Speakers: Dominic Marchesano, Jr. (Jacobs) &  David Phelan (Jacobs)

City Avenue, one of southeastern Pennsylvania’s highest volume and congested corridors, previously split the Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) campus, with the primary connection relying on an at-grade crossing at the Cardinal Street signalized intersection. With heavy traffic on City Avenue and more than 1,500 pedestrians using the at-grade crossing each day, the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians created an unsafe condition. Recognizing this hazard, SJU identified the need for a safe, accessible, and direct connection between the two sides of campus through a new pathway and underpass designed to be welcoming and functional, featuring a straight sightline, architectural finishes, and integrated security measures. A key project objective was to connect the campus quads (“hearts”) on either side of City Avenue, necessitating a skewed alignment.

Speakers:  Adam Chidiac (McCormick Taylor) & Jennifer Okulanis (McCormick Taylor)

The Wissahickon Transit Center (WTC), a 3-acre key hub in Philadelphia’s transit network, was reconfigured and expanded to alleviate congestion and improve safety and access for buses, pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. The existing WTC was significantly over capacity, handling approximately 3,500 unlinked passenger trips and 7,000 combined boardings and alightings daily. Positioned along a heavily congested arterial and adjacent to a major pedestrian and bicycle trail network, the facility was challenged with managing high volumes of buses, vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians in a constrained environment. The WTC project area included a narrow right-of-way, the existing Wissahickon Creek, steep roadway and site grades, a rock formation, underground utilities, and a shared driveway access. These challenges, combined with the need to maintain traffic flow along Main Street and Ridge Avenue, required careful coordination among SEPTA, the City of Philadelphia Department of Streets, the Philadelphia County Planning Commission, PennDOT District 6, an active community group, and the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia. The goal of the redesign was to balance increased multimodal activity, operational efficiency, and safe connectivity for all users.

Speakers:   Jeffrey Kelley (Gilmore & Associates), Ryan McCarthy (JMT), Tony Rauso (JMT), Dhruv Ray (City of Philadelphia Department of Streets) & Bob Wright (Bowman)

The Island Avenue Roadway Improvements project represents a major multimodal investment in a critical corridor in Southwest Philadelphia. Extending approximately 1.8 miles from Elmwood Avenue to Suffolk Avenue, the project was designed to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance mobility for all users, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. Before improvements, Island Avenue was identified as part of the City’s High Injury Network, including the intersection of Island Avenue and Lindbergh Boulevard, listed on the City's High Crash Locations List due to pedestrian and vehicle crashes. In addition to high crash rates, operational deficiencies were identified with the southbound traffic lanes on Island Avenue crossing over SEPTA trolley tracks between Tanager Place and 76th Street. This existing roadway configuration, compounded by outdated infrastructure throughout the corridor, exacerbated congestion and multimodal safety deficiencies. Through a coordinated, multi-agency effort, the project reconfigured roadway geometry, modernized transit infrastructure, and introduced multimodal enhancements, including a shared-use path, to transform the corridor into a safer, greener, and more efficient transportation facility.

Speakers: Nicole Kline-Elsier (Bowman)

Based on incidents and operational challenges at the access points serving a recently constructed high school, Bowman is completing a safety evaluation to guide potential modifications and improvements. Bowman is working with the school district to establish the true conditions outside of hearsay and second-hand information. As part of this effort, along with a more traditional crash history assessment, Bowman worked with Quality Counts to collect video and process it through their data analytics to provide a near-miss conflict analysis. This presentation will provide a case study of the steps included in this access safety evaluation, including the added value of the near-miss conflict data in understanding safety concerns outside of reported incidents.

Speakers: Uzo Ahiarakwe (City of Atlantic City) & Brad Miller (Michael Baker)

The Pacific Avenue Signal Optimization project represents a transformative investment in transportation technology, mobility, safety, and economic vitality for the City of Atlantic City. Implemented along one of the region's most important corridors, the project advances a long-term vision established through Atlantic City's Smart City and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) initiatives by deploying a smart coordinated traffic signal system that improves traffic operations, enhances safety, and provides the technological foundation for future connected transportation infrastructure. Stretching through the heart of Atlantic City's tourism, entertainment, residential, and commercial districts, Pacific Avenue serves as a critical transportation artery connecting casinos, businesses, neighborhoods, and regional roadways. The corridor experiences highly variable traffic patterns driven by seasonal tourism, special events, and pedestrian movement. Recognizing these challenges, the City of Atlantic City partnered with transportation leaders to implement a comprehensive project to modernize corridor operations and position the city for continued growth and innovation. At its core, the project delivers advanced traffic signal technology, upgraded communications infrastructure, intelligent detection systems, and optimized signal timing for 35 signalized intersections along Pacific Avenue. These improvements create a more responsive transportation network capable of adapting to real-world traffic conditions while supporting safer and more efficient travel for motorists, pedestrians, transit users, and emergency responders.

Speakers: Ahmed Imtiaz Zamee (Rowan University)

Work zones are necessary for maintaining and upgrading transportation infrastructure, but they also introduce significant safety risks for both roadway users and construction workers. Traditional work zone management methods often rely on static traffic control devices and manual monitoring, which may be insufficient for addressing the dynamic conditions present in modern highway construction environments. In recent years, Smart Work Zone (SWZ) technologies have emerged as an effective approach to improve safety and operational efficiency through the use of real-time data, automated warning systems, and intelligent transportation technologies. This study examines the transition from traditional work zone practices to smart work zone systems and their role in improving overall work zone safety. This study divides the previous studies and findings into three clusters: SWZ technologies, SWZ benefits, and SWZ challenges. The research reviews commonly implemented smart work zone strategies such as queue warning systems, dynamic message signs, speed feedback displays, and connected monitoring devices that provide real-time traffic information to drivers and transportation agencies. The findings indicate that smart work zone technologies enhance driver awareness, reduce the likelihood of rear-end collisions, and improve traffic flow through construction areas. Despite these benefits, challenges such as implementation costs, technology integration, and institutional coordination remain barriers to widespread adoption. The results of this study highlight the potential of smart work zone technologies to significantly enhance work zone safety and provide insights for transportation agencies seeking to modernize their work zone management practices.

Speaker: Nathan Mozeleski (AtkinsRéalis)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup brought unprecedented transportation demands to New Jersey, with MetLife Stadium hosting eight matches, including the championship final, and generating more than one million vehicle trips through the Meadowlands region. To support safe and efficient mobility during the largest sporting event in state history, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), with support from AtkinsRéalis, deployed a suite of advanced transportation technologies, including LiDAR sensors, video analytics, Connected Vehicle infrastructure, and real-time performance dashboards. These solutions provided enhanced situational awareness, deeper insights into vehicle and pedestrian movements, and data-driven decision support for operational staff and executive leadership. Delivered through an innovative Job Order Contract (JOC), AtkinsRéalis provided design, software development, and construction engineering support, accelerating delivery of more than 75 new and reconstructed Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) sites across the region in just 18 months. This presentation highlights the technologies, delivery strategies, and lessons learned that enabled NJDOT to successfully manage mobility and operations for one of the world's largest sporting events.

Speakers: Debra Ferraro (Pennoni) & Jacob Nichols (Pennoni)

The Gateways to Philadelphia Project is a City of Philadelphia initiative focused on transforming highly visible corridors and key highway entrance points to the city into welcoming spaces that showcase the city’s creativity, culture, and civic pride.  The first phase of the project included extensive beautification and landscape improvements across seven major entranceways and interchanges along the highway corridor from the Philadelphia International Airport and 30th Street Station to Independence Hall in advance of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations and other major 2026 events. The improvements include landscape installations, graffiti abatement, wall and bridge painting, lighting accents, gateway signing, mural restoration, and four new mural installations including the 16,000 square foot mural titled “One Philly, A United City, With Love” unveiled in May along Interstate 76 at Spring Garden.

Pennoni served as Project Manager, directing multidisciplinary teams and providing engineering, permitting and construction services. Responsibilities include coordinating with city agencies, PennDOT, and other project partners, and managing construction sequencing and traffic safety for graffiti abatement, wall restoration, landscape installation, and large‑format public art.

The presentation will provide an overview of this successful project and review the team’s approach to expediting the process from conceptual design through permitting and construction to meet the accelerated schedule. The installations required closures of sidewalks/shoulders, roadway and interstate travel lanes, interstate ramps, and a full closure of westbound Interstate 76. The traffic control approach required sound traffic analyses; close coordination with the city, PennDOT, and construction contractors; and several iterations to develop the final work zone strategies to maximize safety and minimize project costs.

Speaker: Adam Holtzapple (HDR)

This presentation will focus on the development of the Transportation Management Plan (TMP) for the 55-hour weekend closure of the NE Extension (I-476) between Exit 56 and Exit 74. This closure took place in October 2022. As one of three bridges replaced within the overall agreement, there were many lessons learned that were incorporated into the design and implementation of this closure and detour.

Speakers: Matthew Harris (University of Delaware) & Alexandria McClellan (University of Delaware)

The University of Delaware's Living Lab Research Group, housed within the Institute for Public Administration with partnerships in the Landscape Architecture program, addresses critical pedestrian safety challenges through an innovative, data-driven "pop-up" demonstration model. Funded by the Delaware Department of Transportation, the program allows communities to pilot built-environment changes, such as traffic calming and placemaking, prior to committing to permanent, costly infrastructure.

This presentation explores the program's collaborative methodology, which integrates local governments, community organizations, and residents throughout the planning and evaluation process. By engaging stakeholders at local events like farmers markets and library story-times, the team ensures that safety designs reflect specific neighborhood needs and values.

Key case studies highlight the program's effectiveness. In Middletown, DE, temporary installations reduced average speeds from 25 mph to 17 mph, facilitating a transition toward permanent implementation. In Wilmington, a collaborative road diet resulted in the city's first protected bike lane, reducing extreme speeding instances by 90%. These projects demonstrate how flexibility and community input create people-centered public spaces. Attendees will learn how the Living Lab approach bypasses one-size-fits-all solutions to foster safer, more walkable environments and inform long-term transportation policy.

Speakers: Eric Affrunti (VHB) & Nathan Peraino (VHB)

This presentation will highlight how various traffic engineering challenges were overcome for a transit-oriented development constructed adjacent to NJ Transit's Brick Church Station. The project challenges included traffic signal timing and traffic signal design for two sets of signalized intersections with several stakeholders involved. Each set of signalized intersections contained an existing NJDOT-owned signalized intersection located approximately 100 feet from a proposed signalized intersection to facilitate site access.

Speakers: Logan Schuman (Pennoni)

This presentation will outline the process of developing a Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) and demonstrate how local municipalities can use data to guide decision making and improve roadway safety. Attendees will gain an understanding of the key components of an LRSP, including stakeholder engagement, safety data analysis, emphasis area identification, and the selection of appropriate safety countermeasures.

Using a real-world example in Dover Township, York County, Pennsylvania, the presentation will walk through the development of an LRSP from project initiation to implementation planning and after highlighting lessons learned and challenges encountered. The session will also discuss how the LRSP framework supports a proactive approach to reducing crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities on local roadways while helping communities prioritize safety.

Speaker: Jatish Patel (Flow Labs)

Signal retiming is one of the most effective ways to improve arterial performance, yet traditional retiming projects remain slow, manual, and resource-intensive. While the traffic data landscape has changed dramatically, retiming tools have largely stayed the same, and agencies often lack a data-driven way to know which corridors most need attention.

This presentation examines how AI-driven signal optimization workflows accelerate retiming by combining probe vehicle data, signal performance measures, and digital-twin modeling to diagnose issues, evaluate timing strategies, and predict outcomes faster than manual approaches while keeping engineering oversight central.

Two corridor deployments will be discussed: a 2025 full-week retiming and coordination project with the City of Mentor, Ohio, delivering up to 13% delay reduction and a 55:1 benefit-to-cost ratio; and a 2026 corridor project with Ohio DOT, achieving up to 11% delay reduction and a 74:1 benefit-to-cost ratio. The speaker will discuss data requirements, model behavior, validation, and where engineering judgment remains essential.

Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how AI-assisted optimization functions, including data requirements and validation considerations, and see how probe data and digital-twin modeling are compressing retiming timelines while delivering verified delay reductions and strong benefit-to-cost outcomes on real corridors.

Speakers: Gregory Francese (City of Hoboken) & Brad Miller (Michael Baker)

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming traffic safety analysis by enabling faster, more scalable, and data-driven insights that extend beyond traditional crash-based approaches. In this case study, a New Jersey urban community explored how AI-powered analysis of near-miss events, instances where collisions were narrowly avoided, could supplement conventional safety evaluations in support of the City's Vision Zero initiative and Complete Streets goals. Unlike crash data, which typically informs reactive improvements after incidents occur, machine learning-driven near-miss analytics provide a proactive lens by detecting patterns in frequent, high-risk interactions and identifying emerging hazards before crashes take place.

Support was provided for the collection and evaluation of near-miss data from multiple vendors, leveraging AI and ML techniques to compare detection methodologies, data outputs, and analytical approaches. This evaluation identified strengths, limitations, and opportunities for application across platforms. The effort was conducted in parallel with multimodal safety planning initiatives, where AI-enhanced insights informed concept development focused on improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists.

The case study assessed how AI- and ML-enabled near-miss analytics could enhance routine traffic engineering practices, including warrant analyses, safety studies, and crash investigations, by providing a broader, more dynamic, and near real-time understanding of roadway risk. Findings highlighted the value of near-miss analytics in identifying conflict patterns at scale, while also identifying challenges related to data consistency, model transparency, interpretation, and integration into established workflows.

Speakers: Tejaswi Gangadharaiah (AtkinsRéalis) & Preston Hitchens (QC)

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 74,000 pedestrian-involved crashes occurred in the United States in 2023, with 77 percent happening in dark conditions. North Jersey exhibits similar patterns, where nighttime visibility continues to be a significant contributing factor to pedestrian and multimodal crashes. This study supports Vision Zero and Complete Streets goals by evaluating nighttime safety for all road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders, through two complementary approaches: photometric lighting compliance and AI-based near-miss analysis.

The study assesses existing lighting conditions at 30 high-priority intersections across 14 jurisdictions within the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) region, which spans multiple counties and municipalities. Field activities include measuring horizontal and vertical illuminance along crosswalks, documenting existing luminaires, identifying dark zones, and performing compliance checks based on state and FHWA guidance. Heatmaps generated from field-collected illuminance data are used to visualize lighting performance and pinpoint locations where visibility may be compromised.

In parallel, the study employs an AI-driven automated video analytics system to identify and evaluate near-miss events using surrogate safety metrics such as post-encroachment time (PET). These indicators enable precise identification of conflict points, violation patterns, and yielding behavior at intersections. Lighting deficiencies are analyzed alongside near-miss patterns to understand how low-visibility zones may contribute to elevated safety risks.

This is the first effort of its scale in New Jersey to combine field photometrics, lighting compliance evaluation, and AI-based near-miss analysis across multiple counties under an MPO framework. While the primary focus is nighttime visibility and safety, the methodology aligns with broader operational decision-making and supports future enhancements to intersection control evaluation processes.

The findings help NJTPA and participating counties prioritize targeted safety upgrades, advance future design standards, and develop scalable, low-cost strategies that can be expanded across additional municipalities for regional nighttime safety improvements.

Speakers: Steve Gault (PennDOT) & Shaun Quayle (INRIX)

This session will cover PennDOT's new program deployment of probe-based Signal & Corridor Performance Measures (INRIX/RITIS Signal Analytics). The session will highlight shared access for agencies/consultants, project applications, and the lessons learned from scaling SPMs to over 14,000 signals statewide. Possible case studies to be discussed include grant selection, to proactive local management, data-driven project selection, and event before/after comparisons, like the World Cup.

Speakers: Plaban Das (JMT) & Imad Haq (PHL)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operational deficiencies associated with the existing weaving segment between Arrivals Road and Departures Road and to develop conceptual alternatives to eliminate weaving conflicts and improve airport landside operations. The existing weaving segment is constrained by its limited length, resulting in recurring congestion that often extends to the terminal pick-up and drop-off areas. This congestion disrupts operations throughout the landside roadway network and creates potential safety concerns. Traffic data were collected during two typical weekdays and one typical weekend day in August 2025. Horizon year 2045 traffic volumes were projected using growth factors and planned airport facility expansions identified in the master plan. The weaving segment was analyzed using the HCS. The analysis indicated that the weave segment will operate at LOS F during both AM and PM peak hours in 2045. To enhance operation within the weave area, JMT developed and evaluated four concepts based on roadway geometry, traffic operations, and impacts to airport property. The widening of the weaving segment (Concept 1) is expected to improve operational performance in the short term; however, will fail to accommodate the projected 2045 demand. The ramp metering (Concept 2) will operate at LOS F in 2045, with approximately 290 seconds of average control delay per vehicle. The grade-separated realignment (Concept 3) will provide mostly uninterrupted traffic flow; however, will not satisfy AASHTO stopping sight distance requirements for the proposed design speed. The at-grade realignment alternative (Concept 4) will connect Arrivals Road to Garage Access Road at a signalized intersection. The signal is projected to operate at LOS D or better in 2045, with approximately 41 seconds of control delay. To perform travel time analysis for the exit network, a VISSIM microsimulation model was developed, and the analysis indicated that the average travel time will be reduced by 60 seconds per vehicle for traffic traveling on Departures Road to the I-95 ramps by eliminating the weaving conflicts.

Speakers: Joe Shultz (Kimley-Horn) & Lexy Tracy (Kimley-Horn)

Philadelphia's designation as a host city for both the FIFA World Cup 26 matches and Fan Festival, along with Major League Baseball's (MLB) All-Star Game, presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and challenge, for large-scale event mobility. As part of these efforts, Kimley-Horn is supporting comprehensive transportation planning in coordination with Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the official non-profit host committee, and the MLB.

This work focuses on developing and implementing strategies to efficiently and safely move hundreds of thousands of visitors, residents, and stakeholders throughout the region during a series of high-profile events. Kimley-Horn's role includes evaluating multimodal transportation options and developing recommendations that optimize system performance across transit, roadways, and emerging mobility services.

A key component of this effort is extensive coordination with regional partners and agencies, including PennDOT, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Philly PHLASH, ride-hailing providers, the Philadelphia Streets Department, Philadelphia Office of Special Events, Philadelphia Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), and the Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District. In parallel, the team is working closely with the Philadelphia Police Department and event security partners to align transportation operations with safety and security protocols, ensuring a seamless and secure experience for fans, players, and staff.

This presentation highlights the collaborative framework, planning approaches, and operational strategies used to deliver integrated transportation solutions for multiple concurrent mega-events. Lessons learned and best practices will be shared to inform future host cities preparing for large-scale, multi-venue events within dense urban environments.

Speaker: Jenna Monaghan (SJTPO)

The South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO), with support from its consultant team, developed four Local Road Safety Plans (LRSPs) for Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem Counties, with the shared goal of reducing fatalities and serious injuries on all county and municipal roadways. Over a two-year development process, the project team employed an innovative, data-driven approach that combined hotspot analysis, High Injury Network identification, systemic safety analysis, and project prioritization to identify high-risk locations and guide investment decisions.

This presentation will provide an overview of the LRSP development process and highlight the technical analysis, stakeholder engagement, and interagency collaboration that led to adoption of all four plans in November 2024. While each plan addressed the unique safety needs and challenges of its county, all advanced both infrastructure and non-infrastructure countermeasures and established strategies that aligned with the Safe System Approach (SSA) while positioning priority projects for competitive funding opportunities.

The presentation will showcase the first year of implementation, during which SJTPO supported its counties in advancing priority actions, identifying funding opportunities, and transitioning to independent implementation of recommended strategies. Attendees will learn how SJTPO is partnering with others in the State to align the statewide High Injury Network, developed through the New Jersey Target Zero Commission, with regional transportation planning, creating a consistent, data-driven framework for improving roadway safety across South Jersey. Participants will leave with practical insights into developing regional LRSPs, translating data into implementable safety strategies, and sustaining momentum beyond plan adoption.

Speakers: Dan Blevins (WILMAPCO) & Chad Reese (WRA)

First/Final mile (FFM) freight connections play a critical but often overlooked role in regional transportation systems, linking freight-intensive land uses along smaller classified roadways to the broader highway network while sometimes operating on multimodal, community-oriented roadways.

Originally developed in 2021, the 2025 update to New Castle County's FFM Freight Network Study was developed through collaboration among WILMAPCO, Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), and the New Castle County Department of Land Use. The study developed a six-step methodology, which integrates freight-intensive employment locations, land use, origin-destination patterns using subscription-based analytics, and stakeholder input to refine routing. Locations were then screened across several factors including land use conflicts, mobility, safety, infrastructure condition, and institutional factors to better distinguish network connectivity characteristics. 

To seek practical solutions for the conflicts, segments are assigned a designation within the Protect-Manage-Accommodate (PMA) framework. This framework was developed to make decisions based on balancing freight mobility with community needs. The framework seeks to support targeted improvements, including intersection design enhancements, truck routing/re-routing, and multimodal conflict mitigation.

Additional tools include site-specific case studies demonstrating practical applications, such as alternate truck access and context-sensitive design. The end goal created a replicable approach for integrating freight into local planning and data-informed decision-making. The results provide guidance for agencies to improve freight reliability while enhancing safety and livability on shared-use roadways across similar regions facing similar e-commerce and warehouse development pressures across communities.

Speaker: Justin Neff (DVRPC)

This presentation will outline the process of developing a Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) and demonstrate how local municipalities can use data to guide decision making and improve roadway safety. Attendees will gain an understanding of the key components of an LRSP, including stakeholder engagement, safety data analysis, emphasis area identification, and the selection of appropriate safety countermeasures.

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), in partnership with HAAS Alert and Newcom Global, has successfully equipped over 700 emergency response vehicles from more than 140 agencies across the Southeastern PA and South Jersey region with cutting-edge digital alerting technology. By fall 2026, an additional 40+ vehicles from multiple agencies will be added. These connected vehicle solutions broadcast real-time alerts to approaching drivers via navigation apps and in-dash systems, warning them to slow down and move over when emergency personnel are operating on or near the roadway.

Funded through DVRPC’s annual work program, this initiative was implemented at no cost to participating first responder agencies, ensuring broad access and adoption across the region. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the program’s development, deployment, and measurable outcomes. Attendees will gain insight into how DVRPC coordinated across municipal, county, and state agencies—alongside private-sector partners—to plan and implement this regionally scaled initiative. It will explore key planning considerations, inter-agency collaboration, installation logistics, and integration into public safety operations.

The presentation offers actionable insights into bringing next-generation safety technologies from concept to implementation. Presenters will share lessons learned, common challenges, and practical recommendations for agencies and practitioners aiming to improve traffic safety through connected vehicle applications. It will highlight how innovative technology—enabled by strong public-private collaboration—can enhance Move Over law compliance, reduce roadside crashes, and serve as a replicable model for future deployments across jurisdictions.