Author: Christine Heintzelman

Centre County appoints Keri Miller to SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority Board

Posted on by Christine Heintzelman

LEWISBURG, PA – The Centre County Board of Commissioners recently appointed Keri Miller, of Centre Hall, to serve on the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority Board of Directors, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

The JRA’s mission is to preserve and foster rail service in Central Pennsylvania and to further economic development through retention, improvement and expansion of the infrastructure and the rail service it supports.

“Serving on the Joint Rail Authority offers a unique opportunity to connect my experience in economic and industrial development with my passion for leveraging existing infrastructure to support vibrant, thriving communities,” Miller said.

Miller, a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, took over the role as Executive Director of College Township Industrial Development Authority (CTIDA) and Economic Development Coordinator for College Township in September 2023. She directs the CTIDA in establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative relationships with CTIDA clients, the existing business community and the public, as well as management of over $3 million in CTIDA assets.

Miller served as chairperson of the Gregg Township Board of Supervisors from January 2018 to July 2020. During her time on the Board, she secured over $600,000 in DCED Multimodal Transportation Funding, Fee for Local Use funds, and private-partner funding for a multi-road and bridge rebuilding project.

Miller founded the Penn Valley Youth Center, a nonprofit organization for teens and their families in the first and only youth center serving the Penns Valley region, in 2011, and Together Penn Valley, a regionwide social media initiative to support residents and local businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020.

She is a member of the Centre County Association of Township Officials, Association for Pennsylvania Municipal Management, Pennsylvania Economic Development Association, Gregg Township Planning Commission and serves on the board of Leadership Centre County.  

Volunteering as a community member is a privilege and a responsibility. Authorities, Boards & Commissions get to be a part of shaping our community for not only our lifetime but also for the benefit of future generations, Miller said.

About the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority

Established in 1983 and celebrating 40 years, the Joint Rail Authority’s mission is to preserve rail freight service across a nine-county area of central Pennsylvania, moving goods and materials that drive the \Central Pennsylvania regional economy. The JRA is responsible for nearly 220 miles of railroad across six railroads. Our railroads, in cooperation with our strategic partner and operator, North Shore Railroad, support over 100 customers and 12,600 jobs in the region. To learn more, visit www.sedacograil.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Steven Beattie, [email protected]

Keri Miller

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority awarded $90K to improve watershed

Posted on by Christine Heintzelman
The eroding bank on an unnamed tributary to Penns Creek along the JRA’s Selinsgrove Industrial Track, adjacent to Susquehanna University campus, will be stabilized thanks to a Growing Greener grant award.

Lewisburg, PA – The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA) is pleased to accept a $90,000 Growing Greener Plus grant awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to stabilize an eroding bank on an unnamed tributary to Penns Creek located along the JRA’s Selinsgrove Industrial Track, adjacent to the campus of Susquehanna University.

Through this project, and in collaboration with Susquehanna University, Chesapeake Conservancy, and North Shore Railroad Company, the JRA seeks to beautify the community, support environmental sustainability, and ensure the region’s economic stability by maintaining access to rail freight services.

The bank erosion is active, unsightly, contributes to sediment flow downstream, and threatens rail freight service along the route if it were to washout in a large storm event, said Steven Beattie, executive director of the JRA. “We are pleased to be awarded this grant and correct an on-going erosion problem created from accelerated runoff caused by upstream development.”

The erosion is due to multiple factors dating back to the 1960s when the stream was straightened. This along with development of the immediate area and suburban development upstream disturbed the natural floodplain and increased the speed of water flow against the bank, leading to severe erosion.

As a solution, the JRA and its partners have a unique approach to stabilize the stream bank with an imbricated stone wall, improved embankment slopes, and stabilization with black willow live stakes. This solution will ensure the railroad does not erode further, allowing continued service to rail customers. This project will remove an eyesore, and reduce nutrient and sediment pollution in the watershed, ultimately improving water quality.

As a tributary to Penns Creek, the pollutants and sediments that flow into the stream continue downstream and impact the water quality in the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. Based on modeling software, the project will reduce this impact of sediment loading by 59.5 tons per year, reduce nitrogen by 1.6 pounds per year, and reduce phosphorus by 1.1 pounds per year.

This project was one of just 12 to receive a grant through Growing Greener Plus within the Northcentral region of Pennsylvania. With a total projected project cost of $453,107, the grant will cover a portion of the project expenses, while project partners will contribute the remaining funds.

About the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority

Established in 1983, the Joint Rail Authority’s mission is to preserve rail freight service across a nine-county area of central Pennsylvania, moving goods and materials that drive the Central Pennsylvania regional economy. The JRA is responsible for nearly 220 miles of railroad main line track across six railroads. Our railroads, in cooperation with our strategic partner and operator, North Shore Railroad, support over 100 customers and 12,600 jobs in the region. To learn more, visit www.sedacograil.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Steven Beattie, [email protected]

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority awarded $2M in PennDOT Funding for Bridge Rehabilitations

Posted on by Christine Heintzelman

Lewisburg, PA – The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA) is pleased to accept a $2,000,000 grant award through PennDOT’s Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) for the rehabilitation of multiple railroad bridges on the Juniata Valley Railroad and the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad. The total project budget is anticipated to be $2,971,000 with the RTAP funding covering approximately 70% of the project costs.

This grant award includes the rehabilitation of 4 bridges on the Juniata Valley Railroad in Mifflin County and 3 bridges and one culvert on the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad in Centre County.

“PennDOT’s ongoing financial support allows the JRA to continue the modernization of its rail lines. These bridge improvements will allow us to provide uninterrupted service to our customers for many years,” said Russ Graham, JRA Board Chairman and Centre County Representative. “We are very grateful for the grant and the investment in Centre and Mifflin counties.”

Mifflin County Commissioner Rob Postal added, “The JRA and the Juniata Valley Railroad provide excellent service to our largest manufacturers and the industrial park and plaza. This significant investment demonstrates the continuing commitment to serve the Mifflin County economy. The Commissioners thank all who have been involved with this large and critical infrastructure project.”

“This grant award is critical to the JRA’s mission to preserve rail freight service by ensuring our infrastructure is maintained, operational, and resilient for the businesses we support,” said Steven Beattie, Executive Director of the JRA. “Much of our rail infrastructure is over 100 years old, and rehabilitation of our large bridge structures is a costly endeavor. PennDOT’s partnership and investment in our railroads will allow us to efficiently service our customers, uninterrupted, for years to come while keeping additional trucks off our highways and local roadways.”

Construction of the bridge projects will occur over the next two years following design, permitting, and the public bid process. The JRA, with our partners, has invested over $10 million across the entire rail system into railroad infrastructure improvements since 2019.

About the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority

Established in 1983, the Joint Rail Authority’s mission is to preserve rail freight service across a nine-county area of central Pennsylvania, moving goods and materials that drive the Central Pennsylvania regional economy. The JRA is responsible for nearly 220 miles of railroad main line track across six railroads. Our railroads, in cooperation with our strategic partner and operator, North Shore Railroad, support over 100 customers and 12,600 jobs in the region. To learn more, visit www.sedacograil.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Steven Beattie, [email protected]

Advertisement for Bids

Posted on by Christine Heintzelman

Sealed bids for Contract 2024-04 for construction of Selinsgrove Industrial Track Grade Crossing Replacement Project will be received by SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority located at 201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837 until 3 p.m. Prevailing Time on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at that time. A mandatory Pre-bid Conference will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority office located at 201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837. A site visit to each crossing will follow this meeting.

Contract 2024-04 includes replacement of four (4) grade crossings and sidewalk improvements on one (1) crossing on the Selinsgrove Industrial Track in Snyder County, PA. The work includes, but is not limited to, removal of existing grade crossings; installation of timber panel and heavy-duty tub grade crossings surfaces; constructing standard ballasted track; resurfacing and realigning approach track; roadway approach work; and drainage improvements.

Bid Documents may be obtained hardcopy at the office of Stiffler McGraw & Associates, Inc., 1731 North Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday upon payment of One Hundred Fifty-Nine dollars ($159.00), which includes tax, non-refundable for each set. Electronic copy of the Bid Documents may be obtained at a 50% discount of hardcopy cost. A twenty dollar ($20.00) hardcopy fee for postage and handling will be required if mailed to bidder. Addenda, if any, will be issued to only those persons whose name and address are on record with the Engineer as having obtained the Contract Documents.

All questions about the meaning or intent of the Bidding Documents are to be sent in writing to Stiffler McGraw & Associates in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Telephone inquiries are unacceptable. Each bid shall be accompanied by a Certified Check or Bid Bond in an amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the bid total.

The bidders’ attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum prevailing wages must be paid on this project and bids shall be prepared accordingly in accordance with the bid documents.

All bids shall be irrevocable for 60 days after the bid opening date, with the right to extend the time to 120 days if additional time is required to obtain approvals of another government agency. The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority reserves the right to waive any defects, errors, omissions, mistakes, informalities to accept any bid or combination of bids that are deemed to be in the best interest of the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority, and to reject any or all bids.

Steven Beattie, Executive Director

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority

Railroad Crossing Project to Begin Saturday on Bottle Drive in Ralpho Township, Northumberland County

Posted on by Christine Heintzelman

Montoursville, PA – Motorists who travel Bottle Drive (Route 4012) in Ralpho Township, Northumberland County, are advised that a railroad crossing project begins this week.

Beginning Saturday, September 7, 2024, Bottle Drive will be closed between Snydertown Road (Route 4012) and Shamrock Road (Route 2010), while the contractor, CTW, installs a full-depth timber rail / highway crossing across the road. 

A detour using Penn Avenue (Route 2008), Route 54, and Route 487 will be in place for the duration of the project. The project is anticipated to be completed on Friday, September 13, 2024, weather permitting.

This work is a cooperative effort between the Shamokin Valley Rail Road and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel, and drive with caution.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X. 

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Tioga, Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District3.

Information about infrastructure in District 3 including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.gov/D3Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

Find PennDOT news on  X,  Facebook and Instagram. 

Railroad Crossing Work to Close Johns Estate Road and North Shamokin Street in Northumberland County

Posted on by Christine Heintzelman

Lewisburg, PA – Motorists are advised that a portion of Johns Estate Road in Coal Township and North Shamokin Street in the City of Shamokin will close over the next two weeks for a railroad crossing replacement project being completed by the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority on the Shamokin Valley Railroad. The Johns Estate Road and North Shamokin Street crossings are part of a larger project to upgrade 15 at-grade crossings along the Shamokin Valley Railroad between Sunbury and Shamokin. This $4.6 million investment in safety is funded through PennDOT’s Railroad Safety Program.

From Sunday, August 18, through Friday, August 23, Johns Estate Road will be closed between Center Street and Hospital Road, while the contractor replaces the railroad crossing. 

The Johns Estate Road detour will utilize Center Street and Hospital Road and be in place for the duration of the project. The project is expected to be completed on Friday, August 23, weather permitting.

From Sunday, August 25, through Tuesday, September 3, North Shamokin Street will be closed between Commerce Street and Water Street, while the contractor replaces the railroad crossing. 

The North Shamokin Street detour will utilize Franklin Street, Sunbury Street, Washington Street and Water Street and be in place for the duration of the project. The project is expected to be completed on Tuesday, September 3, weather permitting.

Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel and drive with caution.

About the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority

Established in 1983, the Joint Rail Authority’s mission is to preserve rail freight service across a nine-county area of central Pennsylvania, moving goods and materials that drive the Central Pennsylvania regional economy. The JRA is responsible for nearly 220 miles of railroad across six railroads. Our railroads, in cooperation with our strategic partner and operator, North Shore Railroad, supports over 100 customers and 12,600 jobs in the region. To learn more, visit our website at www.sedacograil.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Steven Beattie, [email protected]

Railroad Crossing Project to Begin Aug. 2 on Shamrock Road in Shamokin Township, Northumberland County

Posted on by Christine Heintzelman

​Montoursville, PA – Motorists who travel Shamrock Road (Route 2010) in Shamokin Township, Northumberland County, are advised that a railroad crossing project begins this week.

Beginning Friday, August 2, 2024, Shamrock Road will be closed between Mulberry Road and Rose Road, while the contractor, CTW, installs a custom tub-style rail / highway crossing across the road.

A detour using Bottle Road (Route 4012), Snydertown Road (Route 4012), and Short Road (Route 2007) will be in place for the duration of the project. The project is anticipated to be completed on Friday, August 9, 2024, weather permitting.

This work is a cooperative effort between the Shamokin Valley Rail Road and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel, and drive with caution.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local accounts on X.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Tioga, Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District3.

Information about infrastructure in District 3 including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.gov/D3Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.​

Find PennDOT news on  X,  Facebook and Instagram. 

Railroad Crossing Work to Close Lenker Avenue and Haas Avenue in the City of Sunbury, Northumberland County

Posted on by Christine Heintzelman

July 1, 2024

Lewisburg, PA – Motorists are advised that a portion of Lenker Avenue and Haas Avenue will close over the next two weeks in the City of Sunbury, Northumberland County, for a railroad crossing replacement project being completed by the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority on the Shamokin Valley Railroad. The Lenker Avenue and Haas Avenue crossings are part of a larger project to upgrade 15 at-grade crossings along the Shamokin Valley Railroad between Sunbury and Shamokin. This $4.6 million investment in safety is funded through PennDOT’s Railroad Safety Program.

From Sunday, July 7, 2024, through Friday, July 12, 2024, Lenker Avenue will be closed between Wolverton Street and Penn Street, while the contractor replaces the railroad crossing. 

The Lenker Avenue detour will utilize South 10th Street, Walnut Street, and Wolverton Street and be in place for the duration of the project. The project is expected to be completed on Friday, July 12, 2024, weather permitting.

From Sunday, July 14, 2024, through Friday, July 19, 2024, Haas Avenue will be closed between Wolverton Street and Walnut Street Extension, while the contractor replaces the railroad crossing. 

The Haas Avenue detour will utilize South 10th Street, Walnut Street, Wolverton Street, and Market Street and be in place for the duration of the project. The project is expected to be completed on Friday, July 19, 2024, weather permitting.

Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel and drive with caution.

About the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority

Established in 1983, the Joint Rail Authority’s mission is to preserve rail freight service across a nine-county area of central Pennsylvania, moving goods and materials that drive the Central Pennsylvania regional economy. The JRA is responsible for nearly 220 miles of railroad across six railroads. Our railroads, in cooperation with our strategic partner and operator, North Shore Railroad, supports over 100 customers and 12,600 jobs in the region. To learn more, visit our website at www.sedacograil.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Steven Beattie, [email protected]