From staff reports

LEWISTOWN — PennDOT will activate its Systematic Technique to Analyze and Manage Pennsylvania’s Pavements (STAMPP) crews across Mifflin and Juniata counties beginning Tuesday as part of a broader effort covering nine counties in northcentral Pennsylvania.

PennDOT said the crews will also work in Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, McKean and Potter counties through the summer months.

STAMPP crews are two-person teams made up of a driver and evaluator who travel along roadway shoulders at speeds of 5 to 10 mph while conducting manual distress surveys. The evaluations focus on roadway shoulders, guide rails and drainage systems.

In some locations with narrow shoulders, crews may park and complete portions of the survey work on foot.

“The data these teams collect is vital to planning maintenance work on state-owned roadways, but it is not as vital as keeping our employees and the traveling public safe,” PennDOT Assistant District Executive Damon Wagner said in a statement. “Please slow down, avoid distractions, and be on the lookout for STAMPP crews and other work crews as you are driving this summer. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

PennDOT said the work is performed by Engineering, Scientific and Technical Interns hired for the summer season. Drivers are encouraged to remain alert for STAMPP vehicles and crews through the end of August.

Motorists can check roadway conditions and traffic information through 511PA, which provides traffic delays, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to traffic cameras statewide.