Road Watch Col. –for Oct. 25
(PA. Driving Falls During August)
Pennsylvanians drove 3.1 percent less during August compared to the same period last year, according to the latest federal vehicle-miles-traveled report. Nationally, driving was essentially flat.
Pennsylvanians drove about the same number of miles during June and July 2009 as they did during the same months in 2008. However, driving fell sharply in August compared to the same month last year. Overall, summer driving in the state was virtually flat compared to 2008.
In August, Pennsylvanians drove 307 million fewer miles, a decrease of 3.1 percent compared to August 2008. Pennsylvania is one of 11 states that posted decreases in August, according to recent Federal Highway Administration data.
Due to collection and analysis, federal highway data generally is released on a two-month delay.
Nationwide, Americans drove about the same, 0.7 percent more or 1.9 billion more vehicle miles than in August 2008. Cumulative travel for this year is the same compared to the same period last year.
“Throughout the summer, Pennsylvanians were conservative in their driving,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Catherine Rossi.
“August is usually a heavily traveled month as families try to squeeze in vacations, but Pennsylvanians held back on travel,” she said.
The least traveled month was January, with a 4.5 percent decrease compared to the same month last year.
Traffic Delays
Baltimore Pike – Middletown and Upper Providence, paving between Route 352 and State Street, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.-5 a.m. weekdays.
Blue Route (I-476) North/South – Springfield, Nether Providence, Upper Providence, Marple, Haverford and Radnor, survey work with right shoulder closure between I-95 and Lancaster Avenue (Route 30) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Wednesday.
Brookhaven – Brookhaven Road, ADA ramp construction with restrictions between south Gray Street and Barlow Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Upland – Brookhaven Road, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions between Trimble Boulevard and Bridgewater Road 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Tinicum and Chester – Fourth Avenue, ADA ramp construction between Second Street and Governor Printz Boulevard 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Also, Second Street, ADA ramp construction at Madison Street in Chester, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Chester – Kerlin Street, ADA ramp construction between 10th and 14th streets, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Chester – Commodore Barry Bridge East, bridge work, right lane closed on bridge 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays, 24-hour restriction.
Also, westbound right lane closed on bridge weekdays.
Chester – Second Street, bridge work with intermittent traffic stoppages between Reaney and Flower streets 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays.
Chester – Third Street, bridge work, intermittent traffic stoppages between Reaney and Flower streets 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays.
Barry Bridge – Chester, ramp construction with stoppages in both directions on bridge 12:01-5 a.m Friday.
Aston – Concord Road, curb installation between Lehr Boulevard and Village Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday.
I-95 South – trenching with right shoulder closed between Naamans Creek Road and Chichester Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday.
Middletown – U.S. Route 1 South, overhead line work between Elwyn Road and Valleybrook Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. starting Wednesday and through Nov. 6.
Also, Lungren Road, SEPTA utility installation between Lenni Road and Parkmount Road 7 a.m.-4 p.m. starting Thursday and through Nov. 6.
Norwood – Chester Pike, PECO Energy installation between Ridley and Garfield avenues 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Nov. 4. Work began Oct. 21.
Baltimore Pike (Route 1) – Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement between Darlington Road and Station Road, 24-hour restrictions through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12. Cost is $4.27 million; contractor is J.D. Eckman Inc.
Upper Darby – Garrett Road, PECO installation between Wembly and Bayard roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.
Upper Chichester -- Naamans Creek Road (Route 491), utility installation by the Southern Delaware County Sewer Authority, closed/detoured between Meetinghouse and Larkin roads, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 24. Work began Sept. 28. Detour posted.
Naamans Creek Road – Chadds Ford, utility installation between U.S. Route 202 and I-95, 9 a.m.-3 p.m weekdays through Nov. 13. Work began Oct. 12.
Baltimore Pike (Route 1) – Middletown, Aqua Pa. utility installation between Black Horse Lane and Valley Road 8 p.m.-6 a.m. weekdays through Nov. 30.
Baltimore Avenue – Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Upper Darby, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation, closed/detoured between Church Lane and Lansdowne Avenue, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., detour posted weekdays through Nov. 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.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

For October 18, ROAD WATCH…
Deer movement increases during the fall breeding season so motorists should drive defensively and stay alert, especially at dawn and dusk to reduce the risk of striking a deer, PennDOT warns.
Last year, there were 2,797 crashes involving deer in the state, resulting in 11 deaths and 636 injuries, compared to 2,487 crashes, eight fatalities and 598 injuries in 2007.
“Motorists also need to be aware of hunters and others walking along roadways on their way into or out of the woods,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler.
Deer pay less attention and become bolder as they move around more and travel greater distances during their breeding season. Primarily nocturnal feeders, deer are most active between sunset and sunrise.
Over the past five years, PennDOT statistics show nearly 46 percent of all reportable crashes involving a deer occurred in the months of October and November.
More than 78 percent of the total crashes the past five years involving deer occurred between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m.
By following a few safety tips, motorists and outdoor enthusiasts can help reduce the possibility of being involved in a crash with a deer.
BULLET Be on the alert for individuals entering the woods early in the morning and leaving in the late evening hours.
BULLET Make young drivers aware of increased deer movement.
BULLET Slow down and use caution, especially where deer crossing signs are posted and increase following distance between vehicles.
BULLET Exercise caution when one deer crosses a roadway. Since deer often travel in small herds, one deer will usually be followed by others.
BULLET Always wear your seat belt and never drink and drive.
BULLET Turn on your headlights if your windshield wipers are on – it’s the law.
If a dead deer presents an obvious safety hazard on state roadways, motorists can call 1-800-FIX-ROAD to have the deer removed.
PennDOT also reminds motorists they can visit 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.
For fall driving tips and other highway safety information, visit www.DriveSafePA.org.
Barry Bridge Work
Traffic restrictions are scheduled this week on the Commodore Barry Bridge and the I-95 ramps to the bridge in Chester, including the Ninth Street ramp to the bridge, for construction. The work is part of PennDOT’s $71.1 million project to construct two new ramps off the bridge to provide direct access between I-95 and Route 291 (Second Street).
Construction is scheduled to finish in 2011.
Monday-Friday, the right lane will be closed on the eastbound Barry Bridge 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for bridge railing and lighting removal.
Monday-Tuesday, there will be intermittent traffic stoppages on the Flower Street ramp between Fourth Street and Sixth Street 11 p.m.-7 a.m. for bridge beam erection.
Wednesday-Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., there will be intermittent traffic stoppages on Third Street between Reaney Street and Flower Street for beam erection.
Wednesday-Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., there will be intermittent traffic stoppages on Fourth Street between Reaney and Flower streets for beam erection.
Friday, 12:01-5 a.m., there will be intermittent traffic stoppages on eastbound and westbound Commodore Barry Bridge for beam erection.
Crews are building a new ramp off the approach to the bridge to enable I-95 motorists to exit onto Route 291. A second ramp being built will allow Route 291 drivers to reach I-95.
Brookhaven ADA Ramps
Construction will begin Monday on a $190,000 project to replace 42 ADA curb ramps in Brookhaven funded with a federal stimulus grant.
Crews will work on Brookhaven Road at South Gray Street 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.
Curb ramps will be replaced at the following intersections with Brookhaven Road: North Gray Street, Chandler Drive, Mount Vernon Avenue, Burk Avenue, Barlow Avenue; and Trimble Boulevard at Bridgewater Road.
SEPTA Hybrids
On Monday, SEPTA will announce the future delivery of 40 more hybrid buses manufactured by New Flyer of America purchased with a $17.8 million federal stimulus grant.
With this addition to the present fleet of 252 hybrid buses on the road, by 2010 SEPTA will have a total of 372 hybrid buses.
SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch said the authority has a four-year contract with New Flyer to buy 100 hybrid buses per year and also has the option to get an additional 20 vehicles during any one of those years.
“For 2009 and 2010, were are picking up the option…” he said.
The green fleet will enhance transportation while providing cleaner air to the region.
By this time next year, about 25 percent of SEPTA’s fleet will be hybrids, Busch said.
PATCO Drill
PATCO is staging an emergency drill 9-11 a.m. today at its shop and railyard in Lindenwold, N.J. The drill will simulate an intruder attempting to gain access to the PATCO equipment shop. All the activity will be related to the drill so PATCO passengers should have no cause for concern.
SEPTA Drill
SEPTA will conduct a full-scale railroad emergency simulation drill 9 a.m. today near the Jenkintown Train Station to test its Passenger Train Emergency Preparedness Plan. There will be about two dozen mock victims in the exercise at the northbound layoff siding off West Avenue near the R3 station.
The scenario for the drill replicates what might occur when a severe storm, a stranded passenger train, a diesel fueled work train and an out of control auto collide.
Traffic Delays
Upper Chichester -- Naamans Creek Road (Route 491), utility installation by the Southern Delaware County Sewer Authority, closed/detoured between Meetinghouse and Larkin roads, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 24. Work began Sept. 28. Detour posted.
Edgmont – Valley Road, closed/detoured for repairs/resurfacing between Middletown Road (Route 352) and Brick House Farm Road, through Oct. 21. Work began Sept. 30.
Baltimore Pike (Route 1) – Middletown, Aqua Pa. utility installation between Black Horse Lane and Valley Road 8 p.m.-6 a.m. weekdays through Nov. 30.
Baltimore Avenue – Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Upper Darby, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation, closed/detoured between Church Lane and Lansdowne Avenue, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., detour posted weekdays through Nov. 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.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

For Oct. 4---Road Watch
The autumn season is when motorists should be wary of wet leaves, sun glare, fog and frost that can make driving hazardous, PennDOT says.
“While it’s not the traffic volumes that come with summer or the snow and ice of winter, the fall season presents motorists with several driving challenges,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler.
Wet leaves on the roadway can be as slippery as ice. They also obscure traffic lines and other pavement markings, making driving difficult in unfamiliar areas. Motorists should use caution and slow down on leaf-covered road surfaces.
Sun glare can be problematic during sunrise and sunset which coincide with morning and evening rush hours in the fall. The intense glare from the sun on the horizon can blind a driver, causing an unexpected traffic slowdown and sudden braking.
Drivers can prepare for the glare by keeping a set of sunglasses handy, removing clutter from their sun visors and keeping the inside of their windshields clean.
Fog and sun glare can present other fall hazards for drivers. When driving in fog, motorists should use low-beam headlights since the high-beam setting creates glare and reduces visibility. Not only will headlights enhance visibility of your vehicle, state law requires headlights to be on when wipers are in use – a fact that many drivers overlook which I often note while driving.
Morning frost and icy spots on the road can also cause problems as overnight temperatures drop toward freezing. Motorists should pay particular attention to bridges, overpasses and shaded areas on roadways where icy spots can form on the pavement.
In addition to using caution while driving, motorists should clear their windows of frost before travel. Morning drivers should also watch carefully for students walking along roadways or waiting for school buses.
For more fall driving tips and other highway safety information, visit www.DriveSafePA.org.
I-95 Bridge Work/Inspections
Lane closures are scheduled 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays on I-95 North/South between the Broad Street and Enterprise interchanges in Philadelphia.
Today through Thursday, 9 p.m.-5 a.m., I-95 North/South will be restricted between Broad Street and Route 420 in Philadelphia, Tinicum and Ridley Township for work to seal pavement joints, repair bridge decks and replace expansion dams.
Also, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, one lane will be closed on I-95 North/South between Academy Road and Woodhaven Road (Route 63) in Philadelphia for bridge repairs.
Also, today-Friday, 10 p.m.-5 a.m., one lane will be closed on I-95 North/South between Academy Road and Woodhaven Road in Philadelphia for bridge repairs.
Also, 8 p.m.-5 a.m. weeknights, lane restrictions are scheduled on I-95 between Girard and Cottman avenues in Philadelphia for milling and paving. In addition, nighttime lanes restrictions will occur 8 p.m.-5 a.m. on the I-95 ramps to Allegheny and Castor avenues and Bridge Street in Philadelphia for structural repairs.
Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day
On Oct. 10, the Delaware River Port Authority will join state and local police departments in New Jersey for “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day.” The DRPA will do its part to remind motorists to be more careful while driving.
Variable message signs with the message, “Oct. 10 Be Safe, Be Alert, Drive to Arrive,” will be in place at the Commodore Barry, Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman and Betsy Ross bridges.
Last year in New Jersey, 591 individuals lost their lives in motor vehicle-related crashes, a 19 percent decline from the previous year, and also marks the lowest number of recorded motor vehicle deaths in the state since 1948. If only Pennsylvania can also lay claim to this statistic.
MS 150 Bike Tour
Motorists beware: if you’re headed into New Jersey this weekend, be advised that an estimated 7,000 bicyclists are expected to take part from Saturday to today in the 29th Annual MS Bike Ride to the Shore benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Riders left early Saturday morning from the parking lot of PATCO’s Woodcrest Station in Cherry Hill and return from Ocean City today.
For the past 20 years, PATCO and the Delaware River Port Authority have hosted the start and finish of the two day ride.
Organizers hope to raise over $5 million this year.
Cyclists ride through the blueberry fields of Hammonton, South Jersey’s Pine Barrens and into Ocean City and back.
Way back when, this columnist participated in this worthwhile charitable event for five years in memory of a late brave neighbor afflicted with the terrible disease. I also remember wheelchair-bound Ruth Greene, the late mother of a friend, who also was an inspiration and bravely endured her affliction without complaining. And to think some healthy people always make it a point to complain about the weather.
Vine Expressway (I-676)
I-676 East/West (Vine Expressway) will be reduced from three lanes to only one between I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) and I-95 in Philadelphia 8 p.m.-5 a.m. weeknights for pavement marker installation and concrete joint sealing.
Motorists are urged to use an alternate route or face traffic delays from 30 to 45 minutes.
Guide Rail Repairs
Lane and shoulder closures are planned 10 p.m.-5:30 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday for barrier repairs along I-95 North and I-476 South (Blue Route) in Ridley Township.
PennDOT says crews will repair aluminum protective barriers along a highway bridge over Amtrak railroad tracks.
On I-476 South, the left lane will be closed between MacDade Boulevard and I-95.
On I-95 North, the right lane and right shoulder will be closed between I-476 (Exit 7) and Stewart Avenue (Exit 8).
Traffic Delays
Upper Chichester -- Naamans Creek Road (Route 491), utility installation by the Southern Delaware County Sewer Authority, closed/detoured between Meetinghouse and Larkin roads, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 24. Work began Sept. 28. Detour posted.
Edgmont – Valley Road, closed/detoured for repairs/resurfacing between Middletown Road (Route 352) and Brick House Farm Road, through Oct. 21. Work began Sept. 30.
U.S. Route 1 (Baltimore Pike) – Concord and Chester Heights, milling at Stoneybank Road 7 p.m.-5 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday.
Baltimore Pike – Middletown and Upper Providence, milling between Route 352 and State Street 7 p.m.-5 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday.
Baltimore Pike (Route 1) – Middletown, Aqua Pa. utility installation between Black Horse Lane and Valley Road 8 p.m.-6 a.m. weekdays through Nov. 30.
Baltimore Avenue – Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Upper Darby, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation, closed/detoured between Church Lane and Lansdowne Avenue, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., detour posted weekdays through Nov. 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.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.