HARRISBURG, PA — Private companies have until the end of April to propose transportation projects or services to the state under a program that allows businesses to partner with Pennsylvania to build, finance, or manage infrastructure.
What This Means for You
- New transportation projects could be proposed and developed faster through private partnerships
- Private firms can suggest upgrades across roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports
- Some public services could shift to private management if deemed more cost-effective
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Office of Public-Private Partnerships is accepting unsolicited proposals—ideas submitted by private companies rather than requested by the state—through 11:59 PM on Wednesday, April 30.
The program is part of Pennsylvania’s public-private partnership law, which allows government agencies to work with private companies on transportation projects. These partnerships can involve designing, building, financing, operating, or maintaining infrastructure.
How the Proposal Process Works
During the submission window, companies can propose projects involving PennDOT-owned assets, including roads, bridges, and other transportation systems. Proposals may also outline new ways to deliver services or improve efficiency in existing programs.
Private firms can also submit proposals involving assets not owned by PennDOT—such as those controlled by transit agencies or the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission—directly to the state’s Public-Private Transportation Partnership Board.
Some of those independent agencies may set their own timelines or accept proposals throughout the year.
Oversight and Approval
A seven-member Public-Private Transportation Partnership Board reviews all submissions. The board evaluates whether a proposal would provide better value than traditional public delivery.
If the board determines a project could be more cost-effective under private management, PennDOT would issue a Request for Proposals—a formal bidding process where multiple companies compete to carry out the project.
What Comes Next
PennDOT opens unsolicited proposal periods twice a year, in April and October, giving private companies regular opportunities to pitch new ideas or improvements.
More information about the program, including submission instructions and active projects, is available at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/programs-and-doing-business/public-private-partnerships.
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