The new station is located at Sheetz in Pittsburgh on Freeport Road along Interstate 76 (Exit 48).
Since the first NEVI-funded station opened in PA, the charging stations have delivered more than 30,000 charging sessions, powering over 3.5 million estimated miles driven and reducing CO2 emissions by more than 1.7 million pounds.
Additionally, PennDOT announced that it is the first state to receive a Full Build-Out Certification under the new federal NEVI guidance issued in August. The build-out certification allows a state to move beyond the initial phase of the NEVI program, which focused on building charging stations on the core network of interstate highways. This enables PennDOT to begin the next stage of the NEVI program — Corridor Connections — which will be released on or before Oct. 7.
"Thanks to our team's diligent work in 2023 and 2024, and Gov. Josh Shapiro's persistent efforts to secure Congressionally appropriated funding, we're in a position to continue making EVs more accessible for PA travelers," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "That quick action ensured Pennsylvania could adapt to national program changes while locking in investments for Pennsylvania."
Per NEVI guidance issued Aug. 11, PennDOT submitted an updated Pennsylvania NEVI State Plan and a second request for Full Build-Out Certification to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on Aug. 27. The next phase will begin projects that connect communities.
The NEVI State Plan was approved on Sept. 5, and PennDOT received Full Build-Out Certification on Sept. 22, 2025. Having received approval, the Shapiro Administration is moving forward with the community phase of the NEVI program, beginning with the Corridor Connections Funding Opportunity.
The Corridor Connections Funding Opportunity focuses on implementing EV charging stations along major roadways to strengthen long-distance travel outside of previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.
PennDOT anticipates soliciting about 24 projects through the Corridor Connections Funding Opportunity, with up to $20 million in available funding.
The submission period will close at 5 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2026.
PENNDOT WELCOMES PROPOSALS
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) announced this week that it is accepting unsolicited proposals for transportation projects from the private sector through Oct. 31.
Instructions on how to submit a project and information on the unsolicited proposal review process can be found on the state's P3 website. PennDOT holds an unsolicited proposal period in April and October each year.
The submission period applies to PennDOT-owned projects, infrastructure, and services. During this period, the private sector can submit proposals offering innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across all modes, including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Proposals can also include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs.
The private sector may also submit applications for non-PennDOT-owned assets directly to the P3 board during this time. Transportation entities outside of the governor's jurisdiction, such as transit authorities and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, may establish their own timelines or accept proposals year-round.
The state's P3 law allows PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining, and financing transportation-related projects.
As part of the P3 law, the seven-member Public Private Transportation Partnership Board was appointed to examine and approve potential public-private transportation projects. If the board determines a state operation would be more cost-effectively administered by a private company, PennDOT would issue a Request for Proposals and start a competitive procurement as defined by the P3 law.
The next unsolicited proposal acceptance period will occur in April 2026.
PENNDOT INVITES YOU TO SHARE FEEDBACK
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting feedback on construction and maintenance services through an online survey.
The public can take the survey through October 21 by visiting — 2025 PennDOT Construction/Maintenance Customer Satisfaction Survey.
PennDOT has been hard at work improving Pennsylvania's roads and bridges throughout the year, improving more than 2,600 miles of road, including over 900 miles of paving, and beginning work to repair, replace, or preserve more than 230 bridges from January through August of this year, officials said.
"The PennDOT team is serving Pennsylvanians every day, and each year we look for feedback on what we're doing well and could improve," Carroll said. "The survey also lets the public tell us how they receive roadway information and helps us find potential educational opportunities."
The 22-question survey asks participants how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state's 511PA traveler information services.
Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects.
KEARNEY INTRODUCES ABBY'S LAW
State Sen. Tim Kearney, D-Delaware County, has officially introduced Abby's Law in the Pennsylvania Senate as Senate Bill 1008.
The legislation is named in memory of 12-year-old Abigail Gillon, who tragically passed after an e-scooter crash in June 2025 in Aston.
Since announcing his intention in July to introduce the legislation, several serious e-scooter crashes have occurred in the region, underscoring the urgent need for safeguards.
Municipalities have also taken action to underscore Pennsylvania's current laws — Marple Township voted to ban e-scooters outright, while Haverford Township recently passed an ordinance requiring children under 16 to wear helmets when riding e-bikes.
Kearney's proposal has drawn national attention, with safety groups and media outlets across the country highlighting the legislation and its intention.
Kearney's office has been working closely with Abby's family and a wide range of stakeholders to shape the bill so it can move quickly through the legislative process.
"Abby's loved ones have experienced an unimaginable loss," Kearney said. "This is not just about policy. It is about protecting our children and creating commonsense measures that keep pace with changing technology."
While most other states have legalized e-scooters and set rules for their operations, e-scooters are not recognized under Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code, leaving riders without any clear rules or standards.
To address this gap in regulation and prevent further tragedies, Kearney introduced Abby's Law as a step forward to improve safety on public streets.
This legislation would:
- Set an age minimum of 16 for e-scooter riders, and require helmets for 16- and 17-year-old riders
- Set a statewide speed limit of 20mph for e-scooters
- Prohibit more than one rider on an e-scooter
- Require e-scooters to follow bicycle traffic rules
- Provide for rider and driver education and awareness
©2025 The Times Leader, Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
