PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE COMMISSION Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure January 22 – 24, 2016 After Action Review April 5, 2016 Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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 Page i Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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 Page ii Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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 trafficmanagement 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 Page 1 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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 40 Inches of Snow 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 *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) Source: NOAA, 2016 Page 2 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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. Page 3 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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 tractortrailers 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 Page 4 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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 (ESTOP). 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 Page 5 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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      Page 6 of 30 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.” Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR Figure 3 – Primary Event Locations Source; Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, 2016 Page 7 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR Figure 4 – AccuWeather Forecasts, 3:15 PM and 9:45 PM, Friday, January 22, 2016 Page 8 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR    2. Winter Maintenance Operations   Page 9 of 30 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 noncommercial trailers from the Turnpike system. 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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 tractortrailers 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. Page 10 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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 Page 11 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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 onsite 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). Page 12 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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 welltreated. 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. Page 13 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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 trafficmanagement 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 Page 14 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR by the PA House Transportation Committee on February 10, 2016, and the Joint Senate Committee Hearing on February 16, 2016. PHASE 1 AAR PHASE 2 AAR • INFORMATION GATHERING AND FACT FINDING • INTRA- AND INTERAGENCY AAR MEETINGS • TIMELINE OF EVENTS • PA HOUSE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE HEARING • JOINT SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING 1/25/2016 2/16/2016 FINAL AAR REPORT 4/5/2016 DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION 2016 – 2017 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. Page 15 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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:      CIP.4 – FHWA SHRP2 Training Page 16 of 30 Leadership Coordination Knowledge Transfer Processes and Procedures Technology 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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. Page 17 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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. Page 18 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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 PI.3 – Truck Parking Study  Engineering and Construction   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   Traffic Operations PI.9 – Mobility Performance Metrics    Page 19 of 30 Deployed 9 mobile CCTV and 16 handheld CCTV accounts Plan to deploy mobile CCTV on all MUW vehicles 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) Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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 PI.12 – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Deployment Plan  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 Traffic Operations    Traveler Information PI.15 – Waze™ Partnership    Submitted Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) application and developed flight guidelines Expecting approval in Spring 2016 and deployment by Summer 2016 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 Page 20 of 30 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 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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) Page 21 of 30  Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR Table 3 – Opportunities for Improvement Category Engineering and Construction Action Strategy (NOT listed in priority order) 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. Implementation Steps 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. Page 22 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR Category Forecasting and Preparedness Action Strategy (NOT listed in priority order) AS.3 – Strengthen the PTC’s weather forecasting and situational awareness capabilities. Implementation Steps 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 decisionmaking 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 regionspecific 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. Page 23 of 30 Step 2: Develop the joint strategic plan with PennDOT. Step 3: Implement a connected fleet. Step 4: Program projects. Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR Category Action Strategy (NOT listed in priority order) Winter Maintenance and Operations AS.7 – Update PTC’s Weather Emergency Traffic Management Plan. Implementation Steps 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. 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. 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. Page 24 of 30 Step 2: Update the PTC’s Weather Emergency Operations Traffic Management Plan accordingly. Step 2: Implement incentive towing pilots. 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: Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR Category Action Strategy (NOT listed in priority order) and augment its situational awareness capabilities. Implementation Steps     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). Page 25 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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. 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. 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 nondeployed Turnpike personnel. Communications and Coordination Incident and Emergency Management Page 26 of 30 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. 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. Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR Category Action Strategy (NOT listed in priority order) deployment, and deactivation. Implementation Steps 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 Page 27 of 30 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. Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR Category Action Strategy (NOT listed in priority order) portable Turnpike radio communication capabilities. Implementation Steps 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 Page 28 of 30 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 Readyto-Eat (MRE), etc. Step 2: Determine the appropriate quantities of food supplies needed to be stored at any given time. Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR Category Action Strategy (NOT listed in priority order) long periods of time in a backlogged traffic queue. Implementation Steps 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. Page 29 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR 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. Page 30 of 30 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission 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 Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Bedford Area School District Bedford County 911 Bedford County Emergency Management Agency Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Pennsylvania State Police Shanksville Fire Company Bedford Fire Company Shawnee Market Bedford United Methodist Church Shawnee Valley Ambulance Berlin Fire & EMS Shawnee Valley Fire Company Bollman Charter Service CoGo’s™ Dollar General™ Sheetz™ Somerset County 911 Herring Motor Company Somerset County Emergency Management Agency Interstate Emergency Services, Inc. Southern Cove Fire Company Lakewood Automotive & Towing St. Thomas Parish LaSalles Garage Subway™ Myers Garage Walmart Distribution – Bedford New Baltimore Fire Company Waze™ Connected Citizens Program Pennsylvania National Guard Wissingers Repairs PENNA PIKE Bedford to Somerset Extended Closure AAR Appendix Weather Emergency Traffic Management Plan Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Weather Emergency Traffic Management Plan December 28, 2015 Final December 28, 2015 FINAL 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 Traffic Engineering and Operations Maintenance State Police Troop T FEMO Travel Plazas and PTC Concessions Fare Collection & Toll Waiving Communications and Public Relations Engineering 7-9 Level 2 Storm Procedures Traffic Engineering and Operations Maintenance State Police Troop T FEMO Travel Plazas and PTC Concessions Fare Collection & Toll Waiving Communications and Public Relations Engineering 10-14 Level 3 Storm Procedures Traffic Engineering and Operations Maintenance State Police Troop T FEMO Travel Plazas and PTC Concessions Fare Collection & Toll Waiving Communications and Public Relations Engineering 15-20 Level 4 Storm Procedures Traffic Operations and Engineering Maintenance State Police Troop T FEMO Travel Plazas and PTC Concessions Fare Collection & Toll Waiving Communications and Public Relations Engineering 21-25 December 28, 2015 Final 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 predescribed 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 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 14 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 15 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 16 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 affiliated with distribution of the plan activated. agency 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 17 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 18 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 19 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 20 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 21 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 22 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 23 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 24 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. December 28, 2015 Final 25