Focus 81 Committee Highlights

• The Focus 81 Committee has secured nearly $10 million for work within the targeted I-81 Corridor.
• The Focus 81 website (www.focus81.com) was launched in April 2004 to keep the public informed on efforts of the group and to provide information regarding this corridor of I-81.
• The Focus 81 Committee worked to have two segments of the targeted I-81 corridor designated as “Highway Safety Corridors”. The first designated area consists of a 5 ½ mile segment, from mile markers 184 to 178. The second designated area consists of a 12.6-mile stretch from mile markers 173.8 to 161.2. The areas were selected because they are high-crash, high-speed areas. Fines are doubled throughout these safety corridors and the goal is to improve safety by reducing crashes and fatalities.
• PennDOT, through coordination with the State Police, created eleven (11) new sites to be used as traffic enforcement pull-over areas/inspection sites or radar observation posts along the I-81 corridor in Lackawanna & Luzerne counties. This initiative originated through discussions at Focus 81 meetings.
• The Focus 81 Committee assisted in securing an additional $1 million for the completion of an expanded study of the targeted I-81 corridor to further identify initiatives to improve safety, reduce congestion and address long term expansion alternatives. Focus 81 worked with PennDOT and their contracted consultant, Pennoni Associates, to develop the scope of work. The I-81 Expanded Corridor study was completed in August 2007.
• PennDOT, through the request and input of the Focus 81 Committee, created a report regarding emergency detour routes throughout the targeted I-81 corridor. The committee assessed the information and recommended a study be conducted to identify possible initiatives to reduce congestion along a priority section (Rt. 315 from Pittston to Wilkes-Barre) during emergency situations. Work is scheduled to begin in Spring 2010 to upgrade, re-time and interconnect twelve signalized intersections along this corridor of Rt. 315.
• The Focus 81 Committee worked with the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) to increase enforcement efforts of their motor carrier division for vehicles under their jurisdiction (tractor trailer, busses, etc.) within the group’s targeted corridor of I-81.
• Focus 81 partnered with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to conduct an incident management workshop for the region. This meeting brought together numerous agencies and emergency management officials to discuss best practice measures regarding incident management with special emphasis on the targeted Focus 81 corridor.

Recognition

• In August 2008, the Focus 81 Committee received an Excellence in Regional Transportation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). This award recognizes transportation projects throughout the country for their innovation and impact on communities in small metropolitan and/or rural areas.
• In July 2005, the Focus 81 committee received an Honorable Mention in the “Team Excellence” award category from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). This award honors examples of government and the community working together to improve transportation and the quality of life in a specific region.
• Focus 81 Committee members were featured on the live WVIA TV “State of Pennsylvania” program in April 2004. The program discussed goals, accomplishments and future plans of the Focus 81 Committee along with efforts to expand the targeted I-81 corridor. In addition to informing the public of Committee actions, the program served as a public forum in which individuals could call and ask questions of the participants.
• In April 2004, the Focus 81 Committee received the “Partnership in Progress” award from the Pennsylvania Partnership for Highway Quality (PPHQ). This award is presented annually by PPHQ to recognize a person, partner, business or organization that has demonstrated support and/or works to improve transportation interests in Pennsylvania.