Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Texting While Driving Invites Disaster

For Sept. 21---ROAD WATCH
This columnist has been a staunch opponent for years against yakking on a handheld cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. And text-messaging is even worse in my book – a lot worse.
Now that a horrific train crash took the lives of 25 people in California’s San Fernando Valley last week – and it was found the engineer of a commuter train was text-messaging while he ran a red light – it’s even more necessary to ban this dangerous trendy practice.
All right, so we can talk or take another sip of our coffee while we’re stopped at a red light, but how can anyone really pay attention to the road when they’re preoccupied with tapping on those tiny cell-phone keys?
Call me old-fashioned, but I only do my typing on a computer keyboard at home or in the newsroom – not behind the wheel.
NEW SIGNS
Most of us some time or another, have probably rolled through a stop sign in our neighborhood while rushing to and from work or to pick the kids up, but sooner or later it may become an accident waiting to happen.
Kudos to the Haverford Township police department for posting a “Rolling Stop Sign” violation warning sign in the Westgate Hills section of the township at Greenbriar Lane and Westgate Road.
The sign states: "Complete Stops Free -- Rolling Stops $108 -- Your Choice -- Courtesy of Haverford Twp. Police."
If that doesn't make an impression on drivers -- how such violations hit your wallet or pocketbook -- I don't know what will. Simply put, but it really gets across the message.
Also, there has been a visible effort by the Westgate Hills Civic Association to post yellow plastic “Please Slow Down” signs along busy Glen Gary Drive and Wendover Drive. There should be a new stop sign posted on Rose Tree Lane at Wendover to slow down motorists who speed on Rose Tree and/or cut around one-block-long Wendover as a shortcut. There are a lot of young children in these areas so outside motorists should be made aware to slow down.
SPRINGFIELD
Aqua Pennsylvania will close Thomson Avenue between Baltimore Pike and Sproul Road (Route 320) in Springfield starting Wednesday for water main installation. The road will be closed through Oct. 22.
During construction, Thomson Avenue through traffic will be detoured over Baltimore Pike and Sproul Road. Local access will be maintained up to the construction zone.
Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.
SCHUYLKILL EXPRESSWAY
Today, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., the right lane on I-76 East will be closed between South Street and Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia. The westbound right lane will be closed 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday, 8 p.m.-5 a.m., traffic will be restricted on I-76 East/West between City Line Avenue and the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Lower Merion and Upper Merion, Montgomery County, for line painting. Motorists are advised to maintain ample distance behind the line-painting trucks and stay off the traffic lines.
CHILD SAFETY SEAT WEEK
PennDOT, law enforcement agencies and other child safety advocates are emphasizing the lifesaving difference a child safety seat can make during the observance of National Child Passenger Safety Week starting today.
For a listing of events or to find the nearest fitting station, call 1-800-CAR-BELT or visit www.pakidstravelsafe.org.
You must call first for an appointment.
Those unable to afford a safety seat can get help through PennDOT’s car-seat loaner program for needy and low-income families by calling the latter number.
TRAFFIC DELAYS
Ridley Park – Sellers Avenue, Aqua Pennsylvania water main installation, lane restrictions between Chester Pike and Ward Street 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 25. Work began Aug. 27.
Tinicum – Wanamaker Avenue, utility installation by Aqua Pennsylvania, closed/detoured between Route 291 and Second Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 31. Work began July 21.
Blue Route (I-476) – conduit installation with possible lane closing between MacDade Boulevard and Baltimore Pike 10 p.m.-5 a.m. weekdays.
Haverford – U.S. Route 1 North/South, bridge wall repairs at Farwood Road 8 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.
Media Bypass – Upper Providence, crack sealing with restricted lanes between Route 352 and I-476, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Upper Darby – Lansdowne Avenue, PECO installation between Garrett and Marshall roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Oct. 31. Work begins Monday.
Chester Township – Concord Road, utility installation between Commerce Drive and McDonald Boulevard 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Sept. 25. Work began Feb. 19.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

Monday, September 15, 2008

New Bridge Tolls Kick In, PennDOT Preserves Stone Arch Bridges

ROAD WATCH – SEPT.14
(PennDOT Works to Preserve Stone Arch Bridges)
In an effort to preserve historic stone arch bridges while also meeting modern transportation needs, PennDOT has developed Project Keystone in the Greater Philadelphia area.
The project is a plan for managing the preservation, repair and replacement of 125 stone arch bridges at least 20-feet-long in the region.
The bridge initiative is designed to aid transportation officials when stone arch bridges are in need of repair or replacement.
“With the completion of Project Keystone, PennDOT is now better prepared to evaluate the needs of these beautiful and historic bridges,” said Les Toaso, district executive for PennDOT District 6, which covers the Greater Philadelphia area.
“As we move forward with our transportation planning, this bridge plan provides a framework to ensure safe and efficient travel throughout the region,” he said.
Recognizing that not all 125 bridges would be able to be preserved, Project Keystone first developed bridge rankings based on a set of criteria that priortized the bridges that would make the best candidates for preservation.
These criteria included the condition of the bridge, operational capacity, future growth in the area, likeliness of flooding, costs of rehabilitation, historic value and public input.
The variables were assigned a number and the bridges were ranked according to their total points, with the highest totals receiving the strongest recommendations for preservation.
The recommendations offer guidance for transportation planners when one of these bridges is programmed for rehabilitation or replacement through the Transportation Improvement Program.
A bridge manual focuses on performing preservation and maintenance work in such a way that the historic features of the bridge are not damaged.
A task force was formed in connection with the plan with representatives from PennDOT, Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission, Federal Highway Administration and Army Corps of Engineers. It will be responsible for monitoring the progress of the plan and making any necessary adjustments.
Project Keystone was recently honored as a valuable initiative with a Historic Preservation Award from Preservation PA, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of historically and architecturally significant properties.
For more information on Project Keystone, visit www.pastonearch.org.
NEW BRIDGE TOLLS TAKE EFFECT
The Delaware River Port Authority is reminding drivers that tolls on the Commodore Barry, Walt Whitman, Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross bridges became effective Sunday -- they're now $4, up a buck from $3.
Tolls for trucks and buses will also increase. Bridge tolls will go up another buck to $5 in 2010.
The last time tolls were raised was in January 2000 when they went from $2 to $3.
PATCO fares will increase 10 percent, effective 3 a.m. today.
Bridge tolls will go up another buck to $5 in 2010.
PATCO fares will be another 10 percent in September 2010, with cost of living increases every two years after that.
The last time PATCO fares were raised was in July 2001 when they went up 16 percent.
Other changes include the Consumer Credit discount for 18 or more crossings a month on the same transponder is being reduced to $12.
The Senior Citizen program toll will be $2. The commercial discount has been eliminated.
For enrolled senior citizens who have a New Jersey E-ZPass account and have registered the transponder they will be using, the toll will be $1.75 in E-ZPass only lanes.
There is also a new $1 discount for E-ZPass customers driving qualified low-emission vehicles.
Applications will be available at the E-ZPass customer service center in Camden, N.J., just north of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Applications will also be available this week in the toll lanes from toll collectors.
Further information regarding the new toll and fare hikes can be found on the DRPA’s Web site, www.drpa.org.
SEPTA
SEPTA is undergoing an infrastructure improvement project on its Regional Rail system that will impact weekend travel on select routes for eight nonconsecutive weekends.
Work began Saturday. Weekend train departures have been adjusted for R5 Paoli, R5 Doylestown, R7 Trenton, R7 Chestnut Hill East and R8 Fox Chase riders in order to accommodate the modernization project.
The project will affect riders this weekend, and the weekends of Sept. 20-21, Sept. 27-28, Oct. 4-5, Oct. 11-12, Oct. 18-19, Nov. 1-2 and Nov. 15-16.
Regular weekend train service will resume for passengers on these routes during the weekends of Oct. 25-26 and Nov. 8-9.
The project includes installing new track, catenary and a modern signal system in an area known as “K” interlocking, critical to operations for several SEPTA regional rail routes.
At the completion of the work, SEPTA passengers will enjoy a quieter and smoother ride as a result of new cross ties and continuous welded rail installation. Riders will also experience increased travel speeds, reduced travel times and enhanced service reliability.
SEPTA riders should pick up special supplemental schedules which will be in effect during weekends of construction.
ARDMORE AVENUE
Starting Wednesday, Aqua Pennsylvania will close Ardmore Avenue between Lancaster Avenue (Route 30) and Oakford Road in Lower Merion, Montgomery County, for water main installation by Aqua Pennsylvania.
Ardmore Avenue will be closed 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 31. It is a major connection to Haverford Township.
During construction, Ardmore Avenue through traffic will be detoured over Lancaster Avenue, West Wynnewood Road, Haverford Road and Oakford Road.
Local access will be maintained up to the construction zone.
Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.
RADNOR
PECO Energy will restrict County Line Road between Glenbrook Avenue and Mondella-Morris Lane in Radnor 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Sept. 24 for gas main installation, PennDOT said.
LARGEST TIRE DUMP
The remnants of what was once the largest waste tire pile in the state were loaded onto a truck and removed from the Greenwood Township, Columbia County, far, where they had threatened the public health and environment for two decades, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
“The six million tires that could once be found here posed a fire threat and raised concerns about environmental quality and public health,” said DEP Northcentral Regional Director Robert Yowell.
“Additionally, because old tires are notorious for serving as mosquito breeding grounds, there was the fear of West Nile virus,” he said.
The final load of waste tires were shredded and removed Sept. 4 by Entech Inc., under a $447,000 contract from DEP in June to process and remove the 300,000 tires that remained on the property of Max and Martha Starr.
Yowell said that instead of landing up in a landfill, the tires will be used for components of asphalt or parking bumpers, or as a fuel supplement or playground surface. “This project illustrates how we can take environmental challenges and create economic opportunities,” he said.
In 1987, the state issued an order requiring the Starrs to stop accepting tires and provide an estimate of the number of tires at the site. After subsequent orders and appeals by the owners, the Starrs and DEP finalized terms of a legal agreement in March 2004 to clean up the tires that accumulated on the property on three separate parcels.
Aside from a $400,000 civil penalty for failing to remove waste tires from their property, the Starrs also had to relinquish control of the piles to DEP, but maintain liability insurance. Now that all the tires have been removed, they must sell the parcels and give the proceeds to DEP.
Five companies and Penn State University received state grants during the past four years to remove tires from the property. The department also took legal action against 20 generators who brought tires to the Starr property.
The action requested that the generators remove their share of the tires or pay a civil penalty if they did not do so in a timely fashion.
Road Watcher is gratified that this hazardous gigantic pile of old tires was finally cleaned up – what with the potential of a mammoth fire hazard. Good riddance.
Remember when all those tires and barrels of toxic chemicals caught fire and exploded at Melvin Wade’s former dump site at the foot of the Barry Bridge and a huge tire fire shut down I-95 above in Philadelphia?
TRAFFIC DELAYS
Ridley Park – Sellers Avenue, Aqua Pennsylvania water main installation, lane restrictions between Chester Pike and Ward Street 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 25. Work began Aug. 27.
Upper Darby – Burmont Road, Aqua utility installation with lane restrictions at Mary Street 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Sept. 15.
Tinicum – Wanamaker Avenue, utility installation by Aqua Pennsylvania, closed/detoured between Route 291 and Second Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 31. Work began July 21.
Chester Township – Concord Road, utility installation between Commerce Drive and McDonald Boulevard 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Sept. 25. Work began Feb. 19.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Bridge Tolls Go Up Sept. 14

Road Watch…for Sept. 7
The Delaware River Port Authority is reminding drivers that tolls on the Commodore Barry, Walt Whitman, Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross bridges will be $4 on Sept. 14, up a buck from $3.
Tolls for trucks and buses will also increase. PATCO fares will increase 10 percent.
Bridge tolls will go up another buck to $5 in 2010.
The last time tolls were raised was in January 2000 when they went from $2 to $3.
PATCO fares will be another 10 percent in September 2010, with cost of living increases every two years after that.
The last time PATCO fares were raised was in July 2001 when they went up 16 percent.
Other changes include the Consumer Credit discount for 18 or more crossings a month on the same transponder is being reduced to $12.
The Senior Citizen program toll will be $2. The commercial discount has been eliminated.
For enrolled senior citizens who have a New Jersey E-ZPass account and have registered the transponder they will be using, the toll will be $1.75 in E-ZPass only lanes.
There is also a new $1 discount for E-ZPass customers driving qualified low-emission vehicles.
Applications will be available at the E-ZPass customer service center in Camden, N.J., just north of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Applications will also be available this week in the toll lanes from toll collectors.
Further information regarding the new toll and fare hikes can be found on the DRPA’s Web site, www.drpa.org.
BACK TO SCHOOL
AAA is celebrating the 75th year of its “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign, aiming to curb unsafe driving behavior in school zones and neighborhoods that can result in injuries and sometimes death to children.
“AAA reminds motorists to be extra alert, slow down and observe the lower speed limits in school zones and residential areas,” says AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Catherine Rossi.
“AAA urges motorists to pay attention behind the wheel, especially during early morning and mid-afternoon hours when students are going to and from school,” she said.
ARDMORE AVENUE
Aqua Pennsylvania will close Ardmore Avenue between Lancaster Avenue (Route 30) and Oakford Road in Lower Merion, Montgomery County, for water main installation by Aqua Pennsylvania starting Sept. 17.
Ardmore Avenue will be closed 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 31. It is a major connection to Haverford Township.
During construction, Ardmore Avenue through traffic will be detoured over Lancaster Avenue, West Wynnewood Road, Haverford Road and Oakford Road.
Local access will be maintained up to the construction zone.
Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.
RADNOR
PECO Energy will restrict County Line Road between Glenbrook Avenue and Mondella-Morris Lane in Radnor starting Monday for gas main installation, PennDOT said.
County Line Road will be restricted 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Sept. 24.
I-95 North
The northbound right lane will be closed on the I-95/Girard Point Bridge over the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday/Tuesday for bridge inspection by PennDOT.
SCHUYLKILL EXPRESSWAY
Monday-Friday, one lane will be closed on the westbound and eastbound lanes of the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) between Belmont Avenue and City Line Avenue in Lower Merion 8 p.m.-5 a.m. for milling.
TRAFFIC DELAYS
Ridley Park – Sellers Avenue, Aqua Pennsylvania water main installation, lane restrictions between Chester Pike and Ward Street 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 25. Work began Aug. 27.
Blue Route North/South (I-476) – Marple, Nether Providence, Radnor and Springfield, mowing between MacDade Boulevard and County Line Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Tuesday.
Chadds Ford – Creek Road, patching between Brandywine River and Delaware state line 9 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays.
Collingdale – Springfield Road, pipe installation/inlet repairs between Westmont Drive and MacDade Boulevard 9 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays.
Upper Darby – Burmont Road, Aqua utility installation with lane restrictions at Mary Street 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Sept. 15.
Tinicum – Wanamaker Avenue, utility installation by Aqua Pennsylvania, closed/detoured between Route 291 and Second Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 31. Work began July 21.
Chester – Flower Street, ramp construction, closed/detoured between Second and Front streets, 24-hour detour posted through Sept. 8. Began July 7.
Chester Township – Concord Road, utility installation between Commerce Drive and McDonald Boulevard 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Sept. 25. Work began Feb. 19.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.