May 24 – Road Watch Col.

For a second month in a row, Pennsylvanians traveled slightly more vehicle miles compared to the same period last year, AAA Mid-Atlantic reports.
In March 2009, residents drove 163 million more miles, an increase of nearly 2 percent compared to March 2008.
Seventeen other states also posted slight increases in vehicle-miles traveled, according to federal highway data.
Nationally, Americans continued to drive less, posting a decrease of 1.2 percent or 3.1 billion fewer vehicle-miles traveled. Due to data collection and analysis, federal highway data is generally released on a two-month delay.
“Pennsylvania motorists are doing more driving,” said Catherine Rossi, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman. “Normally, we start to see more driving as weather improves.
“This is markedly different than most preceding months,” she said. “When we get April VMT numbers, we will know whether PA motorists have truly picked up the pace.”
I-95 – Philadelphia
Nighttime lane restrictions are scheduled starting Tuesday, May 26, on I-95 South between Academy Road and Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia for concrete repairs. Crews will work weeknights 8 p.m.-5 a.m. through June 9.
During this work, I-95 will be reduced from four lanes to two lanes. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area as backups may occur.
I-95 -- Delco
Lane restrictions are scheduled on I-95 South between the Commodore Barry Bridge and Route 322 interchanges in Chester starting Tuesday night.
The southbound traffic will be restricted from three lanes to two lanes 10 p.m.-5 a.m. during the next two weeks, PennDOT said. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through this area as backups may occur.
This work is part of PennDOT’s $10.8 million project to make structural repairs to 41 bridges on I-95 between Chichester Avenue and Route 332 in Bucks, Delaware and Philadelphia counties. The project is scheduled to finish in March 2010.
Lentz Legislation
State Rep. Bryan Lentz, D-161, of Swarthmore, has introduced legislation that would allow local police – not just state police as is the current practice – to catch speeding vehicles and increase traffic safety in the state.
In every state except Pennsylvania, municipal police officers are authorized to use radar to enforce speed limits. Radar is one of the most effective and accurate speed-control devices available.
“Putting radar equipment in the hands of local police would increase safety on our streets and reduce fatalities,” Lentz said. “Consistent enforcement of the speed limit would deter habitual speeding and send a definitive message that reckless driving is dangerous and not tolerated.”
Radar use would be permitted only by full-time local officers who are employed by full-service police departments and who have undergone training that has been approved by both state police and the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission.
The legislation would permit local police officers to use radar in certain circumstances and with reasonable restrictions.
Lentz said his bill would also create a fund to provide grants for municipal law enforcement accreditation.
Traffic Delays
West Baltimore Avenue – Upper Darby and Lansdowne, AT&T conduit installation, one lane closed between Church Lane and Lansdowne Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 6 p.m.-6 a.m. weekdays through June 12. Work begins Monday.
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.
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.

ROAD WATCH for May 17
Governor Edward G. Rendell proclaimed Monday, Maya 18, as Buckle Up Pennsylvania Day, urging all motorists to wear their seat belts every time they are riding in a vehicle.
Last year in the state 567 of those killed in traffic crashes were not wearing seat belts. In addition, 65 percent of all nighttime fatalities were unbuckled drivers or passengers.
To encourage more people to buckle up, more than 450 municipal police departments and state police will be enforcing the state’s seat belt law during the Click It or Ticket campaign between May 18 and June 7.
Under Click It or Ticket a motorist who is stopped and cited for a traffic violation will receive a second ticket and second fine for not buckling up. More than 5,600 seat belt citations were written duirng last year’s Click It or Ticket campaign.
In addition, nearly 300 citations were issued for child passenger safety violations.
Encouraging seat belt use is one of the primary messages of PennDOT’s new Drive Safe PA campaign, which reminds motorists to avoid life-threatening behaviors behind the wheel.
Through Drive Safe PA, PennDOT aims to save at least 100 or more lives on the state’s roads each year.
PennDOT reminds motorists there aere three seat belt violations that are primary offenses:
BULLET Drivers are responsible for securing children from birth to age four in an approved child safety seat.
BULLET A driver who is under the age of 18 may not operate a vehicle where the number of passengers exceeds the number of available seat belts.
BULLET Federal law requires commercial vehicle operators to wear a seat belt.
On Thursday, from 7 to 11 p.m., there will be nighttime traffic safety and seat belt enforcement on Township Line Road (U.S. Route 1) in Haverford; Route 13 (Chester Pike) by Ridley Park and Glenolden police; and on West Chester Pike (Route 3) by Upper Darby police.
For more information on Drive Safe PA, contact the PennDOT Press Office at RA-penndotpress@state.pa.us.
King of Prussia Road
PennDOT reopened King of Prussia Road in Radnor late Friday afternoon following major structural repairs to the stone masonry bridge near the intersection of Gulph Creek Road.
King of Prussia Road was closed to traffic on April 20 due to a severely damaged stone wing wall that supported the roadway approach to the bridge. The damaged portion of the wall was 12 feet wide by 12 feet high.
The small bridge spanning Gulph Creek and located between Gulph Creek and Biddulph roads was built in 1935 and carries about 16,000 vehicles a day. The bridge is 17 feet long and 22 feet wide.
PennDOT work crews from Delaware and Montgomery counties worked six days a week over the past three weeks to remove and replace both stone wing walls on the north side of Gulph Creek, and to rebuild the roadway approach to the bridge.
“Our bridge crews…did a terrific job in working nearly every day since April 21 to rebuild two badly deteriorated walls,” said PennDOT District Executive Lester C. Toaso.
Seat Belt Challenge
The Delaware County Transportation Management Association will award a cash prize and trophy to the winning school in the first Delaware County High School Seat Belt Challenge on Monday at Archbishop Prendergast High School in Upper Darby.
The school’s students showed the most improved seat belt use rate in the contest. The challenge is sponsored by the DCTMA in conjunction with Delaware County Highway Safety, a division of Public Health Management Corp.
Both organizations receive funding from PennDOT.
Curb Ramps
Construction began last week on a $346,860 project to replace 92 curb ramps at 12 intersections in Delaware County, PennDOT reported.
Crews will restrict traffic intermittently at the intersection of Baltimore Pike and Oak Avenue in Upper Darby and Clifton Heights between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.
Additional intersections are scheduled to have ramps replaced along Baltimore Pike in Upper Darby, Springfield and Morton, and also along Springfield Road in Clifton Heights.
The work is expected to be finished by June.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, PennDOT installed more than 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.
Traffic Delays
Radnor – Lancaster Avenue (Route 30), traffic signal work between Old Eagle School Road and Lowerys Lane 7 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
West Baltimore Avenue – Upper Darby and Lansdowne, AT&T conduit installation, one lane closed between Church Lane and Lansdowne Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 6 p.m.-6 a.m. weekdays through June 12. Work begins Monday.
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.
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.

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.

Road Watch col. For May 3…

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and PennDOT is reminding motorcyclists to fine tune their skills through free motorcycle safety courses.
“Motorcycling requires continued skill-building and practice to ensure safety on the roadways,” says PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler. “These courses offer all riders the opportunity to learn or review valuable safety techniques, which may help decrease their chances of becoming involved in otherwise avoidable crashes.”
Through a contract with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, PennDOT has operated the Motorcycle Safety Program since 1984. Pennsylvania riders who hold a Class M (motorcycle) permit or license can take either the Basic Rider Course or Experienced Rider Course.
Courses are run from March through October at 70 sites across the state. Motorcycle permit holders who successfully complete the course will be issued a motorcycle license.
The 15-hour Basic Rider Course consists of five hours of in-class instruction and 10 hours of practical riding experience on a riding range under the watchful eyes of certified rider coaches. This comprehensive safety and skills overview provides valuable training for new riders and gives experienced riders who have not ridden for some time the opportunity to polish their skills.
Motorcycles and helmets are provided for students taking the basic course.
The Experienced Rider Course is a 6-hour class offering the experienced rider a chance to refresh their safety knowledge and hone their skills on a riding range under the guidance of certified rider coaches. Students taking the latter course must provide their own motorcycles and helmets.
Visit www.pamsp.com for more information on the Motorcycle Safety Program.
Information about obtaining a motorcycle license is available under the Motorcycle Information Center on PennDOT’s Web site, www.dmv.state.pa.us.
Meanwhile, AAA is urging state legislators to reinstate helmet requirements.
The number of registered motorcycles in the state increased in 2008 by more than 30,000, while the number of licensed motorcyclists increased by 15,000.
AAA supports House Bill 1253 sponsored by Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, that would re-establish a motorcycle helmet requirement for motorcycle riders in the state.
About 50 percent of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, according to AAA. In 2008 in the state, motorcycle fatalities increased to 236 from 225 the previous year, PennDOT said.
“Motorcycle helmets, just like seatbelts in cars, save lives,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Catherine Rossi. “The state was wrong to repeal the helmet requirement in 2003 and we hope that lawmakers will re-instate the requirement.”
Bike Month
State Rep. David Kessler, D-Berks, has introduced a House resolution designating May as “Bike Month” in the state. He will speak at a rally in Harrisburg Tuesday that bicyclists from across Pennsylvania will hold at the state Capitol.
Bicyclists are expected from the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg regions, and Berks County, among other areas of the state.
The cyclists are urging support of legislation – House Bill 1110 and Senate Bill 776 – that would require motorists to provide a safe passing distance when passing bicyclists. The bills would also require motorists turning right to yield to bicyclists going straight.
Kessler will also present the rally organizers with a proclamation from Gov. Ed Rendell.
May Bridge Lighting
The Ben Franklin Bridge will have special lighting this month to celebrate Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and the 125th anniversary of Temple University – GO OWLS!
From May 11 to May 17, the bridge will have red lighting to help celebrate the university’s 125th anniversary. Temple is the 28th largest university in the U.S.
Appropriately, on Memorial Day, May 25, the bridge will have its patriotic red, white and blue lighting.
Welcome Center Repairs
The I-95 Welcome Center located on I-95 North in Delaware County, just north of the Pennsylvania/Delaware border, will be closed for pavement repairs starting Tuesday, PennDOT said.
The entrance ramp to the welcome center will close 7 a.m. Tuesday and will reopen noon Friday.
Crews will remove a truck weighing scale and replace concrete pavement at the ramp.
The facility will not be available for access during that time.
Traffic Delays
I-476 South – Ridley Township, Nether Providence, guiderail repairs, left lane closed between Baltimore Pike and I-95, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday.
I-476 North – Nether Providence, Ridley Township and Marple, guiderail repairs, left lane closed between I-95 and U.S. Route 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday.
U.S. Route 322 – Upper Chichester, raised pavement marker installation, left lane closed between I-95 and Bethel Road, 9 p.m.-6 a.m. Monday-Tuesday.
Bethel – Foulk Road, trench restoration, closed/detoured between Garnet Mine and Bethel roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Friday.
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.
Springfield – Thomson Avenue, Aqua trench restoration between Baltimore Pike and Sproul Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through May 8. Work began March 30.
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.