From staff reports
PennDOT is inviting high school students to participate in the annual PennDOT Innovations Challenge.
The program encourages students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges in a competition among peers. The challenge is open to all students in grades 9-12, regardless of the school’s learning model.
This year, students are asked to develop a plan for the replacement of an aging, multi-lane roadway that will reconnect previously separated neighborhoods and incorporates community needs, such as accommodating bicycle and pedestrian traffic, allowing for new business development and ensuring smooth traffic flow. The proposed solution should also consider additional costs to restore the affected community.
“The transportation planners of the future are key to reestablishing communities that have been disconnected by infrastructure,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “I’m confident we will see some fresh and creative approaches for PennDOT to consider as we continue working to address this long-standing issue.”
For this year’s challenge, the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors has donated $2,500 and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania has donated $1,500 for a combined total award of $4,000 to the statewide winning team.
“PennDOT is always looking for bright minds to join our team. I hope that participation in the Innovations Challenge will help steer a cohort of students to the possibilities of a future career in the transportation industry,” Carroll said.
For complete Innovations Challenge details, visit www.penndot.gov/innovation and click on the blue Innovations Challenge tile on the right side of the page. The submission deadline is Jan. 26.
