
Turnpike system when there are any issues concerning travel conditions or weather that does
not meet the Level activations. The key to this plan will be the fast and efficient notification
of the needed resources and to move traffic safely and quickly.
Advisory- An Advisory issued to provide notification internally and externally of an
approaching weather event.
The advisory serves as a regional or district notification to alert motorists of weather and
roadway conditions that do not meet the specifications for the Level activations. Examples
are fog, heavy rain with water pooling, passing snow showers or squalls, heat or cold index
issues or others conditions do not meet the criteria. There are specific procedures that are
activated due to these events.
Level 1 - A preliminary AccuWeather or National Weather Service (NWS) Warning is
issued for severe weather that will impact travel conditions on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Emergency crews may be working on the highway to clear travel lanes or drainage systems
in preparation for the weather conditions.
Level 2 – When weather conditions are increasing in severity that meet the plan criteria, are
impacting travel or include forecasts of a significant accumulation of snow or ice; water
pooling, flooding, high wind speeds, or extreme heat or cold. This level enables the clearance
of abandoned vehicles or PTC staff to assist travelers.
Level 3 – A weather incident that impacts the free flow of travel on the system or poses a
threat to the safety of employees or the traveling public. An example would be an
accumulation of ten inches of snow and snow fall rates of two to three inches per hour.
Turnpike and outside agencies will coordinate the restriction of vehicles from traveling the
PTC system and other PA roads, communicate the Commonwealth needs for managing
traffic flow and coordinate the required resources to minimize further emergencies.
Level 4 – After coordination with Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA)
and Penn DOT results in a decision to close sections of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and other
PA roadways across the Commonwealth.
Activations/Deactivations – All Weather Advisories and Level activations/deactivations
will be initiated by the Traffic Operations Center after communications with the Director of
Traffic Engineering and Operations and Director of Maintenance.
December 28, 2015 Final 4
ROADWAY CONDITION DESCRIPTIONS
COMMON DESCRIPTIONS: In order to attain a common understanding of winter road conditions, the
following conditions and definitions have been established. These condition descriptions represent the
predominate condition of the road being reported.
Condition 1: Clear - Dry/wet pavement surface is maintained at all times.
This condition represents time periods when the pavement and air temperatures
are above freezing with or without precipitation. This condition may also exist
when temperatures are at or below freezing and traffic is able to maintain speeds
at or near posted limits. (An example would be during the cleanup phase of a
minor event when roads are wet and reports indicate they are freezing dry with
traffic speeds returning to normal.)
Condition 2: Wet with Freezing Conditions - Wet pavement surface is the general
condition with air temperatures near or below freezing. There are occasional areas
having snow or ice accumulations resulting from drifting, sheltering, cold spots,
frozen melt-water, etc.
This condition should be utilized during periods of precipitation when air and/or
pavement temperatures are at 34 degrees and are expected to drop to freezing or
below freezing during the course of the storm. This condition should also be used
when wet or light snow cover conditions are expected to persist for two or more
hours with freezing temperatures.
Condition 3: Snow and/or Slush Covered - Accumulations of loose snow or slush
are regularly found on the pavement surface. Light to moderate snow cover may
be present in some areas (up to 2 inches on secondary routes).
Some snow packed and/or icy conditions may be present but do not represent
predominate road conditions on the interstates. Reduced travel speeds may be
required due to slick road conditions.
Condition 4: Snow Packed / Significant Snow Cover - The pavement surface has
continuous stretches of packed snow with or without loose snow on top of
packed snow and ice. Significant snow accumulations are present in some areas
(2 – 5in).
This condition may become prevalent during periods of heavy snowfall. Speed
limit reductions and vehicle restrictions should be considered when this becomes
the predominate condition on the roadway.
Condition 5: Icy - The pavement surface is predominantly covered with ice and
packed snow. There may be loose snow or sleet on top of the icy or packed snow
surface.
This condition may be the result of sleet, freezing rain, snow melt or refreeze.
Reduced travel speeds may be necessary and motorist should be advised to limit
travel or travel at significantly reduced speeds until conditions improve.
Condition 6: Impassable - The road is temporarily impassable to most or all vehicles. This may be the result of
severe weather (low visibility, blowing snow, etc.) or road conditions [drifting, excessive unplowed snow (5+
inches), avalanche potential or actuality, glare ice, etc.]
December 28, 2015 Final 5
Weather Advisory
Initial notification will occur to all departments as soon as alerts are received at the Traffic
Operations Center. Field notifications of weather conditions that do not meet the Plan Alert
Levels will be sent as an advisory to PA Turnpike Commission staff and State Police Troop
T to assure that all are communicating the resource needs.
Department of Traffic Engineering and Operations
1. The Director of Traffic Engineering and Operations; Director of Maintenance;
Director of Fare Collection; Captain of State Police Troop T; Chief of
Communications & Public Relations; Director of Facilities & Energy Management
Operations (FEMO); Chief Engineer and Executive Departments will be notified
via e-mail distribution list of the reported weather changes in travel conditions.
2. The Duty Officer will initiate polling. Weather polling will be initiated as needed
basis if conditions change to enable the monitoring of weather conditions that are
affecting each section.
3. The following message is the standard message to play on the permanent dynamic
message signs (DMS):
4. All regional or system-wide Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) devices,
Webpage and Emergency Notification System (ENS) affiliated with the plan will be
activated to warn motorists.
5. Activate Highway Advisory Radio’s as followed:
All travelers are urged to reduce their speeds and keep alert for changing travel
conditions and emergency crews working on the roadway. (Any specific information
relating to conditions or actions.)
December 28, 2015 Final 6
Weather Advisory
Maintenance Department
1. Maintenance priority is to maintain the roadway surface in a safe travel condition.
Maintenance will work to prepare the system and personnel for the current weather.
Field personnel will clear drainage systems and roadways of debris. Field personnel
will prepare all by fueling equipment and taking other actions to prepare for
activation. Management will implement adequate staffing schedules.
2. Maintenance sheds are polled to provide current roadway conditions by selected
districts or regions. This information is to verify the roadway conditions, maintenance
actions, weather conditions and visibility.
State Police Troop T
1. Will monitor and report the roadway conditions.
2. Assist other agencies with Traffic Control.
FEMO
Service Plazas are to report any loss of services or power to the Traffic Operations
Center.
Fare Collection
Report any roadway obstructions or storm condition that would require assistance.
Toll Waiving
No action at this level is needed.
Communications & Public Relations
No action at this level is needed.
Engineering
No action at this level is needed.
December 28, 2015 Final 7
Level I Storm Procedures
Initial notification will occur to all departments as soon as forecasts are received. These
forecasts are gathered from various sources but will be confirmed and coordinated with other
agencies such as PEMA, Penn DOT and State Police to assure that all are communicating the
resource needs.
Department of Traffic Engineering and Operations
1. The Director of Traffic Engineering and Operations; Director of Maintenance; ;
Traffic Incident Management Coordinator ; Director of Fare Collection; Captain of
State Police Troop T; Chief of Communications & Public Relations; Director of
Facilities & Energy Management Operations (FEMO); Chief Engineer and Executive
Departments will be notified of the weather forecast predicting significant changes in
travel conditions.
2. National Weather Service/AccuWeather alerts will be auto generated to a pre-
described distribution list.
3. Customer/Employee Safety Manager will be notified to ensure Safety Advisors
availability and deploy as needed.
4. PEMA and Penn DOT will be notified by the Turnpike Emergency Preparedness
Liaison Officer (EPLO) or their representative of preliminary efforts of the Turnpike
Commission to prepare for the upcoming weather emergency.
5. Will implement adequate Traffic Operations Center emergency weather schedules.
6. Weather polling will be initiated every 4 hours or as needed if conditions change to
monitor weather conditions that are predicted per section. Shed summary will be
added to the Emergency Notification System regional weather section for travel
alerts.
7. The following message is the standard message to play on the permanent dynamic
message signs (DMS):
8. All regional or system-wide Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) devices,
Webpage and Emergency Notification System (ENS) affiliated with the plan will be
activated to warn motorists.
9. Activate Highway Advisory Radio’s as followed:
All travelers are urged to reduce their speeds and keep alert for changing travel
conditions and emergency crews working on the roadway. (Any specific information
relating to conditions or actions)
December 28, 2015 Final 8
Level I Storm Procedures
Department of Traffic Engineering and Operations (continued)
10. Notifications will be made to Authorized Service Providers of the impending weather
4 to 6 hours prior to activation of Level 2 and place them on notice for possible
activation of Abandoned Vehicle Procedures Title 67, 601.15A, Page 9, Rules and
Regulations.
11. A storm/weather call will be initiated as requested by The Director of Traffic
Engineering and Operations or Director of Maintenance and include designees from
other departments. Personnel may participate by conference call or in person in the
Traffic Operations Center Conference (War) Room. Attendees will include
Operations, Safety, Maintenance, Fare Collection, State Police Troop T,
Communications & Public Relations, FEMO, Engineering and Executive
Departments.
Maintenance Department
1. Maintenance priority is to maintain the roadway surface in a safe travel condition. At
Level 1, Maintenance will work to prepare the system and personnel for the current
weather. Field personnel will clear drainage systems and roadways of debris. Field
personnel will prepare all by fueling equipment and taking other actions to prepare
for activation. Management will implement adequate staffing schedules.
2. Weather polling will be initiated to sheds from operations center every 4 hours or as
needed if conditions change to monitor weather conditions that are predicted per
section. This information is to verify the roadway conditions, maintenance actions,
weather conditions and visibility.
December 28, 2015 Final 9
Level I Storm Procedures
State Police Troop T
1. Will monitor and report the roadway conditions.
2. Will implement adequate staffing schedules.
FEMO
1. Contact PTC Concessionaires and HMS Host to prepare Plaza’s parking lots to be
cleared of snow or debris. Contact:
a. PTC’s Concessions Services Supervisor
2. Service Plazas are to report any loss of services or power to the Traffic Operations
Center.
3. FEMO will make the decision to staff the Traffic Operations Center console.
4. FEMO will prepare for staffing of administration buildings to include maintaining
service such as power, janitorial, water and supplies for the duration of the storm.
5. Prepare staff to check that generators are working properly and fueled. Report any
generator activations to the Traffic Operations Center.
Fare Collection
1. Verify that adequate supplies of sand bags and informational 1640 AM “pink” signs
are on hand.
Toll Waiving
No action at this level is needed.
Communications & Public Relations
No action at this level is needed.
Engineering
1. Identify any contractor construction activities that will impact field operations during
weather incidents. Have contractors submit to Traffic Operations Center emergency
contacts for 24/7 coverage due to storm on projects that could lead to debris or site
issues.
2. Contractors will check and verify that drainage systems and roadway are clear of
debris and construction signs are secured.
December 28, 2015 Final 10
Level 2 Storm Procedures
Updated notifications will occur to all departments as soon as alerts are received. These alerts
are gathered from various sources to include State Police Troop T and Maintenance crews on
the roadway. Continued coordination with other agencies such as PEMA, Penn DOT and
State Police will assure that all are communicating the resource needs.
Department of Traffic Engineering and Operations
1. The Director of Traffic Engineering and Operations; Director of Maintenance;
Traffic Incident Management Coordinator ; Director of Fare Collection; Captain of
State Police Troop T; Chief of Communications & Public Relations; Director of
FEMO; Chief Engineer and Executive Departments will be notified of the weather
forecast predicting significant changes in travel conditions.
2. Any National Weather Service/AccuWeather updates, warnings, advisories, special
statements and forecasts will be broadcast to the field operations along with a
summary of the field unit reports.
3. Customer/Employee Safety Manager will be notified to ensure Safety Advisors
availability and deploy as needed.
4. PEMA and Penn DOT (Area Command Representative 717-783-5437) will be
notified by the Turnpike EPLO or their representative of the continued efforts of the
Turnpike Commission actions for the weather emergency. The PEMA staff will also
evaluate the need to staff the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). Once the
PTC staff is located at the State EOC, all communications between the Turnpike and
PEMA are to be communicated through the PTC EPLO and the Traffic Operations
Center for both outgoing and incoming resource requests.
5. Will implement adequate Traffic Operations Center emergency weather schedules.
6. If Maintenance console is not staffed, the Duty Officer will initiate polling. Weather
polling will be initiated every 2 hours or as needed if conditions change to monitor
weather conditions that are predicted per section. Polling can be by computer or radio
communications. Shed summary will be added to the Emergency Notification System
regional weather section for travel alerts.
7. The following message is the standard message to play on the permanent DMS signs:
December 28, 2015 Final 11
Level 2 Storm Procedures
Department of Traffic Engineering and Operations (continued)
8. All regional or system-wide Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) devices,
Webpage and Emergency Notification System (ENS) affiliated with the plan will be
activated to warn motorists.
9. Activate Highway Advisory Radio’s as followed:
All travelers are urged to reduce their speeds and keep alert for changing travel conditions
and emergency crews working on the roadway. Do not attempt to pass Turnpike trucks
plowing or servicing the highway. Motorists operating trucks, campers and vehicles pulling
trailers, your vehicles may become unstable during high wind conditions. . (any specific
information relating to roadway conditions)
10. The Duty Officer and Customer/Employee Safety Manager will advise activation of
the Abandoned Vehicle Procedures, Title 67, 601.15A, Page 9, Rules and
Regulations.
a. Notification will be made to Authorized Service Providers to standby for the
event at designated staging areas identified by PTC. Authorized Service
Provider coverage (one heavy wrecker per coverage area) may be requested to
standby at the following locations as weather dictates or as needed: Blue/Kitt
Tunnel, Kegg Maintenance, MP 99.9 (Laurel Highlands), Mahoning Valley
Interchange and Donegal Maintenance.
b. Notification to State Police Troop T for the activation of the Abandoned
Vehicle Policy and any potential vehicle restrictions, Title 67, 601.15A, Page
9, Rules and Regulations. Ensure State Police document the vehicle
information and tow location within CAD’s. All inquiries into where vehicles
are towed and why are referred to State Police.
11. The following procedures may be initiated (include a time of activation) in
conjunction with Communications & Public Relations Department’s media release.
Any of the following restrictions can be approved for activation and enforced through
Title 67, 601.15A, Page 9, Rules and Regulations.
c. All Class 9’s oversized vehicles are banned from travel.
d. Abandoned vehicles will be towed immediately.
e. Trucks and trailers are required to travel in right lane only in mountainous
areas.
f. Coordinate with Communications & Public Relations Department to create an
advisory that we may do a ban on commercial vehicles that are doubles, any
empty trailer, and personal vehicles towing trailers in preparation for move to
Level 3.
12. Initiate the communication to Maintenance and Fare Collections of the E-ZPASS
express lane closures in accordance with the Traffic Management Plan.
December 28, 2015 Final 12
Level 2 Storm Procedures
Department of Traffic Engineering and Operations (continued)
13. Contact CHART Maryland, Penn DOT District Traffic Management Centers (TMC),
Penn DOT Area Command Representative (717-783-5437), PEMA or any other
agency affiliated with distribution of the plan activated.
14. Coordinate PEMA/Penn DOT storm/weather calls as needed. Personnel may
participate by conference call or in person in the Operations Center Conference (War)
Room. Attendees will include Traffic Engineering and Operations, Maintenance,
Fare Collection, State Police Troop T, Communications & Public Relations, FEMO,
Engineering and Executive Departments.
15. Activate the PTC employee hotline. If needed.
Maintenance Department:
1. Maintenance priority is to maintain the roadway surface in a safe travel condition.
Constant Plow Trains may be activated to clear the roadway dependent upon snow
conditions. Plow Train operations will be communicated to the shed from the plow
trucks to enable coordination of trucks.
2. If Maintenance console is not staffed, the Duty Officer will initiate polling. Weather
polling will be initiated every 2 hours or on an as needed basis if conditions change to
enable the monitoring of impending weather conditions that are predicted per section.
Polling can be by computer or radio communications.
3. Requests for State Police Troop T escort for any plow trains need to be made 30
minutes in advance of the start of the plow train. This request is coordinated with
PSP barracks and maintenance shed at local level.
4. Assist in identifying abandoned vehicle locations to Traffic Operations Center so that
State Police Troop T can document the vehicle information and tow location after
removal.
5. Maintenance will, when personnel are available, respond and assist with traffic
control, incident management, and may be required to monitor the backlog in
conjunction with the State Police Troop T.
6. Report any facility power failures or generator activations to the Traffic Operations
Center.
8. Initiate the closure of Express E-ZPASS lanes in compliance with traffic management
plans as crews are available to do so.
December 28, 2015 Final 13
Level 2 Storm Procedures State Police Troop T
1. Will monitor and report the roadway conditions.
2. Will implement adequate staffing schedules.
3. Will escort plow trains as requested when patrols are available.
4. Will assist in the implementation of any traffic management plan.
5. Will provide a presence as needed to assist with ASP issues.
6. Will enforce – Abandoned Vehicles, Title 67, 601.15A, Page 9, Rules and
Regulations. CAD incident is generated for each abandoned vehicle removed and
documented where the vehicle has been towed.
7. Will assist with patrolling backlogs and assist motorists.
8. Will establish Incident Command, if necessary.
FEMO
1. Contact PTC Concessionaires and HMS Host to ensure Plaza’s parking lots are
cleared of snow or debris. Contact: PTC’s Concessions Services Supervisor
2. Service Plazas are to report any loss of services or power to the Traffic Operations
Center.
3. FEMO will make the decision to staff the Traffic Operations Center console.
4. Implement staffing for administration buildings to include maintaining service such
as power, janitorial, water and supplies for the duration of the storm.
5. Check and verify generators are working properly and fueled. Report any generator
activations to the Traffic Operations Center.
Fare Collection
1. Deploys informational 1640 AM “pink” signs.
2. Prepares for reduced entry lanes as needed. (Single Lane Entry Procedures)
3. Activates InstAlert signs with 1640 AM information. (If available at location)
4. The Fare Collection Duty Officer for the affected district(s) will be the point of
contact and coordinate with other PTC departments and external police and fire
agencies, as needed, in the deployment of signs throughout the interchanges and the
implementation of the Single Lane Entry Procedure.
December 28, 2015 Final 14
Level 2 Storm Procedures
Toll Waiving
1. As conditions warrant, implement toll waiving as per PTC procedure. This will
include Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) procedures.
2. Requests for state emergency response or utility travel toll waiving or consolidated
billing purposes will go through PEMA, Operations Center and Fare Collection for
approval.
Communications & Public Relations
1. Prepare press release for travel conditions and for potential bans and restrictions
coordinated with Penn DOT Press Office. The following procedures may be initiated
(include a time of activation) in conjunction with Traffic Operations Center for any
media releases. Any of the following restrictions can be approved for activation and
enforced through Title 67, 601.15A, Page 9, Rules and Regulations.
a. All Class 9’s oversized vehicles are banned from travel.
b. Abandoned vehicles will be towed immediately.
c. Trucks and trailers are required to travel in right lane only in mountainous
areas.
d. Coordinate with Traffic Operations Center to prepare an advisory to announce
a ban on commercial vehicles that may include doubles, empty trailers,
vehicles towing trailers, and speed reductions in preparation for move to Level
3. In addition, it should include a reminder to motorist to drive according to
roadway conditions and DO NOT PASS PLOW TRAINS.
2. Ensure adequate staffing of the Turnpike’s Customer Assistance Center
Engineering
1. Identify any contractor construction activities that will impact field operations during
weather incidents. Have contractors submit to Traffic Operations Center emergency
contacts for 24/7 coverage due to storm on projects that could lead to debris or site
issues.
2. Contractors will check and verify that drainage systems and roadway are clear of
debris and construction signs are secured.
December 28, 2015 Final 15
Level 3 Storm Procedures
A weather incident that significantly impacts the free flow of travel on the system or poses a
threat to the safety of employees or the public denotes this level. An example would be an
accumulation of ten inches of snow and snowfall rates of two to three inches per hour.
Updated notifications will occur to all departments as soon as alerts are received. These
alerts are gathered from various sources to include PSP and Maintenance crews on the
roadway. The reports are analyzed by executive staff for the activation of travel restrictions
on the PTC system regional or system-wide. Continued coordination with other agencies
such as PEMA, Penn DOT and State Police will ensure that all are communicating the
resource needs.
Department of Operations, Safety, and Incident Response
1. The Director of Traffic Engineering and Operations; Director of Maintenance; Traffic
Incident Management Coordinator ; Director of Fare Collection; Captain of State
Police Troop T, Chief of Communications & Public Relations; Director of FEMO;
Chief Engineer and Executive Departments will be notified of the weather forecast
predicting significant changes in travel conditions.
2. Any National Weather Service/AccuWeather updates, warnings, advisories, special
statements and forecasts will be broadcast to the field operations along with a
summary of the field unit reports.
3. Customer/Employee Safety Manager and Safety Advisors will deploy as needed.
4. PEMA and Penn DOT (Area Command Representative 717-783-5437) will be
notified by the Turnpike EPLO or their representative of the continued efforts of the
Turnpike Commission actions for the weather emergency. The PEMA staff will also
evaluate the need to staff the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Once the
PTC staff is located at the State EOC, all communications between the Turnpike and
PEMA are to be communicated through the PTC EPLO and the Traffic Operations
Center for both outgoing and incoming resource requests.
5. Will implement adequate Traffic Operations Center emergency weather and elevated
operations schedules.
6. Weather polling will be initiated every hour and/or utilization of District radio calls to
enable the monitoring of impending weather conditions that are predicted per section.
December 28, 2015 Final 16
Level 3 Storm Procedures
Department of Operations, Safety, and Incident Response (continued)
7. The following message can be modified to play on the Permanent DMS signs during
Level 3 depending on any restrictions:
8. All regional or system-wide ITS devices, Webpage, and ENS affiliated with the plan
will be activated to warn motorists of the following travel restrictions in conjunction
with Communications & Public Relations Department media release.
9. Activate Highway Advisory Radio’s as follows to include any restrictions that may
apply per Director’s coordination with other departments. This may include numerous
options:
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is now operating under a Weather Emergency. Reduce your
travel speeds and drive according to roadway conditions. The following restrictions apply to
all travelers (List the restrictions) Do not attempt to pass Turnpike trucks plowing or
servicing the highway. All abandoned vehicles are being removed to allow crews to clear the
roadway.
10. The Duty Officer and Customer/Employee Safety Manager will advise activation of
the Abandoned Vehicle Procedures, Title 67, 601.15A, Page 9, Rules and
Regulations.
a. ASP will stand-by at designated locations in the region declared a weather
emergency as the weather dictates and as needed. These designated locations
include interchanges, Blue/Kitt Tunnel, Kegg Maintenance, MP 99.9 (Laurel
Highlands) and Donegal Maintenance.
b. Identify and establish staging locations for other needed resources.
11. The following procedures may be initiated (include a time of activation) in
conjunction with Communications & Public Relations Department’s media release.
Any of the following restrictions can be approved for activation and enforced through
Title 67, 601.15A, Page 9, Rules and Regulations.
a. All Class 9’s oversized vehicles are banned from travel.
b. Commercial trailers that are doubles and any empty trailer are banned from
travel.
c. All trailers towed behind personal vehicles are banned from travel.
d. Abandoned vehicles will be towed immediately.
Any speed restrictions, coordinated with PennDOT Incident Management
and/or press office.
December 28, 2015 Final 17
Level 3 Storm Procedures
Department of Operations, Safety, and Incident Response (continued)
12. Initiate the communication to Maintenance and Fare Collection of the E-ZPASS lane
closures in accordance with the Traffic Management Plan.
13. Contact CHART Maryland, PennDOT District TMC’s, PEMA or any other agency
affiliated with distribution of the plan activated.
14. Coordinate PEMA and Penn DOT storm/weather calls as needed. Personnel may
participate by conference call or in person in the Traffic Operations Center
Conference (War) Room. Attendees will include Traffic Engineering and Operations,
Maintenance, Fare Collection, State Police Troop T, Communications & Public
Relations, FEMO, Engineering and Executive Departments.
15. Activate the PTC employee hotline.
Maintenance Department
1. Maintenance priority is to maintain the roadway surface in a safe travel condition
Plow Train operations will be communicated to the shed from the plow trucks to
enable coordination of trucks.
2. Maintenance will make the decision when to staff the Traffic Operations Center
console. Weather polling will be initiated every hour and/or utilization of District
radio calls to enable the monitoring of impending weather conditions that are
predicted per section. This information is to verify the roadway conditions,
maintenance actions, weather conditions and visibility.
3. Requests for PSP escort for any plow trains need to be made 30 minutes in advance of
the start of the plow train. This request is coordinated with PSP barracks and
maintenance shed at local level.
4. Assist in identifying abandoned vehicle locations to Traffic Operations Center so that
State Police can document the vehicle information and tow location after removal.
December 28, 2015 Final 18
Level 3 Storm Procedures
Maintenance Department (continued)
6. Maintenance will, when personnel are available, respond and assist with traffic
control, incident management, and may be required to monitor the backlog in
conjunction with the State Police.
7. Report any facility power failures or generator activations to the Traffic Operations
Center.
8. Will initiate the closure of E-ZPASS lanes in compliance with traffic management
plans.
9. When staff is available, assist Fare Collection in deploying Interchange Information
Signs prior to entry to Interchanges along with single lane entry signs.
10. Will establish Incident Command if necessary.
State Police Troop T
1. Will monitor and report the roadway conditions.
2. Will implement adequate staffing schedules.
3. Will escort plow trains as requested when patrols are available.
4. Will assist in the implementation of any traffic management plan.
5. Will provide a presence as needed to assist with ASP issues.
6. Will enforce – Abandoned Vehicles Reference - Title 67, 601.15A, Page 9, Rules and
Regulations. CAD incident is generated for each abandoned vehicle removed and
documented where the vehicle has been towed.
7. Will assist with patrolling backlogs and trapped motorists. Verify stranded motorists
are cared for as needed.
8. Will establish Incident Command if necessary.
FEMO
1. Contact PTC Concessionaires and HMS Host to ensure Plaza’s parking lots are
cleared of snow and debris. Contact:
PTC’s Concessions Services Supervisor
2. Service Plazas are to report any loss of services or power to the Traffic Operations
Center.
December 28, 2015 Final 19
Level 3 Storm Procedures
FEMO (continued)
3. FEMO will make the decision to staff the Operations Center console.
4. Implement staffing for administration buildings to include maintaining service such
as power, janitorial, water and supplies for the duration of the storm.
5. Ensure generators are working properly and fueled. Report any generator activations
to the Operations Center.
6. The accommodations of employee’s for long durations of work will need to be
considered. This would include lodging, food and drink.
Fare Collection
1. Will restrict Class 9’s, double trailers, empty commercial trailers, personal vehicles
towing trailers from entry when instructed to do so by executive staff.
2. Will assist in identifying abandoned vehicles at Interchange locations.
3. Will continue to monitor the roadway and traffic conditions and report changes to
Traffic Operations Center and request Traffic Control assistance from Maintenance
and PSP.
4. Will implement the single lane entry procedures. Initiate mixed mode E-ZPASS lane.
E-ZPASS only lanes will be closed by Fare Collection in accordance with plans when
staff can safely do so. Maintenance will assist when staff is available.
4. Will deploy Interchange Information Signs at end of ramp. Off pike resources and
Maintenance will assist when staff is available. The Fare Collection Duty Officer for
the affected district(s) will be the point of contact and coordinate with other PTC
departments and external police and fire agencies, as needed, in the deployment of
signs throughout the interchanges and the implementation of the Single Lane Entry
Procedure.
6. Will monitor and report any generator uses and fuel levels at the interchanges to
Traffic Operations Center.
Toll Waiving
1. As conditions warrant, implement toll waiving as per PTC procedure. This will
include Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) procedures.
2. Requests for state emergency response or utility travel toll waiving or consolidated
billing purposes will go through PEMA, Traffic Operations Center and Fare
Collection for approval.
December 28, 2015 Final 20
Level 3 Storm Procedures
Communications & Public Relations
1. Prepare press release for travel conditions and for potential bans and restrictions
coordinated with Penn DOT Press Office. The following procedures may be initiated
(include a time of activation) in conjunction with Traffic Operations Center for any
media releases. Any of the following restrictions can be approved for activation and
enforced through Title 67, 601.15A, Page 9, Rules and Regulations.
a. All Class 9’s oversized vehicles are banned from travel.
b. Abandoned vehicles will be towed immediately.
c. Trucks and trailers are required to travel in right lane only in mountainous
areas.
d. Coordinate with Traffic Operations Center to prepare an advisory that
announces a ban on commercial vehicles that may include doubles, any
empty trailer, and vehicles towing trailers, and speed reductions. In addition, it
should include a reminder to motorists to drive according to roadway
conditions, and DO NOT PASS PLOW TRAINS.
2. Ensure adequate staffing of the Turnpike’s Customer Assistance Center
Engineering
1. Engineering will be on call as needed.
December 28, 2015 Final 21
Level 4 Storm Procedure
Updated notifications will occur to all departments as soon as received. These notifications
are gathered from various sources to include PSP and Maintenance crews on the roadway.
The reports are analyzed by executive staff for the closure or additional restrictions on the
PTC system regional or system-wide. Continued coordination with other agencies such as
PEMA, Penn DOT and State Police will ensure that all are communicating the resource
needs.
Department of Traffic Engineering and Operations
1. The Director of Traffic Engineering and Operations; Director of Maintenance; Traffic
Incident Management Coordinator ; Director of Fare Collection; Captain of State
Police Troop T; Chief of Communications & Public Relations; Director of FEMO;
Chief Engineer and Executive Departments will be notified of the weather forecast
predicting significant changes in travel conditions.
2. National Weather Service alerts will be distributed via the Incident Notification and
Emergency Notification Systems. Any National Weather Service updates and/or
forecasts will be broadcast to the field operations along with a summary of the field
unit reports via the radio.
3. PEMA and Penn DOT (Area Command Representative 717-783-5437) will be
notified by the Turnpike EPLO or their representative of the continued efforts of the
Turnpike Commission actions for the weather emergency. The PEMA staff will also
evaluate the need to staff the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Once the
PTC staff is located at the State EOC, all communications between the Turnpike and
PEMA are to be communicated through the PTC EPLO and the Traffic Operations
Center for both outgoing and incoming resource requests.
4. Will continue to operate under Traffic Operations Center emergency weather and
elevated operations schedules.
5. Maintenance will staff the Traffic Operations Center console. Weather polling will
be initiated every hour or on an as needed basis if conditions change to enable the
monitoring of impending weather conditions that are predicted per section.
6. The following message is the standard message to play on the Permanent VMS signs:
December 28, 2015 Final 22
Level 4 Storm Procedure
Department of Traffic Engineering and Operations ( continued)
7. All regional or system-wide ITS devices, Webpage, and ENS affiliated with the plan
will be activated to warn motorists of the following travel restrictions and highway
closures in conjunction with Communications & Public Relations Department media
release. Any of the following restrictions can be approved for activation and enforced
through Title 67, 601.15A, Page 9, Rules and Regulations.
a. All Class 9’s oversized vehicles are banned from travel.
b. Commercial trailers that are doubles and any empty trailer are banned from
travel.
c. All trailers towed behind personal vehicles are banned from travel.
d. Abandoned vehicles will be towed immediately.
8. Activate Highway Advisory Radio’s as follows depending on restrictions and actions:
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is now operating under a Weather Emergency. The following
ROADWAY CLOSURES and restrictions apply to all travelers. The highway is closed between
Interchange #___and Interchange #___. (List restrictions) Do not attempt to pass Turnpike
trucks plowing or servicing the highway. All abandoned vehicles are being removed from the
Turnpike to allow crews to clear the roadway. (any specific information relating to conditions)
9. Contact CHART Maryland, Penn DOT District TMC’s, PEMA or any other agency
affiliated with distribution of the plan activated.
10. Coordinate PEMA and Penn DOT storm/weather calls as needed. Personnel may
participate by conference call or in person in the Traffic Operations Center
Conference (War) Room. Attendees will include Operations, Safety, Maintenance,
Fare Collection, State Police Troop T, Communications & Public Relations, FEMO,
Engineering and Executive Departments.
11. Activate the PTC employee hotline if needed.
Maintenance Department
1. Maintenance priority is to maintain the roadway surface in a travel condition. Plow
Train operations will be communicated to the shed to enable coordination of trucks.
2. Maintenance will make the decision when to staff the Operations Center console.
Weather polling will be initiated every hour and/or utilization of District radio calls to
monitor of weather conditions that are predicted per section. This information is to
verify the roadway conditions, maintenance actions, weather conditions and visibility.
December 28, 2015 Final 23
Level 4 Storm Procedure Maintenance Department (continued)
3. If instructed by executive staff or Director of Maintenance, ensure selected safety
message on the portable DMS at maintenance sheds and designated locations are
activated. (Position portable DMS at mountainous areas for climbing lanes.)
4. Requests for PSP escort for any plow trains need to be made 30 minutes in advance of
the start of the plow train. This request is coordinated with PSP barracks and
maintenance shed at local level.
5. Assist in identifying abandoned vehicle locations to Traffic Operations Center so that
State Police can document the vehicle information and tow location after removal.
6. Maintenance will, when personnel are available, respond and assist with traffic
control, roadway closures, incident management, and may be required to monitor the
backlog in conjunction with the State Police.
7. Report any facility power failures or generator activations to the Traffic Operations
Center.
8. Will initiate the closure of E-ZPASS Express lanes.
9. When staff is available, assist Fare Collection in deploying Interchange Information
Signs prior to entry to Interchanges along with single lane entry signs. (The entry of
traffic must be controlled as to refuse admittance to travel on sections of the
roadway.)
10. Will establish Incident Command if necessary.
State Police Troop T
1. Will assist in the closure of designated ramps and roadways both PTC and Penn
DOT.
2. Will monitor and report the roadway conditions.
3. Will maintain adequate staffing schedules.
4. Will escort plow trains as requested when patrols are available.
5. Will assist in the implementation of any traffic management plan.
December 28, 2015 Final 24
Level 4 Storm Procedure State Police Troop T (continued)
6. Will enforce – Abandoned Vehicles Reference - Title 67, 601.15A, Page 9, Rules and
Regulations.
7. Will assist with patrolling backlogs and trapped motorists. Verify stranded motorists
are cared for as needed.
8. Will establish Incident Command if necessary.
FEMO 1. Contact PTC Concessionaires and HMS Host to ensure Plaza’s parking lots are
cleared of snow and debris. Contact: PTC’s Concessions Services Supervisor
2. Service Plazas are to report any loss of services or power to the Traffic Operations
Center.
3. FEMO will make the decision to staff the Traffic Operations Center console.
4. Maintain staffing for administration buildings to include maintaining service such as
power, janitorial, water and supplies for the duration of the storm.
5. Ensure generators are working properly and fueled. Report any generator activations
to the Traffic Operations Center.
6. The accommodations of employee’s for long durations of work will need to be
considered. This would include lodging, food and drink.
Fare Collection
1. Restrict all traffic from entering at designated Toll Facilities where the highway has
been deemed closed for travel. This would require that all entry lanes be closed. The
Fare Collection Duty Officer for the affected district(s) will be the point of contact
and coordinate with other PTC departments and external police and fire agencies, as
needed, in the deployment of signs throughout the interchanges and the
implementation of the Single Lane Entry Procedure.
2. Adjacent Interchanges in the region of closed sections of PTC highway will continue
the single lane entry procedure to alert travelers of sections closed for travel.
3. Closure of PTC exiting lanes will be initiated at designated Interchanges due to Penn
DOT road closures that intersect with the PTC highway.
4. Will notify the Traffic Operations Center of any changing conditions and request
Traffic Control assistance from off-Turnpike resources, Maintenance and PSP.
5. Will deploy Interchange Information Signs at end of ramp. Off-Turnpike resources
and Maintenance will assist when staff is available.
December 28, 2015 Final 25
Level 4 Storm Procedure
Fare Collection (continued)
6. Will monitor and report any generator uses and fuel levels at the interchanges to
Traffic Operations Center.
7. Establish Incident Command, if needed.
Toll Waiving
1. As conditions warrant, implement toll waiving as per PTC procedure. This will
include Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) procedures.
2. Requests for state emergency response or utility travel toll waiving or consolidated
billing purposes will go through PEMA, Traffic Operations Center and Fare
Collection for approval.
Communications & Public Relations
1. The following procedures may be initiated (include a time of activation) in
conjunction with Communications & Public Relations Department’s media release.
Any of the following restrictions can be approved for activation and enforced through
Title 67, 601.15A, Page 9, Rules and Regulations.
a. All Class 9’s oversized vehicles are banned from travel.
b. Commercial trailers that are doubles and any empty trailer are banned from
travel.
c. All trailers towed behind personal vehicles are banned from travel.
d. Abandoned vehicles will be towed immediately.
Any speed restrictions, coordinated with PennDOT Incident Management and/or
press office.
2. Maintain adequate staffing of the Turnpike’s Customer Assistance Center
Engineering
1. Engineering will be on call as needed.
Recommended