ROAD WATCH, FEB. 22,
BAN HAND-HELD CELL-PHONE USE FOR DRIVERS
As a longtime critic of yakking on a hand-held cell phone while operating a motor vehicle in traffic, I’m glad to see state Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery County, isn’t giving up on his efforts to once again introduce legislation banning their use.
On Thursday, House Bill 538 was referred to the state transportation committee. Shapiro introduced legislation Thursday to make Pennsylvania roads safer by banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving and would require drivers to use hands-free devices if they want to talk on their cell phones while driving.
A total of 67 bipartisan co-sponsors so far, including Reps. Tom Killion, R-168, of Middletown, Bill Adolph, R-165, of Springfield, and Nick Miccarelli, D-162, of Ridley Park, have signed on to the bill, representing increased support for the measure. When Shapiro first introduced the bill during the 2005-2006 session, it had only 31 co-sponsors. When he introduced the bill during the 2007-2008 session, it had 46 co-sponsors.
“There are more cell phones in use today than there were…” when Shapiro first introduced the proposed ban, Shapiro told the Daily Times Friday. “And there are more statistics to show the dangers of hand-held cell phone use while driving.”
He cited a National Highway Transportation Safety Administration study found that cell phones are the top distraction for drivers and distracted drivers are three times as likely to be involved in a crash.
According to PennDOT, hand-held cell phones contributed to 1,245 crashes on Pennsylvania roadways in 2007. In contrast, there were 56 crashes on the state’s roads attributed to hands-free cell phones during the same year.
Also, Shapiro points out a study by the Public Policy Institute of California found that states that enacted hand-held cell phone bans while driving saw traffic fatalities decrease between 9 and 21 percent after the ban went into effect. With 1,491 traffic fatalities in the state in 2007, Shapiro’s measure could save up to 313 lives on the state’s roads, according to the analysis done by the PPIC.
New Jersey, New York, California, Connecticut, Utah, Washington State and the District of Columbia have already enacted bans.
Under H.B. 538, the use of hand-held cell phones while driving would be prohibited on all public roads in the state. Exceptions would be provided for law enforcement officers, drivers of mass transit vehicles, operators of emergency vehicles when on duty. Also, leeway would be made for drivers fearing for their safety, reporting a traffic accident or making a 911 emergency call.
A violation would be a summary offense and, upon conviction, a fine of $50 would be imposed. No points would be assessed to a driver who violates this law.
“Statistics on auto accidents by the Pennsylvania State Police show that hand-held cell phones are involved in many more auto accidents than non-hand-held cell phones,” Killion said. “I am hopeful that we will be able to move this legislation this session and make our roadways safer for Pennsylvanians.”
Adolph, who was also previously a co-sponsor of the legislation, said, “I think the legislation is long overdue. It’s very similar to the law that is currently in place in New Jersey, you are allowed to use a hands-free cell phone.
“And this way you have your two hands on the wheel and I believe your concentration is much better,” Adolph said. He also said text-messaging and using a hand-held Blackberry while driving should also be outlawed.
Shapiro said his main motivation to get this legislation passed “is to make our roadways safer.”
“Over the course of the campaign to pass this bill, I was hit from behind by a driver who was talking on her hand-held cell phone in 2005,” he added. Fortunately, he wasn’t seriously hurt.
It sounds like two very good reasons to me.
The only exception I think should be made is allowing a driver to use his or her hand-held phone while parked in a parking space -- not idling at a red light or stop sign -- with the engine running.The second you take your transmission out of "Park" and put it in "Drive" or "Reverse" -- that would be a violation.
DRPA SPENDING PLANS
After the Delaware River Port Authority Board Wednesday approved $9.5 million in non-transportation projects, the AAA, which serves nearly 4 million members in five nearby states, urged New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine to veto the plans.
“Our belief is that DRPA toll money is properly spent on reducing the authority’s massive debt and mitigating increasing operating costs,” AAA Mid-Atlantic Vice President Ronald Kosh wrote.
“None of the approved projects, except improvements to Admiral Wilson Boulevard, in Camden, fall anywhere near those objectives,” he wrote. The cost of the latter project is $1.5 million, among the total of $11 million in projects approved by the board.
“Additionally, AAA fully understands DRPA’s charter, which allows it to spend $35 million on its books for economic development. This does not make it right or proper to do so.
“Our auto club has helped facilitate more than 15,000 e-mails and letters on this issue from motorists,” he stated. “We share their outrage. Again, we urge you to veto these minutes, to stand with toll payers and to do what’s right.”
The projects include: $3.5 million for President Washington’s memorial and slave quarters in Philadelphia, $2.5 million for a restaurant on Franklin Square, $1.5 million for a proposed medical school in Camden, $2 million for demolition of an office building in Camden, in addition to the Admiral Wilson Boulevard improvement project.
The DRPA officials claim the grants “focus on infrastructure improvements at sites on both sides of the Delaware that are designed to boost traffic on DRPA’s bridges as well as PATCO High Speed Line ridership, and increase tourism to the various sites.
AAA and the majority of the toll-payers believe the revenues raised by tolls should only be used for operation and maintenance of the DRPA’s four bridges: Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, Commodore Barry and Walt Whitman.
Traffic Delays
Marple — Media Line Road, Aqua utility installation between Lovell Avenue and Highland Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through May. Work began Jan. 12.
Also, West Chester Pike (Route 3) – Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation at Franklin Getz Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays starting Wednesday and through March 13.
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.
Springfield – Springfield Road, PECO Energy Co. utility installation between Rose Lane and Norwinden Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through March 5. Work began Feb. 20.
Also, Route 320 (Sproul Road) – PECO utility installation at Kennerly Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through March 11. Work began Feb. 16.
U.S. Route 1 North — PECO Energy utility installation between Red Roof Road and Pennell Road (Route 452) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through April 1. Work began Dec. 22.
U.S. Route 322 West (Conchester Highway) – Upper Chichester, PennDOT bridge repairs, left lane closed between I-95 and Route 452, 24-hour restriction through March 3. Work began Jan. 16.
Radnor – I-476 South (Blue Route), sound wall repairs, right lane closed between Lancaster Avenue (Route 30) and West Chester Pike (Route 3) interchanges 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays starting March 2 and through March 27.
Ridley Park – Ridley Avenue, Aqua utility installation, closed/detoured between Constitution Avenue and Crosswell/Tasker streets 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays starting March 9 and through Aug. 28.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

Road Watch -- FEB. 15
The recent death of a 12-year-old boy hit by a school bus outside school in Northampton County while “horsing around” with friends once more brings attention to a serious school pedestrian safety issue.
With more than 800 school buses on the roads and residential streets of Delaware County and thousands of students waiting for them at area public and private schools, maybe “NO HORSEPLAY ALLOWED” signs should be posted at area elementary and middle schools.
I hope this isn’t falling on the deaf ears and closed eyes of school administrators.
High school students should be mature enough and know better when it comes to such situations.
School-bus drivers have a big responsibility picking up and discharging students and those crossing arm gates and backing-up alarms can only do so much if students engage in careless behavior.
The recent victim was gently shoved by a 13-year-old friend and stumbled backward over a curb and under the rear wheels of the bus before class about 7:15 a.m. Jan. 26, according to the Associated Press. The victim’s mother had just dropped him off at a middle school outside Allentown when the accident occurred.
The bus that hit the boy was going 3 to 5 mph as it approached the curb to drop students off. Its rear wheels ran over the boy’s midsection. The local district attorney said the tragic accident didn’t warrant criminal charges.
About 16 children are fatally injured as pedestrians in loading/unloading zones around school buses annually nationwide.
An average of six children are fatally injured inside school buses annually nationwide and 96 percent of the 8,500-12,000 children injured in school bus accidents annually are considered minor (scrapes, bruises, etc.), according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
This is compared to more than 42,000 people killed in other traffic crashes on U.S. roads every year.
Statewide, more than 1.5 million students are transported daily on nearly 30,000 buses over 350 million miles a year. Despite the above statistics, school buses are one of the safest forms of transportation on the road today, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
Even so, nothing strikes fear in the hearts and minds of the parents of a student than news of a local school bus accident.
Hey, kids, knock off the horseplay at school-bus loading/unloading areas — before it’s too late.
Interstate 78
New Jersey transportation officials are preparing to unclog one of the metropolitan area’s most congested highways. I-78, which runs from Pennsylvania to Manhattan, will soon have travel times posted on overhead, electronic message boards.
Traffic operations director Jim Hogan says the seven boards will cover a 10-mile stretch, from Route 24 to the New Jersey Turnpike, according to the Associated Press.
The goal is to help drivers decide whether to use the inner express lanes or outer local lanes, which could help minimize delays.
The information used to calculate travel times will be collected from sensors that scan E-ZPass transponders.
TeenDriving Law
AAA is calling on lawmakers to pass a stronger teen driving law in Pennsylvania — House Bill 67 introduced to the transportation committee in Harrisburg by Rep. Joseph Markosek of Allegheny/Westmoreland counties in late January.
State Rep. Bryan Lentz, D-161, of Swarthmore, is one of the sponsors of the bill, which was recommitted to the appropriations committee Feb. 5. He believes it would greatly reduce the distractions that cause accidents for teen drivers and impose stricter guidelines for inexperienced teen drivers.
The proposed legislation would prohibit the use of interactive wireless communication devices such as hand-held cell phones and text-messaging; prevent junior drivers from driving with more than one passenger under age 18 and require more hours of driving experience. The latter would include 10 hours of nighttime and five hours of inclement weather driving.
State Rep. Steve Barrar, R-160, of Upper Chichester, said he agreed that some provisions of the bill are absolutely necessary, but he was doubtful about further limiting the restrictions on the number of teen passengers in a teen driver’s car.
AAA points out that car crashes remain the leading cause of deaths among 16- to 19-year-olds. The latest data from PennDOT show that there were 101 fatalities and 9,726 crashes in 2007 involving 16- and 17-year-old drivers.
Barrar said it would be “draconian” to further limit the number of passengers and, in effect, would “outlaw double-dating for teenagers.”
Granted, Steve, but when you fill up your van or SUV up with five or more rambunctious teens, you can’t tell me that isn’t a major distraction unless you’re a stoic, eyes-always-on-the-road driver.
Traffic Delays
Marple — Media Line Road, Aqua utility installation between Lovell Avenue and Highland Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through May. 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.
U.S. Route 1 North — PECO Energy utility installation between Red Roof Road and Pennell Road (Route 452) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 18. Work began Dec. 22.
U.S. Route 1 North — PECO Energy utility installation between Red Roof Road and Pennell Road (Route 452) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 18. Work began Dec. 22.
Nether Providence — Chestnut Parkway, PECO Energy trench restoration between Harvey Road and 24th Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Feb. 20.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

Road Watch col. FEB 8…
Depending on what weather forecast service you listen to, the frigid temperatures this past week are supposed to replaced by a warmup this weekend – with highs in the lower 50s today, but with 15-20 mph winds.
There’s still that old wind-chill index again – or that stupid “real-feel” label some broadcasters use. So don’t get out your summer shorts or sandals just yet.
Even so, with the tons of salt dumped on area roadways to dissolve the lingering ice after this past week’s snowfall, you should make a point of having your vehicle washed to protect your car’s finish and prevent rust underneath.
My metallic silver Buick looks like a dull-and-dirty gray ghost and is begging me for a nice bath.
Keeping a car’s undercarriage clean is important during the winter months – especially after a snowstorm, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
“Undercarriages of vehicles are especially vulnerable because they’re in constant contact with road salt and other de-icing chemicals on the roadways,” says AAA spokeswoman Catherine L. Rossi.
As corrosive agents, that caked-on road salt, snow and dirt will attack your vehicle’s undercarriage, paint and wheel wells and damage even the newest vehicles. A build-up of dirt can hold moisture in the undercarriage and promote rust.
Even though car manufacturers treat and seal metal parts during the auto assembly process to protect the metal from corrosion, AAA advises motorists to wash their cars or have them washed once a week during the winter months. A thorough wash will prevent rust and paint damage.
AAA’s top five reasons to wash your car this weekend are:
Corrosion: road salt, chemicals, dirt and slush eat away at a vehicle’s paint, metal and chrome.
Safety: don’t compromise safety. Grimy windows, sideview mirrors, headlights, taillights and turn-signal lights don’t give you a clear picture of the road around you.
Resale value: a well maintained car sells or trades in much better than one which shows signs of rusting.
Brake lines and brake hoses: build-up of salt and water could corrode these important components, putting you at risk.
Tires: avoid build-up of snow, ice and road salt on your tires with tire dressing.
Here’s AAA’s top five tips for washing your vehicle in winter:
Rinse your car before washing it; hose the vehicle down from the top.
Wash during the daytime hours before nightfall and temperatures dip to or below freezing, causing your drenched doors, damp locks and soaked driveway to freeze.
Wear rubber gloves so you’ll avoid dishpan hands.
Use a hose nozzle with a trigger so you can conserve water and prevent driveway freeze-up.
Take it to a car wash. On average, automated car washes use 60 percent less water per wash than washing your vehicle at home or in your driveway.
LICENSE PLATES
A new state law will save the commonwealth $59 million over the next three years by eliminating a mandate requiring PennDOT to replace license plates every 10 years.
The last license plates were replaced on all registered vehicles in the state was in 1999.
“Thanks to the use of higher quality, more durable materials in the manufacture of license plates in recent years, it’s possible to eliminate the mandatory 10-year replacement cycle,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler.
“By replacing license plates on an as-needed basis, the commonwealth will realize significant cost savings during this time of fiscal uncertainty,” he said.
Under the law, PennDOT is required to replace illegible license plates, free of charge, but only when a license plate has been deemed illegible by a certified mechanic during inspection or by a law enforcement officer.
An illegible license plate is defined as one or more letters or numerals are not recognizable from 50 feet.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen big or small trucks with the letters covered by cement or other residue. Don’t these guys ever believe in washing down their trucks at the rear-end?
Also, I don’t understand why drivers are permitted to drive around with transparent plastic sheeting over their plates which have become faded or are impossible to read due to glare when it’s sunny out. The motor vehicle code prohibits such cellophane-like covering over license tags, but apparently it’s not enforced.
More information on the replacement of an illegible license plate, a fact sheet and frequently asked questions are available at www.dmv.state.pa.us under the Motor Vehicle Information Center.
IDLING ACT
Pennsylvanians vulnerable to air pollution such as children and the elderly will breathe easier, thanks to a new measure taking effect Friday that limits engine idling by heavy-duty diesel vehicles.
Governor Rendell signed the Diesel-Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act 124 on Oct. 9. The law restricts heavy-duty diesel vehicles from idling more than five minutes per hour.
Trucks and bus drivers often idle their engines during rest periods to heat or cool their sleeper compartment, to keep the engine warm during cold weather and to provide electrical power for their appliances.
Acting Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger said that the new restrictions will save the owners of these vehicles billions of dollars a year while also reducing the state’s dependence on foreign oil.
Idling of these heavy-duty engines produces large quantities of dangerous air pollution, he said. “Across the nation, these vehicles consume 1 billion gallons of fuel annually by idling their engines,” he said.
Each year, heavy-duty trucks in Pennsylvania emit 3,200 tons of nitrogen oxides, a pre-cursor of smog and ground-level ozone; 210,000 tons of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas linked to climate change; and 65 tons of fine particulate matter by burning diesel fuel while idling, according to DEP.
Act 124 applies to diesel-powered motor vehicles engaged in commerce with a gross weight of 10,001 pounds or more that are not specifically exempted. Most trucks and buses are subject to the act, although farm-related equipment and vehicles are exempt.
Trucks with sleeper berths are exempted during times of low and high temperatures until May 1, 2010, providing a reasonable amount of time for truckers to make alternative arrangements for sleeping, such as using an electrified truck-stop parking space or buying equipment that provides power without idling.
The DEP’s Small Business Advantage Grant program has invested more than $1 million on top of the nearly $2 million truck owners and operators have spent to purchase 238 auxiliary power systems. For more information on this program, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: SBAdvantage. For an online map of system locations, visit www.idleaire.com and click on “Locations.”
PATCO RIDERS
PATCO celebrates its 40th anniversary Feb. 15 and is looking for those who were among the first to use the service to share their stories or vintage photos. Those who are interested in participating can e-mail PATCO at info@lists.drpa.org.
Traffic Delays
I-476 North (Blue Route) – Radnor and Lower Merion, ITS installation, two right lanes closed between U.S. Route 30 and I-76, 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Monday-Tuesday.
I-476 North/South – Radnor and Lower Merion, ITS installation, two right lanes closed between I-76 and Route 30, 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Thursday.
Upper Chichester – U.S. Route 322, bridge repairs between I-95 and Pennell Road (Route 452), 24- hour restriction through Feb. 12. Work began Jan. 26.
Marple – Media Line Road, Aqua utility installation between Lovell Avenue and Highland Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through May. 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.
U.S. Route 1 North -- PECO Energy utility installation between Red Roof Road and Pennell Road (Route 452) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 18. Work began Dec. 22.
U.S. Route 1 North -- PECO Energy utility installation between Red Roof Road and Pennell Road (Route 452) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 18. Work began Dec. 22.
Nether Providence – Chestnut Parkway, PECO Energy trench restoration between Harvey Road and 24th Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Feb. 20.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

For Feb. 1 --ROAD WATCH…

ITS WORK I-476
Overnight lane closures are scheduled this week on the Blue Route (I-476) in Delaware and Montgomery counties for the installation of travel-time reading panels – and added Intelligent Transportation System equipment – on overhead structures.
BULLET From 10 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday, two right lanes on I-476 North will be closed between U.S. Route 30 ( Lancaster Avenue) and I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) in Radnor and Lower Merion.
BULLET From 10 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday, two left lanes on I-476 North will be closed between Ridge Pike and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Interchange in Plymouth Township.
BULLET From 10 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Thursday, two right lanes on I-476 North/South will be closed between Ridge Pike and Chemical Road in Plymouth Township.
BULLET From 10 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday, two right lanes on I-476 North/South will be closed between Route 30 and I-76 in Radnor and Lower Merion.
The installation of the travel-time reading panels and additional ITS equipment on the Blue Route is associated with PennDOT’s $47.4 million project to rehabilitate the I-476 bridge over the Schuylkill River in West Conshohocken and Plymouth Township.
Construction on the bridge will start in March and finish in late 2010.
AUTO SHOW
A turbo-charged pass is the key to unlimited one-day travel on all SEPTA routes for riders traveling to the 2009 Philadelphia International Auto Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center which began Saturday and runs through Feb. 8.
Developed especially for the auto show and on sale now, the $9 SEPTA “Turbo Pass” can be used on weekdays and weekends on SEPTA buses, trolleys and subway-elevated trains.Turbo passes are also valid for travel on all SEPTA Regional Rail trains arriving in Center City after 9:30 a.m. – not valid for travel to or from stations in New Jersey.
Twelve SEPTA bus routes, the Broad Street and Market-Frankford subway-elevated lines, subway-surface trolley routes and Regional Rail line stations in Center City are only a short walk from the convention center.
Discounted ticket prices are $7 for adult admission and $6 for child/senior admissions providing up to a $2 discount on adult tickets compared to same-day, box office prices. The discounted tickets are valid for admission to the auto show on weekdays through Feb. 8.
Also, anyone that visits the Transit Museum Store and displays a Turbo Pass will receive a 15 percent discount on any merchandise purchased through Feb. 8. For additional information, call SEPTA Customer Service at 215-580-7800 or visit www.septa.org and www.phillyautoshow.com.
BRIDGE INSPECTIONS
Lane restrictions are scheduled in Philadelphia and Montgomery County this week for bridge inspections, PennDOT said.
Monday, the right lane on northbound Route 1 Extension (Roosevelt Expressway) will be closed between Wissahickon Avenue and 16th Street in Philadelphia 9 a.m.-11 a.m. The southbound right lane will be closed 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Monday, the left shoulder on the I-76 East ramp to northbound City Line Avenue on the border of Philadelphia and Lower Merion will be closed 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Monday, the right shoulder on the northbound City Line Avenue ramp to I-76 West in Lower Merion, Montgomery County, will be closed 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Monday, the left shoulder on the northbound City Line Avenue ramp to I-76 West on the border of Philadelphia and Lower Merion will be closed 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday, the left lane on the I-76 West ramp to southbound City Line Avenue on the border of Philadelphia and Lower Merion will be closed 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tuesday, the right lane will be closed on the I-76 West ramp to southbound City Line Avenue on the border of Philadelphia and Lower Merion 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tuesday, the left lane will be closed on southbound City Line Avenue at the I-76 overpass on the border of Philadelphia and Lower Merion 1-3 p.m.
Wednesday, the left lane on northbound City Line Avenue at the I-76 overpass on the border of the city and Lower Merion will be closed 9 a.m.-noon.
Wednesday, the right lane on northbound City Line Avenue at the I-76 overpass on the border of the city and Lower Merion will be closed noon-3 p.m.
Thursday, one lane will be closed on Matson Ford Road at the I-76 overpass in Upper Merion 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday, the right lane on southbound Old York Road will be closed at the Edge Hill Road overpass in Abington Township 9-11 a.m. The southbound left lane will be closed 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The northbound right lane will be closed 1-3 p.m.
BRIDGE LIGHTING
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge will have special lighting this month to promote the American Heart Association, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day.
For most of the month, the bridge will have red lighting to support the association’s Go Red for Woman Campaign, which began in February 2004 to raise awareness of heart disease among women.
On Feb. 14, the bridge will have red and pink lighting to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
On Feb. 16, the bridge will have the patriotic red, white and blue lighting in observance of President’s Day.
Traffic Delays
Middletown – Baltimore Pike, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation between Route 352 (Middletown Road) and Granite Run Drive 8 p.m.-6 a.m. weekdays.
U.S. Route 1 North -- PECO Energy utility installation between Red Roof Road and Pennell Road (Route 452) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 18. Work began Dec. 22.
Upper Chichester – U.S. Route 322, bridge repairs between I-95 and Pennell Road (Route 452), 24- hour restriction through Feb. 12. Work began Jan. 26.
Marple – Media Line Road, Aqua utility installation between Lovell Avenue and Highland Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through May. 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.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.