Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Total Reconstruction and Widening Project Mileposts 320-326 Traveler Survey Results November 4, 200 through January 3, 20 Background The Turnpike traveler is often overlooked during the design phase of projects such as the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission s (PTC) Total Reconstruction and Widening of Mileposts 320-326. The public involvement team recommended conducting a survey of the facility users to gain their valuable input regarding the proposed widening. An - question survey was developed in conjunction with PTC s Community Relations staff and made available online to the public beginning November 8, 200. Additionally, a hard copy version of the same survey was distributed to and collected from Turnpike travelers at the Valley Forge and King of Prussia service plazas from November 5-8, 200, as well as at the November 6, 200 Project Update Open House. This summary provides a snapshot of the results of the surveys completed through January 20. Survey Results A total of 47 surveys were completed between November 200 and January 20, including 20 hard copy surveys and 297 online. The online survey required individuals to answer questions -0 prior to submitting; however those completing the hard copy surveys were able to skip a question if desired. Question was always presented as optional. The following provides a summary of the results for each question. The majority of respondents (62%) traverse the Turnpike between Downingtown and Valley Forge fewer than five times per week. Approximately two thirds of their trips are work-related 50% or more of the time. The majority of their trips (80%) are over 30 miles, with 35% of trips between 3 and 60 miles, and 45% over 60 miles. More than 70% of respondents move at least occasionally slower than the posted speed limit between Downingtown and Valley Forge because of congestion or incidents. 58% of survey takers rarely use roads other than the Turnpike because of its condition and to avoid congestion or delays. 57% of respondents consider the upcoming reconstruction of the Mileposts 320-326 section of the mainline Turnpike to be absolutely essential and 29% indicate that it is a step in the right direction but not enough. 77% of respondents believe that the 26-foot-wide median is important for providing an added buffer-zone protection for emergency responders and maintenance/construction workers; quicker clearance and restoration of traffic when incidents occur; an added recovery zone for vehicles in an accident; and, a place to pull off during emergencies. 64% of respondents strongly agree that the planned reconstruction and widening of the Turnpike between Downingtown and Valley Forge is in the best interest of the Turnpike customer.
Results for the best way to fund ground transportation are split. 43% support imposing tolls on other interstate highways and 34% support increase in vehicle registration and licensing fees. Approximately 20% see a fuel tax increase as a solution. [NOTE: During the intercept surveys at the service plazas, this question resulted in the most controversy and 7 people chose not to answer it, while 3 people offered additional comments.] By far, most respondents (6%) said that they use Highway Advisory Radio frequency (640 AM) to check traffic and weather conditions on the Turnpike. 52% of persons who responded to Question felt that electronic communication in the form of Facebook, Twitter, smartphone applications, GPS integration and email is a good way of communicating with Turnpike travelers. Highway message signs and radio also remain preferred communication tools. Detailed results, including numbers of responses to each question and other statistics, begin on page 3. 2
MP320-MP326 Construction Survey Summary Report November 4, 200 February 2, 20. How many times per week do you traverse the Turnpike between Downingtown and Valley Forge? Fewer than 5 260 62.4% 6-5 37 32.9% More than 5 20 4.8% Total Responses 47 3
2. What percentage of these trips is work-related? 00% 84 44.3% 50% or more 96 23.% Less than 50% 35 32.5% Total Responses 45 No Response 2 4
3. Going and returning, most of my trips on the Turnpike are: Under 30 miles 83 20% 3-60 miles 46 35.% Over 60 miles 87 45% Total Responses 46 No Response 5
4. How often do you move slower than the posted speed limit between Downingtown and Valley Forge because of congestion or incidents? Frequently 94 22.6% Occasionally 20 48.3% Rarely 2 29.% Total Responses 46 No Response 6
5. How often do you use roads other than the Turnpike because of its condition or to avoid congestion or delays in the Downingtown-Valley Forge area? Frequently 47.3% Occasionally 28 30.7% Rarely 242 58% Total Responses 47 7
6. Plans for the upcoming reconstruction of the Downingtown-to-Valley Forge section include a widening of the Turnpike from two to three lanes in each direction. This is: Absolutely essential 232 56.6% A step in the right direction but not enough 2 29.5% Unnecessary 57 3.9% Total Responses 40 No Response 7 8
7. Another feature of the reconstructed area will be a median 26 feet wide, compared to the current 0 feet, separating the eastbound lanes from the westbound lanes. Which benefit of a widened median is most important to you? Added buffer-zone protection for emergency responders and maintenance/construction workers 29 7.% Quicker clearance and restoration of traffic when incidents occur 40 9.8% Added recovery zone for vehicles in an accident 2.7% A place to pull off during emergencies 6 3.9% All are equally important 32 76.5% Total Responses 408 No Response 9 9
8. The planned reconstruction and widening between Downingtown and Valley Forge is in the best interest of Turnpike customers. Strongly agree 262 63.7% Somewhat agree 6 28.2% Disagree 33 8% Total Responses 4 No Response 6 0
9. Under Pennsylvania Act 44 of 2007, some of your toll dollars help fund non-turnpike road, bridge and transit improvements. In your opinion, what is the best way to fund ground transportation? Impose tolls on other interstate highways 7 42.8% Fuel tax increase 80 20% Increases in vehicle registration and licensing fees 36 34% Other 3 3.3% Total Responses 400 No Response 7 Other: Count None of the Above 4 All 2 Cut Waste! Cigarettes & alcohol Sales Tax Increase Tax Pot None!! Use the current monies wisely No. these highways are federal and already PAID for Clean up 80 and place under auspice of Turnpike. These place burden on PA residents while other states are accessing the road system
0. The Turnpike Commission utilizes several tools to alert customers about traffic and weather conditions. Which do you use most frequently? Real-time Travel Conditions map on PTC web site 73 8.8% Customer-selected Preferred Traveler notifications (e-mail and/or text message) 58 4.9% Highway Advisory Radio frequency (640 AM) 236 60.7% Toll-free information line (-877-976-TRIP) 7 4.4% Other 5.3% Total Responses 389 No Response 28 Other Count KYW 060 3 I have never gotten a signal when sign advises using 640AM None of the Above 2
. What means of communicating traffic and weather information should the Turnpike also deploy? (i.e. Facebook/Twitter/etc.) Response Count TOTAL 79 Electronic Communications Twitter, Facebook, Smartphone Apps, etc. 93 Facebook 23 Twitter 2 Facebook and Twitter 9 Mobile Application (iphone, Android, Blackberry, etc.) 9 GPS Device Integration 4 E-Mail 3 Facebook Tie-in to Sirius Traffic report Facebook / Travel Advisory signs Facebook and Twitter as well as the existing road update signs along the Turnpike. Facebook, Text alerts Sign Up Text and/or Facebook/Twitter seem like good choices Strong integration with modern GPS devices that use congestion information. Text messaging & email alerts Facebook and email alerts Google maps iphone Apps & a blog text message/ Facebook Twitter is a great idea. Also, a map provided by the PTC with higher level of detail would be good (detail along the mainline Turnpike as well as at the interchanges / alternative routes). Twitter. Integrate real-time updates and live traffic cameras with mobile phone & PDA traffic applications. email/text messaging, more signage on the Turnpike, especially when approaching Philly / Harrisburg / Pittsburgh metro areas Facebook/Twitter, and portable display units I hear about lots of delays through friends on Twitter- would be great to be "official! All popular social networks, including, but not limited to Facebook and Twitter. Facebook, App for Smartphone Facebook, iphone App Facebook, text, radio I was unaware of text messaging. This is my preferred way 3
Response Internet Social Networking Turnpike web site Twitter alerts would be fast and simple to read. Emergency weather emails, Facebook Texting using mile markers and the two exits that it falls between. First Have users sign up and plot their most traveled route then text message them only when there is a serious backup or closure along that route. Do not text them for routine maintenance stuff. Second Replace the AM radio transmissions and signs with electronic informational text message boards. Please these at least one mile before all Turnpike entrances and exits. Third Continue with the email alerts. Facebook, Twitter and any other like media. Also provide up to date information to Google Maps, Bing Maps and to all in car GPS services. I use my car s GPS as my primary traffic resource, but the Turnpike doesn t show up. You should make your real-time traffic info available to Sirius/XM and/or other services. SMS would be useful but a potential hazard when driving. Live traffic maps on a smartphone would be useful. The phone on the iphone is OK but does not provide any alerts. Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Google Maps Turnpike web site Preferred Traveler is good, but needs more sophistication. If I sign up for alerts but then get 3 alerts of the same incident in an hour, it stops being useful and starts being annoying. Count Variable Message Signs 32 Electronic Signs 6 Overhead signs 4 Light signs 2 Above the road real-time message boards with accurate min. to min. updates Additional ITS signs along roadway Highway Signs More accuracy on people running through electric sign I often read electronic billboards that relay information The electronic panel signs to inform about congestion and alternative roads VMS updates prior to or at Turnpike interchanges highway signs indicating problems/delays up ahead message boards in "real-time" None - overhead signs and radio are the best. More overhead heads up 5 miles before exit would be nice & cheap signs on the roads 4
Response. Add estimated travel times to permanent variable message signs. 2. Add Turnpike traffic cameras, create online access to cameras via Turnpike website. 3. Integrate traffic information with PennDOT's traffic management center. Provided Turnpike traffic camera access to PennDOT's traffic management center. 4. Integrate Turnpike traffic cameras with PennDOT's public online access to PennDOT traffic cameras. (IOW, provide "one-stop shopping" for the public.) VMS signs at toll plazas and along Turnpike prior to exits so that there is forewarning of traffic problems. This may allow alternate routes to be taken or avoided. Large signs for distant driving conditions. When going through a tunnel an alert to tell drivers what the conditions are at the end of the tunnel e.g. icy road, fog, or accident would be helpful. The items listed in 9 above don't help one bit unless you have equipment to access the information. Have digital signs on the road itself More Screens on the Highway and alternate route advice More advisory signs on the turnpike to advise of conditions ahead and keep drivers up to date with current info and conditions. One for each section between exits would be ideal. Digital signs along the turnpike. A driver would be able to see and read the signs, instead of having to use Facebook, Twitter, or TV I like the large electronic signs that have been added on the Turnpike and Route 30. I also view weather channel each morning and watch traffic patterns posted there. For me REAL time is best. If I m looking for a Facebook update I m not on the roadway. My main concern is being on the roadway and the conditions change one, two or more ICX s ahead. If I can bail to avoid a huge backlog, we both benefit. Provide more message alert boards. Count Radio 26 KYW Radio 4 Radio 4 Local Radio 3 I still like the special radio station! 640 AM is a good source of info but the transmitter is not strong enough KYW060 AM, WHYY 90.9 FM. Electronic Traffic Message Boards along highway. Radio Satellite Radio Their own weather & emergency channel on site in case of emergencies shouldn't be using Facebook/Twitter in car. Use local radio stations TV and radio Radio transmissions on KYW 060 AM, Scrolling billboards or signs. Not big on having to look at handheld devices for information. I don't use internet when I am driving and I don't text and drive. Best communication is KYW060 for updated traffic info and I use that a lot. Text, and a better broadcast on the radio an FM station with no static would be the best. Can 5
Response always get the info in the vehicle without and extra devices. I listen to 640 but can t stand it, need less static and better broadcasting personalities. 060 radio works for me. I saw some cool see through noise barriers on Rt. 8 in NJ. It wasn t as claustrophobic as driving between the typical concrete walls and actually had some nice scenery. My 2 cents! 640 Change AM 640 to an FM station so I can receive it before I get to the Turnpike Text, and a better broadcast on the radio an FM station with no static would be the best. Can always get the info in the vehicle without any extra devices. I listen to 640 but can t stand it because of the static Count Other Comments Related to Communications 4 present system works for me The existing methods are fine Telepathic ESP would be nice, but the PA Turnpike is such a wonderful road that it does not need much more. I love the Turnpike dearly, but do not think the widening between Downingtown is the most urgent of projects. I would rather see an EZ-Pass Express at Valley Forge, although I know space is limited there. Don't use at all so no suggestions The Weather Channel as many different ones as possible shouldn't do this on the Turnpike All would be more current. Turnpike is nice but the biggest problem is getting things cleared when there is an accident. 5 None, there are enough ways to find out about problems Web site and 800 line are sufficient Overhead electronic signage on the highway at each toll plaza, viewable in both directions. Computer and/or cell phone access is probably not as available with the percentage of travelers you need to reach. Don t bother. Everyone has an IPhone now. Get the information to Google and consumers can get it from there (or traffic.com, etc.) Other Comments on Project or Turnpike in General 4 The 26' median is excessive and leads to more water run off They should give an E-ZPass discount to commuters who travel the Turnpike daily. none please, no more toll increases on a road that per mile has the highest tolls in the nation. out of state driver going to Shriner's 3 times a year There are other ways to fund projects besides those three. The survey question is poorly 6
Response formed at best, leading the question at worst. #7: Increased median should help cut down on headlight glare from oncoming traffic. I'm pleased there are little to no street lamps. They only add glare to the windscreen. No general comments section. We need the Exit Ramps for the Turnpike to Rt. #29, to be BOTH WAYS. It would be an imposition to have only -ramp rather than 2-ramps. The travel time between V.F. and Downingtown is way too long,,,,need 2 ramps onto Rt. 29,,,,PLEASE The highway is awful! The highway should be paid for by truckers and transportation companies who destroy and congest the road along with tax dollars that citizens already pay. Visit Texas, study their highway system, maybe you ll learn something about traffic flow. RADIO Also, I need to comment on the Philly Garbage truck traffic on this section of the Turnpike. I have had numerous rocks hit and crack my windshield from these trucks. Not only do they cause major safety issues but also create more traffic delays. Ban them from the Turnpike. I have heard that you re pushing EZPass over CASH and also adding more EZPass. If this happens I will find other ways of getting to work. Pa should not be removing jobs. They should be adding them. What happens to those Toll Collectors? Tie it in to proprietary GPS systems. Your question no 9 is loaded. The best way to fund road improvements is to get rid of the fat and inefficiency in the government sector and use this money. Do not raise taxes at all. I love the Turnpike! Count None stop wasting money, the Turnpike toll system is out of control I will travel out of my way often to avoid spending. Saved close to $300 this year alone. Find ways to cut cost not add them. This roadway should be the best in the country for the amount of cash spent since its inception. I think you Turnpike people should realize that the Turnpike was supposed to be paid for with tolls. That was decades ago. You made it into a business of charging people for a road they already paid for. You think you can raise tolls every year when they are already maxed out now? They should be lowered and eventually done away with entirely. You got enough money and should learn how to manage the waste and correction in Pennsylvania instead of looking to scam people with numerous harebrained ideas. One day someone will take office and cleanup this state and recapture billions in WASTE instead of looking to continuously tax and rip people off. Total Responses 79 No Response 238 7