John Gronowski

The committee meeting focused on updates regarding safety measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, including cleaning protocols, the resumption of front-door boarding on coaches, and the transition of staff back to office environments. Discussions also covered the decline in transit ridership and the partnership with Three Square to deliver food to homebound seniors. Additionally, the committee received a presentation on a new real-time notification platform for passengers to receive updates on bus stop closures and route detours, as well as an overview of a pilot program with NEXAR that utilizes artificial intelligence and dashboard cameras to monitor construction work zones and traffic control devices on roadways.

The committee meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of the agenda, consent agenda items, and amendments to the Regional Transportation Plan concerning transit projects. A final report on the school trip generation study was presented and discussed, focusing on local traffic generation rates compared to national standards, site queuing, and recommendations for future data reporting to the Institute of Transportation Engineers.

The meeting included the designation of officers for the 2020-2021 term and a presentation regarding the statewide request for experimental approval to use green colored pavement in conjunction with shared lane markings. The subcommittee also discussed a regional GIS data scheme for transportation infrastructure, resolved transit and traffic engineering issues, and reviewed revisions to uniform standard drawings concerning accessibility best practices within the right-of-way.

The committee meeting included a discussion regarding the quarterly roadway funding update, detailing project statistics, financial expenditures, and job creation metrics. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Access 2050 Regional Transportation Plan, focusing on its long-term objectives, population growth projections, proposed infrastructure investments, and measures to mitigate future traffic congestion and improve air quality.

The committee discussed revisions to uniform standard specification 208 regarding trench excavation and backfill, specifically addressing requirements for steel trench plates and the potential modification of speed limit criteria. Additionally, the committee held a fact-finding discussion regarding the potential inclusion of aluminum street light poles in the uniform standard drawings and specifications, covering structural integrity, maintenance inventory, and replacement costs.