May 10------ROAD WATCH
This is Bike to Work Week with a Bike to Work Day celebration to be held 8-10 a.m. Friday outside the Delaware County Courthouse, Front and Olive streets, according to the Delaware County Transportation Management Association and the Delaware County Planning Department.
The Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union is sponsoring the event. State Rep. Steve Barrar, R-160, of Upper Chichester, will be the honorary chairman and be riding his bicycle that day as well.
From points throughout the county, commuters will leave their cars at home for the day and join other cyclists riding to work. County workers and employees of other Media businesses are being encouraged to bike to work that day.
Breakfast treats and special raffle prizes donated by local businesses such as Custom Bagel, Crozer-Keystone Health System, BikeLine, Cycle Sport, 320 Produce Market and Café, Wawa Inc. and CycleFit of Delaware County.
A lucky cyclist who participates this Friday will walk away with the top prize of a brand-new Cayne Rambler bicycle, courtesy of Drexel Hill Cyclery owned by Frank Havnoonian.
“We know that people are looking for alternative ways to driving to work, both because it’s great exercise, but also because it helps our environment by lowering emissions – even if just for one day,” said DCTMA Executive Director Cecile Charlton.
“This is a great opportunity for workers to try bicycling for their daily commute,” she said. “We’re very happy to provide this opportunity and appreciate the support of the county, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and our local businesses.”
For more information, go to www.dctma.org or call 610-892-9440.
BARRY BRIDGE
The annual Police Unity Tour bike run will take place today with up to 500 bikers expected to arrive at the Commodore Barry Bridge between 3:30 and 5 p.m.
This could affect westbound traffic on the Barry Bridge for a short period of time when the bikers arrive, according to Edward Kasuba, spokesman for the Delaware River Port Authority.
FRANKLIN BRIDGE
In observance of National Bike Week, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge’s north walkway hours will be extended Monday-Friday, with hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
41 BRIDGES FACE REPAIRS
Construction starts Monday on a $10 million project to make structural repairs to 41 bridges on I-95 between Chichester Avenue and Route 332 in Philadelphia, Bucks and Delaware counties. The project is scheduled to finish in December 2010.
Work crews will initially close the right lane on I-95 South at the Engle Street overpass in Chester. Traffic will be restricted from three lanes to two on weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for the next four weeks.
Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through this area as backups may occur.
Under the $10 million project, crews will improve bridges on I-95 by repairing concrete bridge decks, piers, bridge bearings, expansion joints and structural steel beams.
“This project is part of our nearly $31.5 million comprehensive program to keep I-95 in sound condition until major reconstruction projects are ready to be built,” said PennDOT District Executive Lester C. Toaso.
“This is our third project to go to construction over the past year to address structural needs at various locations on I-95 bridges in Philadelphia, Bucks and Delaware counties,” he said.
Road-Con Inc. of West Chester is the general contractor on the project financed with 100 percent state funds.
SCHOOL DAYS WANE
With proms, graduations and end-of-school-year parties fast approaching, PennDOT asks high school students and parents to remember the potentially deadly consequences of drinking and driving.
“The last few weeks of school are an exciting time, but can have devastating consequences if not celebrated safely – especially behind the wheel,” says PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler.
“Drinking alcohol impairs a wide range of skills necessary for carrying out the multiple tasks and split-second decision making required when driving,” he said. “We ask students to celebrate in a safe manner and avoid dangerous or aggressive behaviors when driving.”
Drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 were involved in 1,614 alcohol-related crashes in 2008.
Thirty-seven in that age group were killed in those crashes, including 24 drivers who had been drinking and 10 passengers. Three individuals in that age group were drivers of other vehicles involved in the crash who had not been drinking.
PennDOT reminds young drivers that they may lose their driving privileges for any underage drinking offense, whether or not a vehicle is involved.
I-76 REPAIRS
The left lane on I-76 East/West (Schuylkill Expressway) will be closed 10 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday between University Avenue and 28th Street in Philadelphia for concrete barrier repairs.
BRIDGE INSPECTIONS
The right lane on the I-95 North/Girard Point Bridge will be closed between Enterprise Avenue and Broad Street in Philadelphia 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and on Friday for bridge inspections.
Traffic Delays
Radnor – King of Prussia Road, bridge construction, closed/detoured between Gulph Creek Road and Biddulph Road, 24-hour detour through May 22. Work began April 20.
Marple – Media Line Road, Aqua installation between Lovell Avenue and Highland Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m weekdays through May 29. Work began Jan. 12.
Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.
Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.
Ridley Park – Ridley Avenue, Aqua utility installation, closed/detoured between Constitution Avenue and Cresswell/Tasker streets 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays and through Aug. 28. Work began March 9.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.