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Thursday, April 16
Friday, April 17
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
[Workshop] Modern Road Safety Audits and Assessments – Working Together to Implement the Safe System Approach
⚠️ Registration Required!
Speakers: Phillip Bobitz, David Petrucci, Jr.
📍Independence Room (Level 2)
ITE is no stranger to road safety audits and assessments. No matter their name, these activities help identify opportunities to improve roadway safety performance for all road users across a myriad of contexts, but let’s be honest, they’re not always easy. Challenges related to scope, funding, report development, costs, and auditor availability are common and very real. Modern road safety audits and assessments can help address these challenges while expanding how and when safety is considered – at existing locations of concern, during project design, and throughout the broader project development lifecycle. When applied thoughtfully, they can support our collective effort to implement the Safe System Approach across the Mid-Colonial District and beyond. This workshop introduces key concepts, practical actions, and current tools that support modern audit practices and effective audit programs that can make a meaningful difference.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
[Workshop] Vision Zero in Practice: Lessons from Lancaster’s Streets, Schools, and Neighborhoods
⚠️ Registration Required!
Speakers: Laura Ahramjian, Carla Dietrich, Alexandra Jahnle, Will Weismantel
📍Conestoga Room (Level 4)
This interactive workshop explores how the City of Lancaster uses data, policy, and community values to guide decision-making within its Vision Zero program. Through three initiatives—Two-Way Restoration, Neighborhood Slow Zones, and Safe Routes to School—participants will see how analysis informs project prioritization, design, and stakeholder engagement.
The session highlights the Two-Way Restoration Study, balancing regional mobility on state routes with local multimodal needs and placemaking. It also covers Neighborhood Slow Zones, showing how crash data, roadway characteristics, and community context shape project selection and when professional judgment goes beyond the data. Finally, participants will examine the Safe Routes to School program, focusing on how school-area plans are advancing into design and implementation and being bundled with other projects to maximize funding.
Group discussion will focus on practical strategies for moving Vision Zero projects from analysis to action.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
[Walking Tour] Complete Streets and Green Infrastructure
⚠️ Registration Required!
Speaker: Molly Deger, Susan Beck
📍Registration Table, Independence Prefunction (Level 2)
Please join us for a 2-hour educational walking tour to highlight green infrastructure improvements throughout the City of Lancaster. These improvements highlight multimodal improvements which integrate green infrastructure improvements throughout the City. Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) refers to systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes—such as vegetation, soils, and infiltration—to manage, treat, and reduce stormwater runoff. These approaches help improve water quality, reduce flooding, and provide environmental and community benefits.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
[Bike Tour] A Decade of Implementing Active Transportation in Lancaster
⚠️ Registration Required!
Speaker: Karl Graybill, Will Weismantel, Ben Hogan
📍Registrants should meet on the northwest corner of Penn Square (Queen Street & King Street) near the Lancaster Visitors Center
In 2014, Lancaster adopted a Complete Streets policy that recognized the importance of designing and building its streets for people of all ages and abilities regardless of mode choice. Since then, Lancaster has commissioned a downtown walkability analysis in 2015, collaborated on an Active Transportation Plan in 2019, and adopted a Vision Zero Action Plan in 2020, all in an effort to make its streets safer for all users. This 2.5 hour tour will showcase the existing in-street bike lanes, bike boulevards, protected (parking) bike lanes, contra-flow lanes as well as bike parking, bike share, and traffic calming, and pedestrian safety improvements installed since its first bike lane in 2015. That single conventional bike lane was installed in conjunction with a complete street project that converted a one-way street into two-way traffic. The tour route includes existing segments of our network as well as proposed improvements currently in design or under construction. The route is about 8.5 miles and takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. Selected stops will allow participants time to discuss the facilities as they are being used. Community engagement, partnerships, and the many challenges to building a city-wide network will be shared.
If participants cannot bring their own bikes, bike share and helmets will be provided. The tour route is mostly flat with a few low hills. Please be prepared to ride in light rain, the tour will only be canceled in the event of severe weather.
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM
First-Time Attendee Meet Up
📍Commons on Vine (Level C)
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception & Traffic Bowl
Sponsored by: Michael Baker International
📍Commons on Vine (Level C)
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Informal Younger Member Committee Social
Everyone is invited! Join us for a fun night of networking and Space themed trivia at the Marion Courtroom!
7 E Marion St, Lancaster, PA 17602
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Breakfast & Keynote Panel: Vision Zero and Safety Efforts at the Local Level
Panelists: Marco Gorini, Cindy McCormick, Hillary Orr, Jeff Van Horn
Moderator: Gordon Meth
📍Salon C
Achieving Vision Zero requires leadership, innovation, and collaboration, especially at the local level. This keynote panel brings together transportation leaders from across the Mid-Colonial District of ITE, including Alexandria, Philadelphia, Lancaster, and the Delaware Department of Transportation, to share their experiences advancing safety initiatives.
Panelists will discuss key opportunities and challenges, such as gaining community support, balancing trade-offs in project prioritization, managing speeds, and designing roadways to better protect all users. The conversation will also explore collaboration across agencies, the use of emerging technologies, and coordination across jurisdictions to advance shared safety goals.
With perspectives from across the District, including host city Lancaster, PA, this discussion will highlight practical lessons and forward-looking ideas for reducing serious injuries and fatalities on our roadways.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Networking Break, Exhibit Hall, and Student Poster Session
📍Heritage Prefunction
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Concurrent Technical Sessions
Speakers: Tyler Hartman, Katherine Kortum, Rachel McGuire, Shraddha Praharaj
Description
Hosted by the MCDITE Younger Member Committee with support from Leadership ITE alumni, this interactive session explores leadership development at every career stage. The session will kick off with Rachel, Katherine, Shraddha, and Tyler, highlighting meaningful lessons drawn from both LITE and their professional experiences. These insights will set the stage for facilitated breakout discussions on key topics: communication, decision-making, empowering others, and delegation. The session alternates between testimonials, small-group discussions, and full-group reflections to encourage engagement and practical application. Participants will gain practical takeaways and perspectives to support their ongoing leadership development.
Description
This presentation will provide an overview and implementation of the York Freight Plan, the 2026 Congestion Management Process update, and York’s public engagement process as a means to prioritize projects for the Transportation Improvement Program and Twelve Year Plan.
Reading (PA) MPO Overview
Speakers: Alan Piper
Description
The Reading Area Transportation Study (RATS / Reading MPO) was established as a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in 1964 in response to the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1962. The Reading MPO region includes the City of Reading and all of Berks County, Pennsylvania. This presentation will provide an overview of the Reading MPO’s transportation planning activities including the Long Range Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, Congestion Management Process and major projects under development throughout Berks County.
Get to Know the NEPA MPO
Speakers: Kate McMahon
Description
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA), designated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) was established in 2013 following the designation of the East Stroudsburg Urbanized Area. The NEPA MPO region includes Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Schuylkill counties. The presentation will provide an overview of NEPA’s transportation planning activities on behalf of the MPO including the Transportation Improvement Program, Long Range Transportation Plan, Active Transportation Plan and special planning studies.
Small MPO, Big Impact – Focus on Central Delaware
Speakers: Marilyn Smith
Description
Dover Kent MPO serves the whole of Kent County in central Delaware. That includes three small urban areas as well as a dozen rural towns. Our planning work is guided by the following vision statement: “The future transportation system in the MPO region is safe, resilient and sustainable, supports economic development, allows easy access and mobility for all people and goods to reach their destination, and serves desired growth in a manner that is fair and just to all people and respectful of community character and our natural environment.” This presentation will look at recent, current and upcoming projects that advance this mission for the residents of Kent County.
Serious About Safety
Speakers: Urooj Zafar
Description
This presentation will discuss programs and initiatives SHA is leading, including the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP) program, the Vulnerable Road User (VRU) program, the Quick-Build program, and SHA’s broader efforts to implement MDOT’s Complete Streets policy. This policy emphasizes planning, design, and construction of transportation options that are safer and more accessible for all users—of all ages and abilities—whether they bike, walk, take transit, drive, or use electric personal assistive mobility devices (EPAMDs).
HSIP: Building Better Intersections Batch by Batch
Speakers: Andrew Halloran
Description
Through the District’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT), in partnership with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), delivers targeted, construction-ready safety improvements across Washington, D.C. Each year, the program advances upgrades at roughly 25 intersections, translating the Safe System Approach into practical engineering solutions.
Projects focus on reducing speeding, improving sight lines, and enhancing safety for vulnerable users, including pedestrians, cyclists, seniors, and children. The team provides traffic analysis and signal design, incorporating strategies such as signal re-phasing, leading pedestrian intervals, bike signals, and transit priority to reduce conflicts.
Beyond concept development, the team refines curbside operations, improves bus stop layouts, and coordinates with multiple DDOT groups to ensure practical, maintainable designs.
This presentation highlights lessons learned and strategies for delivering measurable safety improvements in complex urban environments.
You Need to Calm Down: Traffic Calming in Lancaster City
Speakers: Ben Hogan, Emma Hamme
Description
Lancaster City is a compact, walkable & bikeable city – our residents regularly identify these qualities as the best parts of city living. But we’ve also experienced significant and unnecessary loss on our streets due to speeding, aggressive driving, and other unsafe behaviors. To guide our efforts to become a place where no one is seriously hurt or killed on our streets, the City adopted an Active Transportation Plan in 2019 and a Vision Zero plan in 2020.
Since then, the City has aggressively implemented a variety of interventions and proven safety countermeasures designed to calm traffic and improve roadway safety for all users, especially the most vulnerable. Improvements have included installation of 17 miles of bicycle infrastructure, leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) at 56% of traffic signals, citywide signal retiming for lower travel speeds, intersection daylighting at 84 locations, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at 6 intersections, and systematic installation of high-visibility crosswalks at all pedestrian crossings. This work has come with a variety of challenges, including funding, maintenance, public opinion, political will, multi-jurisdictional cooperation, and arcane regulatory frameworks – but has begun to make a meaningful difference in our city. And, there’s more to come.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch, Business Meeting, and Awards
📍Salon C
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Coffee Break, Exhibit Hall, and Student Poster Session
Sponsored by: Gorove Slade, Jacobs, and STV
📍Heritage Prefunction
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Safety Committee Meeting & ITE Engagement Session on Safety
📍Independence Room (Level 2)
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Concurrent Technical Sessions
Speakers: Tina Fink, Steve Gault, Adam Smith
Description
At the national level, Tina Fink from Toole Design will highlight key principles from Chapter 10 of the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities and findings from NCHRP Research Report 1025, with a focus on how emerging research is informing intersection treatment selection, context sensitivity, and design flexibility.
Building on this foundation, Steve Gault will discuss PennDOT’s update to Publication 149, with a focus on the example of this publication on vulnerable road users. He will examine how national guidance and research are adapted to meet state policy goals, implementation realities, and multimodal priorities.
Finally, Adam Smith with the City of Philadelphia will illustrate how state and national guidance is applied on the ground, including the specific resources municipalities rely on and real-world examples of how bicyclists are incorporated into intersection and signal design. Together, these perspectives demonstrate how coordinated guidance across scales can support safer, more effective bicycle networks while allowing for local context and innovation.
South Central Transit Authority’s Microtransit Feasibility Study for Lancaster County
Speakers: Lauri Ahlskog
Description
This presentation will provide information on the current transit services that are provided by Red Rose Transit in Lancaster County. Design guidelines for passenger amenities at bus stops and a proposed new, on-demand service called microtransit will also be discussed.
rabbittransit’s High Intensity Mobility Corridor (HIMC) Study: A Framework for Integrating Infrastructure and Transit Service Planning
Speakers: David Juba
Description
rabbittransit is studying the future of its bus network and how buses can provide reliable, frequent, high-quality service across its service area. High Intensity Mobility Corridors are intended to be the backbone of this service. These are corridors that combine service improvements, like more frequent service, with improved infrastructure, like high-quality bus stop amenities, to meet the critical travel needs of the region. This presentation will walk through the methodology and process rabbittransit employed in identifying pilot corridors during the study.
The Impact of Incremental Progress on Small Urban Transit in Frederick County, Maryland
Speakers: Jaime McKay
Description
Often, the most impactful changes are the smallest ones: better adherence to timepoints, improved bus stop signs, schedules and brochures that are clear and understandable. Learn about Transit Services of Frederick County’s small actions that have paid enormous dividends as our system grows to nearly one million fare-free trips per year.
The Current and Future State of EV and AV Technologies
Speakers: Mario Toscano
Description
Electric Vehicle (EV) and Automated Vehicle (AV) technologies are rapidly transforming transportation systems. This presentation begins with an overview of EV types—battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell—along with key components such as batteries, power management, and charging infrastructure.
It then shifts to AVs, covering automation systems and enabling technologies like sensors, perception, decision-making software, and vehicle connectivity. Topics include pilot deployments, fleet operations, and the current and future state of the AV industry.
The session will provide real-world context on adoption trends, infrastructure and operational challenges, and the benefits and risks of these technologies. It will also explore future advancements, including evolving vehicle design, integration with smart and connected systems, sustainability considerations, and ongoing efforts toward standardization.
From Legacy Frameworks to Living Architectures: Updating the Maryland Statewide ITS Architecture for a Connected Future
Speakers: Istiak Bhuyan, Alvin Marquess
Description
Statewide Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) architectures have traditionally been compliance-focused, often reflecting legacy technologies and siloed deployments. This presentation highlights the recent update of the Maryland Statewide ITS Architecture using ARC-IT 9.3 and RAD-IT 9.3 to create a more modern, implementation-ready framework.
The update incorporates Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV/AV), Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) strategies, and data governance, while aligning with federal systems engineering principles. A key focus is shifting toward a data-centric, interoperable approach, emphasizing standardized data flows, cloud-based platforms, and third-party integration to support real-time operations and multimodal coordination.
Developed through collaboration with statewide, regional, and local stakeholders, the framework reflects real-world needs and implementation pathways. This presentation shares lessons learned and best practices for creating future-ready ITS architectures that support evolving technologies and operations.
Interchange Demolition and Redesign for a Modern Turnpike
Speakers: Steve Brousse
Description
This presentation provides an update on the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s ongoing transition to Open Road Tolling and the associated interchange demolition program. It traces the evolution of tolling on the PA Turnpike from its historic ticket-based system to today’s all-electronic, open-flow environment, highlighting the operational, safety, and environmental drivers behind this transformation.
The presentation examines how the removal of traditional toll plazas enables safer and more efficient interchange geometry, reduces conflict points, lowers long-term maintenance costs, and creates opportunities for land reuse and improved traffic operations. Traffic modeling, interchange demolition case studies, and lessons learned from early Open Road Tolling conversions are discussed to illustrate how design decisions are evaluated and implemented across a complex, systemwide program.
In addition to the technical program overview, the presentation includes a focused discussion on life at the Turnpike from the perspective of a Design Project Manager. This section provides insight into multidisciplinary coordination, stakeholder engagement, consultant management, and the balance between long-range planning and real-time problem solving required to deliver large-scale infrastructure change. Together, these elements offer a comprehensive look at how engineering innovation, program management, and organizational culture intersect to advance the future of the PA Turnpike.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Coffee Break, Exhibit Hall, and Student Poster Session
📍Heritage Prefunction
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Concurrent Technical Sessions
PA Turnpike Weather Planning & Response
Speakers: Mike Pack
Description
The PA Turnpike has developed and enhanced an all-hazards approach to the traffic incident and emergency management program over the past 10 years. There were many lessons learned from winter storm Jonus in 2016 that has led to many strategies and technologies implemented to improve winter weather planning through response. Weather plans, maintenance response, command structure, and interagency communication and coordination will be highlighted in this presentation.
Managing a Major Winter Event
Speakers: Richard Montanez
Description
This presentation will provide an overview of how the City of Philadelphia prepares for major weather events focusing on the recent February 2026 storms.
Building Operational Readiness Through Multi-State Traffic Incident Management Plans
Speakers: Tanya King, Will Fisher
Description
Freeway Incident Traffic Management (FITM) plans are pre-planned strategies for full freeway closures lasting extended periods. These plans are critical for protecting public safety, maintaining mobility on alternate routes, and supporting coordinated, multi-agency response.
Because major incidents often impact multiple jurisdictions, consistent regional practices are essential. In Maryland, these are FITM Plans; in Virginia, Incident Detour Plans (IDPs). Daniel Consultants, Inc. (DCI) has developed standardized plans covering over 80% of Maryland’s interstates and about 90% of Virginia’s, supporting coordination among transportation agencies, law enforcement, and emergency responders.
Plans are delivered as mobile-friendly, electronic documents, providing quick access to detour routes, traffic control strategies, resource needs, messaging, and key contacts.
Drawing on 20 years of experience, this presentation highlights best practices for improving safety, mobility, and response efficiency during major freeway incidents.
Predicting Congestion Onset at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge: A Machine Learning Approach with Weighted Sampling for Proactive Work Zone and Facility Management – Maryland Transportation Authority Case Study
Speakers: Hubert Clay
Description
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge (US-50/US-301, Anne Arundel/Queen Anne’s Counties, MD) experiences severe recurrent congestion, with queues exceeding 10 miles during peak summer weekends—creating safety risks for motorists and work zone crews on adjacent maintenance projects. To support FHWA’s 2024 Work Zone Safety and Mobility Rule (23WA 630 Subpart J) and enable proactive congestion management, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) partnered with the CATT Lab at the University of Maryland to deploy a first-of-its-kind web application using machine learning with weighted sampling to predict uncongested-to-congested transitions up to 30 minutes in advance.
Traditional models achieve high overall accuracy (>90%) but fail to detect the critical onset of congestion—the moment when speeds drop below 45 mph and queues form. This solution increases sample weights for pre-congestion flow states, improving transition prediction accuracy by 55% (from 38% to 59%) using INRIX probe speed data and MDTA traffic sensors.
Key outputs include:
• Real-time congestion onset alerts (e.g., eastbound US-50, MP 25–30)
• Exposure-normalized queue growth rate (vehicle-hours per million VMT)
• Integration with MDTA’s ATMS for dynamic messaging and lane control
SR 2006, Section 476 – MacDade Boulevard Interchange Reconstruction
Speakers: Bill Laird, Kristin Caparra
Description
The MacDade Boulevard interchange in Ridley Township, PA, has undergone significant improvements as part of PennDOT’s broader effort to enhance safety and traffic flow along both MacDade Boulevard and Interstate 476. A major component of the work in this award-winning project involved reconfiguring the I476 northbound exit ramps, including removing the ramp to eastbound MacDade Boulevard and rebuilding the westbound ramp into a widened, realigned Tintersection with new traffic signals. Additional upgrades included lengthening acceleration lanes on I476, improving the MacDade Boulevard/Bullens Lane intersection, and constructing a new pedestrian bridge over Crum Creek adjacent to the roadway. These improvements were part of a $17 million interchange-focused project substantially completed in late 2024, nearly 600 days ahead of schedule.
I-395 at Shirlington Circle Interchange Improvements
Speakers: Rakesh Mora, Hardik Gajera
Description
The I-395 interchange at Shirlington Circle, located at the Arlington County and City of Alexandria boundary, is a rotary-style configuration that presents unique operational challenges in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The closely spaced ramp termini and short weaving sections create complex driver maneuvers, contributing to recurring congestion and multiple crash hotspots. Building on the 2020 conceptual study, this project analyzed two refined alternatives intended to reduce uncontrolled conflict points within the rotary and improve traffic operations on I395 and adjacent arterials. Proposed improvements include the installation of new traffic signals, ramp realignments, and lane reconfigurations to introduce choice lanes. Analysis indicates an expected crash reduction of approximately 10% compared to No-Build conditions, along with operational benefits such as reduced queue spillback at critical ramps and improved lane utilization. These improvements may result in slight increases in arterial travel times due to added signals, but overall safety and reliability gains outweigh these impacts. Public feedback during the conceptual stage strongly supported the proposed changes, reinforcing the case for successful SmartScale Round 6 funding from the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB). The recommended improvements comply with interstate access requirements and are designed to enhance safety, mobility, and operational efficiency for the region.
Near-Miss Video Screening – A Safety Improvement Tool for Delaware’s Intersections
Speakers: Emily Hufnal, Steven Hollenkamp
Description
This presentation will focus on DelDOT’s evaluation of a near miss video demonstration project, conducted jointly by the Department and Quality Counts LLC in 2025. The project involved eight (8) locations throughout all three counties within the State and included intersections with interactions with vulnerable road users (pedestrians/cyclists/micromobility) on campus at the University of Delaware, a roundabout in the resort area, highly channelized intersections and intersections with known safety concerns.
A focus of the presentation will be the intersection of Coastal Highway (DE-1, non-toll), Hudson Road and Steamboat Landing Road. The intersection, directly south of DE-5, is a shortcut to US 13 and experiences heavy use by locals and tourists. DE-1 traffic is typically high speed, with the STOP-sign controlled side streets both being single-lane approaches. The intersection is a known safety concern with several serious crashes at the location in 2025 alone. The Department utilized near miss to review the existing condition, and after ongoing crash activity, designed and installed turn restrictions in the Fall of 2025. The presentation will show a second near miss screening at this location, and will clearly show the impact of the turning restrictions on safety.
Multilane Roundabout Safety Studies (AI Analysis)
Speakers: Andrew Gould, Lauren Kretzing
Description
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used across many industries, including engineering. From project management to risk assessment, AI-based tools are helping improve efficiency and reduce conflicts.
PennDOT Central Office is responsible for more than 100 roundabouts across Pennsylvania and conducts annual safety performance reviews to identify locations that are underperforming and experiencing higher-than-expected crash trends.
Urban Engineers was engaged by PennDOT to conduct a safety review of two multilane roundabouts in Western Pennsylvania. Urban collected drone footage and analyzed it using AI software to evaluate vehicle speeds, braking behavior, lane discipline, truck movements, and near-miss activity.
This presentation will discuss the AI analysis performed, summarize the findings, and share the recommendations Urban provided to PennDOT. It will also describe the benefits of this approach and its potential future use.
Seconds from Impact: A Comparative Exploration of Surrogate Safety Measures for Proactive Crash Prediction
Speakers: Shofiq Ahmed
Description
This presentation examines the landscape of surrogate safety measures used in proactive traffic safety analysis. We explore metrics including Time-to-Collision, Post-Encroachment Time, and Deceleration Rate to Avoid Crash, unpacking how each quantifies conflict severity, their data requirements, and their limitations. A comparative framework guides practitioners in selecting the right metric for their context.
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast
📍Salon C
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Women’s Breakfast
Featuring: Colleen Wagner, Vice President of Administration and Relations at the Lancaster City Alliance
📍Salon AB
Join us over coffee and pastries for an inspiring Women’s Breakfast featuring Colleen Wagner, Vice President of Administration and Relations at the Lancaster City Alliance, as she shares her journey as a leader shaping a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Lancaster. Through a look at her day-to-day role, Colleen will highlight the power of collaboration—working alongside investors, volunteers, public officials, and community partners to advance initiatives in economic development, placemaking, and public safety.
Colleen will also reflect on her career trajectory as a woman in business, offering insights into the experiences that shaped her path, the challenges she has navigated, and how she balances professional leadership with personal fulfillment. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how transportation underpins community building and economic vitality. Her story will resonate with anyone striving to make a meaningful impact in their community.
This session is open to all attendees and offers an opportunity to hear from a dynamic community leader while connecting with colleagues in a welcoming setting.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Networking Break and Exhibit Hall
📍Heritage Prefunction
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Concurrent Technical Sessions
Speakers: Sushant Jagtap, Ginny O’Connor, Jeff Riegner, Eric Tang
Description
This panel brings together experts to explore the Safe System Approach, a proactive framework that recognizes human mistakes are inevitable but serious injuries and fatalities are not. Through five key elements: Safer People, Safer Vehicles, Safer Speeds, Safer Roads & Land Use, and Post-Crash Care – our panelists will share research, proven strategies, and emerging practices that work together to create a resilient, forgiving transportation system. Learn how education, technology, design, and policy can integrate to achieve Vision Zero and transform roadway safety.
ADA Immersive Experience
Speakers: Douglas Halpert
Description
For the past three years, CAPSITE has partnered with the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center and organizations like Independence Now and The IMAGE Center of Maryland to deliver the ADA Immersive Experience program. This initiative strengthens communication between engineers and the disability community, helping professionals understand how the built environment is experienced by vulnerable users.
Participants engage directly with individuals with disabilities, gaining insight into real-world challenges and the importance of ADA-compliant design. Volunteers from Centers for Independent Living—who are not engineers—share their lived experiences, encouraging clearer communication and deeper understanding.
This presentation highlights the program’s structure, key lessons, and the value of engaging communities where projects are implemented. It also identifies opportunities for improvement and encourages replication in other ITE sections to foster more inclusive design and stronger partnerships.
America’s Original Highway (US 40) – Does the Future Include Pedestrians, Bicycles, and Other Users? A Discussion on Feasibility Utilizing MDOT’s PSAP & VRU Safety Programs
Speakers: Elisa Mitchell, Molly Porter
Description
As the Maryland Department of Transportation turns its ship towards a renewed emphasis on making roads safe for all users especially the vulnerable, reflecting upon their current Pedestrian Safety Action Plan and Vulnerable Road User programs, corridor studies have arisen along state highways – such as US 40, one of America’s first highways – that present an engineering challenge as well as an internal dilemma. The engineering challenge is determining how to make these original highways, where cars are king, safe for vulnerable road users. Where the density of land use attracts pedestrians, but historical development patterns were geared towards the golden age of car travel. The internal dilemma is how, and perhaps to what extent should we?
RS&H will present on four vulnerable road user safety-focus corridor studies. All are US 40 corridors but across four different counties in Maryland: Frederick, Baltimore, Hartford, and Cecil. RS&H team will highlight the similarities and uniqueness of each of the corridors, while sharing how each study focused on enhancing VRU safety using low-cost countermeasures and maintaining access to commercial, retail, and residential developments. This presentation will compare and contrast the four corridors from a engineering perspective, pedestrian and bicycle user and safety lens, and local context while considering the history of the corridor, asking ourselves how these corridors came to be, and prompting a discussion on how do we shape these original corridors from a modern lens of making our transportation network safe for all users of the road.
A Bridge Too Narrow (Or Is It?) – Connecting Rosslyn to Arlington National Cemetery
Speakers: Jon Crisafi
Description
Arlington County has been exploring better ways to connect walkers and bicyclists the dense urban neighborhood of Rosslyn to Arlington National Cemetery via the N Meade Street bridge. To that end, a study was conducted (and documented in a VDOT-submitted Interchange Access Report, or “IAR”) to examine proposed design concepts to improve safety and operations to the partial cloverleaf interchange at the N Meade Street bridge and U.S. Route 50; challenged by both complicated, heavy traffic demand and limited right-of-way. The project evaluated multiple design phases and future years using microsimulation models, detailed origin–destination development, and safety analysis consistent with VDOT standards.
The existing roadway connections exhibit recurring rear-end and angle crashes at the unsignalized ramp terminals due to limited sight distance, unconventional geometry, and high-speed turning movements. The proposed design concept converts stop-controlled intersections to signalized control, removing free-flow right turns, realign approaches, and provides continuous connection and protection for pedestrian and bicycle crossings. These changes all required funneling these multimodal demands onto and across the existing N Meade Street bridge structure.
Future design scenarios incorporate major network changes such as converting Fort Myer Drive to two-way traffic and removing the Wilson Boulevard overpass to strengthen multimodal connectivity and urban access. Collectively, these phased strategies are projected to reduce crashes, mitigate ramp spillback, and balance competing operational priorities.
This presentation covers the complicated traffic pattern challenges, prioritization of non-motorized users, unique traffic signal sequencing, safety analysis, and performance metrics used to determine “success” for this complicated transportation arena.
Rebalancing Urban Collectors for People – Leveraging RSA Findings and Community Input to Shape Safer Streets
Speakers: Shraddha Praharaj, Sydney French
Description
As a part of City of Frederick’s commitment to Vision Zero, existing roadways in the city are being reevaluated to improve safety and mobility for non-motorized road users. Hillcrest and McCain Drives serve as urban collectors with significant commercial activity in the corridor, attracting both motorists and pedestrians. To improve safety for all road users in these corridors, the City partnered with French Engineering for developing comprehensive data-driven solutions by conducting Road Safety Audits (RSA) and rigorous community engagement.
The design for both corridors encourage high speeds and traffic volumes, limited pedestrian crossing opportunities, conflicting with sensitive uses such as on-street parking, bicycling, walking, a nearby park, and an elementary school that generates significant pedestrian activity.
The RSA identified key challenges: operational conflicts during school arrivals and dismissals, excess roadway space enabling aggressive driving, and reduced sight distance due to high parking demand in the area. Public feedback was gathered during in-person neighborhood meetings, online submissions, and with discussions among other stakeholders. Online materials were provided in English and Spanish to accommodate the community’s linguistic diversity.
Proposed improvements included low-cost signing and pavement markings to calm traffic and enhance pedestrian safety. At the Hillcrest–McCain intersection, a mini-roundabout was designed within the existing footprint to promote safer maneuvers at the intersection. Additional measures included intersection daylighting, parking delineation, cycle tracks, and hatched medians. The implementation for the solutions will be phased, with first phase of improvements being implemented this Spring.
Regional DMS Optimization and DDMS Transition
Speakers: Peiyu (Perry) Xu, Simran Arora
Description
Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) are a critical component of freeway and tunnel operations in complex, capacity-constrained transportation networks such as the Hampton Roads District in Virginia, where traffic conditions are strongly influenced by major water crossings, recurrent congestion, and incident-driven disruptions. Over time, DMS deployments have largely occurred through isolated or project-specific initiatives, resulting in redundancy, aging infrastructure, and reduced operational effectiveness when evaluated at a regional scale. This study presents a data-informed, network-level approach to evaluating and optimizing DMS assets to better align traveler information with current traffic patterns and operational needs.
The study framework integrates multiple complementary data sources, including historical DMS message records, real-time operational information, and third-party traffic analytics such as StreetLight origin–destination and travel pattern data. By synthesizing these datasets, the analysis emphasizes systemwide trends rather than isolated corridor conditions, allowing for assessment of relative sign utilization, functional overlap, and strategic relevance across the broader transportation network. This multi-source approach supports consistent, scalable evaluation and informs high-level recommendations for DMS removal, relocation, and repurposing aimed at improving message clarity, reducing redundancy, and enhancing overall network coverage.
Building on the optimized DMS network, the project advances a Destination Dynamic Message Sign (DDMS) concept that supports multi-destination travel time messaging at key decision points. The proposed direction establishes a foundation for future enhancements such as proactive congestion management, queue awareness applications, and more adaptive operational strategies. Overall, the study demonstrates a practical pathway for transitioning traditional DMS deployments toward a more integrated, data-enabled traffic management framework that is compatible with evolving ATMS capabilities and emerging transportation technologies.
PennDOT HOP Program Improvements
Speakers: Mike Dzurko
Description
The vision for PennDOT’s Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) program is to “Provide a next-generation utility facility, driveway, and local road permitting organization staffed with knowledgeable, proficient and dedicated employees providing fair, consistent, courteous, transparent and efficient public service.” PennDOT typically issues around 15,000 HOPs per year. To help meet this demand while preserving highway safety, PennDOT routinely looks for ways to enhance and modernize this important program. Since 2023, PennDOT has worked closely with applicants, their consulting engineers and the Governor’s office on program improvements to streamline the permit process and remove barriers to economic development. The goals are to (1) enhance customer service, (2) standardize review expectations, (3) improve HOP submission quality, (4) promote accountability across all HOP process stakeholders, (5) improve PennDOT’s Electronic Permitting System (EPS), and (6) foster a culture of partnership between PennDOT and applicants. To date, PennDOT’s HOP working group has or will implement several policy and process updates including customer service efforts, education and outreach, and permit review process improvements. We expect these changes will improve process transparency, accountability for both PennDOT and applicants, and shorten the processing timeline for HOPs. The presenter will review these improvements and outline next steps for the program.
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Networking Break and Exhibit Hall
📍Heritage Prefunction
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Concurrent Technical Sessions
Speakers: Steve Gault, Chris May, Dan Fedio
Description
This session will provide a deep dive into the updated Traffic Signal Design Handbook for Pennsylvania, which is the first update in more than a decade. Going beyond updates to include new technology, this session will include detailed information on new approaches to signing and pavement markings at traffic signals and how to movement and sequencing for modern controllers is shown on plans.
Maryland State Highway Administration Work Zone Positive Protection Policy
Speakers: Lili Liang
Description
Highway work zones remain one of the most hazardous environments for both roadway workers and traveling motorists, particularly on high-speed facilities where vehicle intrusions can result in severe or fatal outcomes. In response to evolving federal requirements and persistent work zone safety risks, the Maryland State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has developed and adopted a comprehensive Positive Protection in Work Zones policy. This policy establishes minimum, mandatory criteria for the application of positive protection devices to physically separate motorized traffic from work spaces, with the goal of reducing work zone fatalities and serious injuries.
The policy aligns with the Maryland Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MdMUTCD), Maryland Transportation Code §8-613.2, and the Federal Highway Administration’s 23 CFR Part 630, Subpart K. It defines clear thresholds for when positive protection is required, particularly on facilities with posted speeds of 45 mph or greater, and specifies conditions related to worker exposure, proximity to live traffic, work duration, and the presence of unprotected roadside hazards. Temporary traffic barriers and protection vehicles are emphasized as primary positive protection devices, while exposure control measures and supplemental traffic control strategies are incorporated as part of a holistic risk-management approach.
The policy also introduces a structured engineering evaluation and exception process, ensuring that deviations from required positive protection are justified through documented engineering studies. Blanket exceptions are identified for specific short-duration and mobile operations where temporary barriers are impractical. This presentation highlights the policy framework, decision-making process, and implementation considerations, offering a model for agencies seeking to strengthen work zone safety through consistent and risk-based application of positive protection.
PennDOT’s Speed Limit Policy Update
Speakers: Robert Pento, Phillip Bobitz
Description
Starting in 2025, PennDOT began a comprehensive effort to update its policy on the setting of speed limits. The goal was to address outdated elements of the policy, improve statewide consistency, and result in speed limits that are more self-reinforcing and in line with the Safe System Approach, ensuring safe and context-sensitive roadway environments. The scope involved a detailed literature review and state interviews (VA, OR, OH, Mass.), visioning sessions with stakeholders, policy recommendations and final updates (estimated Spring 2026).
PennDOT Roundabout Updates
Speakers: Nina Ertel
Description
This presentation will go over the updates on various PennDOT roundabout initiatives, including TSAMS, design manuals and standard drawings.
Optimizing Mobility with Real Time Trajectory-Based Signal Operation
Speakers: Craig Hinners
Description
Modern object-based detection systems provide rich, continuously-updated data for each vehicle and VRU including location, speed, classification, heading, maneuver, and delay. However, actuated signal controllers, adaptive systems, and cabinets are fundamentally designed around loops and their non-intrusive equivalent, zones. Since loops and zones only detect presence in small areas of the roadway, traditional timing algorithms are constrained to limited one-bit call/extend inputs.
NoTraffic Trajectory-Based Optimization bridges this chasm by using pure object detection at its core to drive a variety of strategies ranging from simple stop and delay minimization to corridor progression, multimodal prioritization, and queue management. This session covers the theory and implementation of Optimization by breaking it down to core concepts and reviewing real-world deployments, demonstrating its adaptability to varied conditions and showing how it outperforms traditional timing.
Proactive by Design: Advancing Traffic Operations in Cranberry Township
Speakers: Nicholas Streets, Kelly Maurer
Description
Keeping Cranberry Township moving through proactive, data driven operations.
Cranberry Township is one of Western Pennsylvania’s fastest growing communities, and its signal system faces constant pressure from commuter, commercial, and regional traffic. Meeting these expectations requires more than periodic retiming. It calls for a proactive, customer focused approach that identifies issues early, responds quickly, and adapts to changing conditions.
Cranberry Township uses a practical mix of adaptive signal operations, ATSPMs, and direct observations to stay ahead of changing traffic needs. Signal data and travel time information show how the system is performing, while observations confirm what drivers experience in real time. By combining these tools, the team can anticipate how the Township’s ongoing growth and highly variable traffic environment will affect movement and address issues before they become noticeable. When changes are needed, timely, targeted adjustments keep traffic flowing reliably and prevent problems from returning.
A key strength of this program is the close partnership between consultants and Township staff. Weekly coordination, shared dashboards, and open communication ensure that operational decisions reflect community priorities and real world travel patterns. This collaboration has created a traffic operations model that treats mobility as a customer service, not just an engineering task.
East Market Street / Harrison Street Intersection Signal Upgrade
Speakers: Kyle Tarnoviski, Barbara Hoehne
Description
The East Market Street/Harrison Street Intersection Signal Upgrade represents a targeted infrastructure improvement that enhances safety, mobility and accessibility at a key gateway connecting the City of York and Spring Garden Township in York County, Pennsylvania. The intersection signal project was identified to address safety concerns due to the existing lane alignment on the East Market Street westbound travel lanes (east side of the intersection), which oppose the East Market Street one-way eastbound travel lanes (west side of the intersection).
Through close coordination with PennDOT District 8-0, STV advanced a fully engineered solution featuring innovative signal technology – including only the third right-turn flashing yellow arrow installation in the Commonwealth. The right-turn movement operates during a protected phase, while the incorporation of more accessible pedestrian push buttons activates a permitted phase with a flashing arrow, reinforcing safe crossings. The result is a safer, intuitive intersection design that enhances driver awareness and pedestrian safety.
Additional improvements include a new concrete median, pavement milling and overlay, ADA-compliant curb ramps and sidewalk connections at all four legs of the intersection. Bus stop markings improved multimodal safety, while geometric refinements optimized traffic operations within the existing footprint.
Completed within budget and on schedule, the project has significantly reduced conflicts and improved mobility for motorists, pedestrians and bus transit users alike. The East Market Street/Harrison Street Intersection Signal Upgrade exemplifies how thoughtful engineering and innovation can enhance safety, sustainability and community quality of life within a compact, high-visibility urban corridor.