ROAD WATCH FOR JUNE 14
A PennDOT contractor will begin construction Monday to replace 1,365 American with Disabilities Act or ADA compliant ramps in Delaware County under a $4.8 million contract with C. Abbonizio Contractors Inc. of Sewell, N.J., financed by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The contract is expected to be completed in May 2010.
Starting Monday, crews will work on Route 291 (Second Street) in Chester with intermittent lane restrictions from Booth to Wilson streets from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.
In accordance with the ADA of 1990, PennDOT installed about 100,000 curb ramps between 1992 and 1995 for use by individuals with disabilities. Since that time, design standards for curb ramps have changed and most ramps must be rebuilt to conform to the latest standards.
This important work can be advanced with the help of money from the ARRA, PennDOT said.
In the five-county Philadelphia region, PennDOT is investing $257.7 million of federal economic recovery money on 21 state and local transportation projects that will improve roads and bridges, install Intelligent Transportation System equipment, upgrade traffic signals, build a multi-use trail and bring over 3,500 handicapped curb ramps up to current design standards.
TIRE SAFETY
National Tire Safety Week was last week, but it’s never too late to remind motorists about the importance of proper tire inflation during summer months as you drive off for summer vacation.
Make sure your tires are ready for the road, PennDOT says. It’s also important to check tire pressure, tread wear and wheel alignment.
Tires provide essential traction during summer rainstorms and an under- or over-inflated tire can pose a serious safety hazard, says PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler.
More than 1,900 crashes on state roads last year involved a tire failure and resulted in 34 fatalities, according to PennDOT.
Correct tire pressure is important, especially during the summer months as warm temperatures can cause inflation pressure to rise which may lead to a blowout if the tire is in poor condition, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association.
Proper inflation also improves fuel efficiency. It is best to check tire inflation when the vehicle’s tires are cool and not hot from driving. In addition to checking tire pressure, visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects that could puncture the tire.
Alignment is easier to judge since a vehicle will often pull to one side when the wheels are misaligned. Alignment should be corrected by a licensed mechanic since misalignment can cause uneven or premature wear of the tires.
Regularly rotating tires according to your vehicle’s owner’s manual improves safety. A good rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated every 5,000-8,000 miles.
Finally, motorists should monitor the wear of their tires to ensure good traction. To quickly check the tire tread, insert a penny in the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down – if you can see the entire head, your tires are worn and should be replaced.
For more information, you can obtain a copy of RMA’s brochure tire safety by contacting their local PennDOT District Press Office at 610-205-6800.
I-95 – DELCO
Lane restrictions are scheduled on I-95 North/South between the Blue Route (I-476) and the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester, Ridley Township and Tinicum, and Philadelphia 10 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday.
Lane restrictions will also be in place on I-95 North/South between the Philadelphia International Airport and I-476 in Chester, Ridley and Tinicum, and Philadelphia Tuesday through Thursday nights 10 p.m.-5 a.m.
During this operation, crews will seal pavement joints, repair bridge deck, deteriorated concrete and shear blocks.
SCHUYLKILL EXPRESSWAY
The left lane on I-76 East (Schuylkill Expressway) will be closed between University Avenue and Walnut Street in Philadelphia on Monday 10 p.m.-5 a.m. for the installation of protective shielding and the removal of forms from the South Street Bridge by the City of Philadelphia, PennDOT said.
Backups are expected to occur.
BARRY BRIDGE RAMPS
Traffic restrictions are scheduled on several highways in Chester for bridge construction for PennDOT’s $71 million project to construct two new ramps off the Commodore Barry Bridge to provide direct access between I-95 and Route 291 (Second Street). Construction is scheduled to finish in 2011.
Monday-Friday, there will be intermittent stoppages 12-5 a.m. on the northbound/southbound ramps to the bridge, on the Ninth Street ramp to the bridge, and on the westbound approach to the bridge.
Traffic Delays
Upper Chichester – Naamans Creek Road, utility installation, closed/detoured between Meetinghouse Road and I-95, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., weekdays through July 18. Work began May 11.
Haverford – Coopertown Road, Aqua installation, closed/detoured between College Avenue and Darby Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 28. Work began April 20.
Also, College Avenue closed/detoured 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays between Coopertown Road and Spring Mill Lane.
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.