Monday, November 24, 2008

SAFE HOLIDAY DRIVING TIPS

Road Watch for Nov. 23-------

With millions of motorists planning to travel for the Thanksgiving Day holiday, PennDOT is launching Operation Safe Holiday to improve highway safety.
“I am calling on each and every motorist on our highways to drive safely this holiday season,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler.
“Although we can all be distracted by the hustle and bustle of the season, please remember these important driving tips: buckle up, slow down and never drive impaired,” he said.
As part of the operation, police will use checkpoints and roving patrols in addition to regular traffic safety patrols. Departments may also introduce BOLT operations, which is when a safety checkpoint later turns into a sobriety checkpoint at the same location.
There were 4,925 crashes resulting in 46 fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday period last year, PennDOT reported.
The official driving period includes the weekends before and after the holiday.
To improve their safety on the highway, PennDOT encourages motorists to make sure they are well-rested and alert. During long trips, it is a good idea to rotate drivers and take frequent breaks.
Drivers should also give their full attention to the road and avoid distractions – that also means you, handheld cell-phone yakkers.
PennDOT also reminds motorists that weather and road conditions can change rapidly this time of year – like that pre-winter snowfall that hit the county Friday morning – and motorists need to be alert.
Motorists should check the forecast before traveling and make sure their vehicles are equipped with a winter emergency kit. More information on road conditions and links to weather forecasts can be found at www.dot.state.pa.us under “Travel Information.”
DUI ASSOCIATION
The Pennsylvania DUI Association reminds motorists that during last year’s holiday season – from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day – about 1,000 people nationwide were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher.
Closer to home, 32 Pennsylvanians were killed in 875 impaired driving-related crashes during the same time period.
It is important for drivers to be responsible and remember that “Drunk Driving? Over the limit? Under arrest!” slogan before getting caught up in the hustle-bustle of the holiday.
The Pennsylvania DUI Association is joing with national, state and local highway safety officials to remind drivers of some tips to enjoy a safe and festive holiday.
BULLET Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
BULLET Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give the person your car keys.
BULLET If you are hosting an office party, make arrangements for your employees to get home safely.
BULLET If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transit so you are sure to get home safely.
BULLET If you see a drunk driver on the road, use common sense and don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement.
BULLET If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their car keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going.
For more information, visit www.padui.org or www.StopImpairedDriving.org.
TRIP TIPS
Many Pennsylvanians will depart for trips of 50 miles or more from home over this week – the Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving Day is typically the most difficult travel day of the year.
Advance planning is the key to minimizing hassles during this busy travel time, says AAA Mid-Atlantic.
BULLET Plan your travel times in advance – leave early, stay late, travel at off-periods. Get proper sleep the night before a long drive.
BULLET Have a backup route in the event of traffic congestion, accidents, construction or weather-related closures/delays.
BULLET Check the weather forecast. Knowing what to expect keeps you from packing unnecessary items.
BULLET Check your vehicle’s tires to make sure they’re properly inflated, fluids, belts, hoses and battery.
BULLET Pack an emergency car kit with a shovel, jumper cables, ice scraper/brush, wipe fluid/de-icer, kitty litter or salt for traction, first aid kit, flashlight with good batteries, blanket, snacks, bottled water and fully charged cell phone.
SOUTH STREET BRIDGE
In anticipation of added congestion on Philadelphia streets due to the South Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project, SEPTA has developed a special bus routing for Route 12 passengers to help those in the University City/Grays Ferry area.
SEPTA and the Grays Ferry Community Council worked on the new routing. Route 12 peak-hour University City trips via the 34th Street Bridge will have morning westbound service leaving Grays Ferry at 7:45 a.m., 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. en route to University City. Eastbound afternoon Route 12 service will depart University City at 4:29 p.m., 4:59 p.m., 5:29 p.m. and 5:59 p.m.
Westbound bus service on the Route 40 near the South Street Bridge construction will continue to be detoured on Walnut Street between 22nd and 34th streets before resuming normal routing on Spruce Street with eastbound service using Chestnut Street between 33rd and 23rd streets to South Street.
Last year, new weight restrictions on the bridge caused SEPTA to detour bus Route 40 from the deteriorating South Street Bridge which extends over the Schuylkill River and Amtrak’s Harrisburg line until bridge construction and rehab is complete. The project is expected to last two years.
Riders may also travel Market-Frankford El or Subway Surface routes to the University City area at 30th and Market streets. Also, R1 Airport, R2 Newark and R3 Media/Elwyn Regional Rail lines make regular scheduled stops at University City Station.
TRAFFIC DELAYS
Chester Township – Concord Road, PECO Energy utility installation between McDonald Boulevard and North Commerce Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 23. Work began Nov. 21.
Newtown – West Chester Pike (Route 3), Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation with lane restrictions at Surrey Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday.
Chestnut Parkway – Nether Providence and Chester, PECO Energy utility maintenance with lane restrictions between Harvey Road and 24th Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 1. Work began Nov. 4.
Chester – Flower Street, ramp construction, closed/detoured between Second and Front streets, 24-hour closure through Dec. 5. Work began Nov. 5.
Aston – Convent Road, PECO Energy utility installation with lane restrictions between Concord and Aston Mills roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Wednesday. Work began Nov. 6.
Route 1 North/South – Chadds Ford and Concord, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation with lane restrictions between Black Horse Lane and Route 352 (Middletown Road) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Route 1 South – Middletown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation between Middletown Road and Elwyn Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Media Line Road – Marple and Newtown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation, closed/detoured between West Chester Pike (Route 3) and Gradyville Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 15. Work began Oct. 6.
Haverford – Darby Road closed/detoured between Route 320 and Marple Road, road widening/utility installation, weekdays and Saturdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Dec. 30. Work began May 27.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

Friday, November 21, 2008

TRAVEL TIME SIGNS

For 11-16, Road Watch col.
PennDOT will launch a pilot program Monday to display travel times on eight dynamic message signs in Chester County to provide real-time travel information to motorists driving on Routes 202, 30 and 100.
The signs will be posted on Route 202 between Route 401 and Matlack Street; Route 100 between Route 202 and Route 113; and on Route 30 between Route 202 and Route 322.
“Our plan is to eventually post travel times on all our message signs in the five-county region as we install the necessary equipment and software,” said PennDOT District Executive Lester C. Toaso.
They will help motorists make better decisions regarding their travel routes and help reduce driver anxiety during times of traffic congestion, he said.
BRIDGE INSPECTIONS
Bridge inspections are scheduled this week on I-95 in Philadelphia.
Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the left lane will be closed on the northbound I-95 /Girard Point Bridge over the Schuylkill River.
Wednesday, 9 a.m.-noon, the left lane on I-95 North will be closed at Callowhill Street. The southbound left lane will be closed noon-3 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the right lane on the northbound I-95/Girard Point Bridge over the Schuylkill River will be closed.
These inspections are part of its program to inspect all state bridges at least once every two years.
TURNPIKE WORK
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will restrict Route 202 between Jolly Road and Cherry Road in Whitpain Township, Montgomery County, and Walton Road between Germantown Pike and Plymouth Township beginning Wednesday for bridge reconstruction.
The structures will be reduced to one lane in each direction through July 2010. The commission will reconstruct two bridges over the turnpike under a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit.
Also, the commission reported that the Kriebel Road Bridge and the Bethel Road Bridge are scheduled to reopen to local traffic in time for Thanksgiving Day.
Local road detours have been in effect since January on these two bridges that cross over the turnpike’s Northeastern Extension.
TRAFFIC DELAYS
Chestnut Parkway – Nether Providence and Chester, PECO Energy utility maintenance with lane restrictions between Harvey Road and 24th Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 1. Work began Nov. 4.
Chester – Flower Street, ramp construction, closed/detoured between Second and Front streets, 24-hour closure through Dec. 5. Work began Nov. 5.
Aston – Convent Road, PECO Energy utility installation with lane restrictions between Concord and Aston Mills roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Nov. 26. Work began Nov. 6.
Route 1 North/South – Chadds Ford and Concord, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation with lane restrictions between Black Horse Lane and Route 352 (Middletown Road) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Route 1 South – Middletown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation between Middletown Road and Elwyn Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Media Line Road – Marple and Newtown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation, closed/detoured between West Chester Pike (Route 3) and Gradyville Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 15. Work began Oct. 6.
Haverford – Darby Road closed/detoured between Route 320 and Marple Road, road widening/utility installation, weekdays and Saturdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Dec. 30. Work began May 27.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Gas Finally On Way Down -- For Now

Road Watch – Nov. 9
On Monday, Nov. 9, the gas average in the five-county Philadelphia region -- including Delco -- was down 7 cents over the weekend to $2.39; diesel was down 4 cents to $3.39.
As of Monday morning, crude oil was selling for $65 a barrel.
The Pennsylvania gas average was down 8 cents since Friday to $2.38 -- making it the 24th lowest gas average in the U.S., according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
As of Monday in Delaware, the price per gallon was $2.12; New Jersey, $2.20; South Jersey, $2.12; Maryland, $2.24.
Missouri, Oklahoma and Ohio have a state average price below $2 for a gallon of regular.
In the five-county area a week ago, the average price per gallon was $2.56 a week ago and $3.29 a month ago, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. The highest average recorded this year was $4.16 on June 20 -- which also happened to be a record high.
On Friday, the national average price was $2.31 per gallon on Friday – with a barrel of crude oil selling for $62.
The Pennsylvania gas average then was down 2 cents to $2.46 as the state average was down 17 cents in a week.
Missouri was the first state to fall below $2 a gallon – at $1.99 Friday.
Last Sunday, AAA reported that the national average price of gas moved from $2.70, down 20 cents over the course of the work week to $2.50. In the last month, the retail price of gas is down more than $1.07 a gallon – marking the largest one-month decline on record.
Some gas stations in Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Indiana, Arkansas and Tennessee were selling gas at $2 a gallon or less while many gas stations in other states are getting there, AAA reported.
Petroleum reports showed gasoline demand is down 3 to 5 percent. Also, the number of miles driven by vehicles in the U.S. fell sharply despite falling fuel prices.
Vehicle-miles-traveled in August fell by 5.6 percent compared to the same month in 2007, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
“We expect gas prices will continue their tumble this month,” said AAA spokeswoman Catherine Rossi.
“This should translate to other consumables such as bread and milk which have a high transportation cost component attached to them,” she said.
“Lower gas prices should translate to lower prices on grocery store shelves,” Rossi said.
STEER CLEAR
To improve safety during roadside incidents, PennDOT is reminding motorists to move over or “steer clear.”
The “steer clear” law requires drivers to move over or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop or disabled vehicle.
If drivers cannot move over because of traffic or other conditions, they must reduce their speed.
“This is a very important law because it can save lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler.
“While it may seem like common sense, many motorists speed by these incidents,” he said.
“We need all drivers to remember to move over since this law is designed to provide added safety for those people responding to situations along our roadways,” Biehler said.
Motorists must move over or reduce their speed when they see emergency responders, including law enforcement, fire officials, emergency medical technicians, tow truck operators or highway workers.
The law applies any time an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing or where road crews or emergency personnel have lighted flares, posted signs or other traffic control devices.
Failure to move over or slow down can result in a summary offense that carries a fine of up to $250.
In addition, fines will be doubled for traffic violations occurring in these areas. If that violation leads to a worker beign injured, a 90-day license suspension could result.
More than 1,800 citations have been issued since the law went into effect in 2006. For more information regarding the “steer clear” law, visit: www.dot.state.pa.us.
PATCO RECORD
In addition to SEPTA recording three-times-as-normal ridership during the Phillies victory parade in Philadelphia on Friday, Oct. 31, PATCO also set a one-day record for trips.
On that date, 97,607 trips were unofficially recorded on PATCO, breaking the previous record by 20,000. The previous one-day record was also set because of a World Series parade.
On Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1980, there were 77,557 trips on PATCO.
The average daily ridership on a normal weekday is about 38,000 trips.
The record number does not include people who used New Jersey Transit tickets to ride PATCO, which the transit agency accepted for several hours from New Jersey bound travelers as NJT buses were unable to navigate the crowded streets of Philadelphia.
I-95 NORTH/SOUTH
Lane restrictions are scheduled 8 p.m.-5 a.m. weekdays on I-95 North/South in Philadelphia for the installation of rumble strips on the shoulders.
Weather permitting, one lane will be closed on I-95 North/South between Girard Avenue and Broad Street the above times.
TRAFFIC DELAYS
I-476 North/South – reflective pavement marker installation, lane closure between I-95 and I-76, 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Monday.
I-476 North/South – median grass cutting, left lane closed for slow moving operation between I-95 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Mid-County Interchange 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday.
Route 1 North/South – Chadds Ford and Concord, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation with lane restrictions between Black Horse Lane and Route 352 (Middletown Road) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Route 1 South – Middletown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation between Middletown Road and Elwyn Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Route 1 North/South – Chadds Ford and Concord, reflection pavement marker installation with lane closure between Chester County line and U.S. Route 322, 9 p.m.-6 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday.
Chestnut Parkway – Nether Providence and Chester, PECO Energy utility maintenance with lane restrictions between Harvey Road and 24th Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 1. Work began Nov. 4.
Chester – Flower Street, ramp construction, closed/detoured between Second and Front streets, 24-hour closure through Dec. 5. Work began Nov. 5.
Aston – Convent Road, PECO Energy utility installation with lane restrictions between Concord and Aston Mills roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Nov. 26. Work began Nov. 6.
Media Line Road – Marple and Newtown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation, closed/detoured between West Chester Pike (Route 3) and Gradyville Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 15. Work began Oct. 6.
Haverford – Darby Road closed/detoured between Route 320 and Marple Road, road widening/utility installation, weekdays and Saturdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Nov. 24. Work began May 27.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.