tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88914937311960717572010-03-25T06:24:35.703-07:00Road WatchJohn Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-69067878086566281262010-03-25T06:24:00.001-07:002010-03-25T06:24:35.806-07:00This blog has moved<br /> This blog is now located at http://delcoroadwatch.blogspot.com/.<br /> You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click <a href='http://delcoroadwatch.blogspot.com/'>here</a>.<br /><br /> For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to<br /> http://delcoroadwatch.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.<br /> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-6906787808656628126?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-58419631442659263532010-03-15T07:13:00.000-07:002010-03-15T07:14:01.998-07:00Turn clocks ahead and drive restedIt’s that time of year again when you “spring forward” clockwise as Daylight Saving Time begins — and you lose one hour of sleep.<br /><br />In the same vein, PennDOT is urging motorists to get enough sleep before driving. Daylight Savings Time officially kicked in at 2 a.m. today.<br /><br />According to PennDOT, over a five-year period ending in 2009, there were 11,385 crashes and 110 fatalities involving fatigued drivers statewide.<br /><br />The peak hours for drowsy driving crashes are 6-8 a.m., when 14 percent of these crashes occur.<br /><br />Each year, drowsy driving crashes in the U.S. result in at least 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in monetary losses, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.<br /><br />Like alcohol and drugs, sleep loss or fatigue impairs driving skills such as hand-to-eye coordination, reaction time, vision, awareness of surroundings, decision-making, judgment and inhibition.<br /><br />PennDOT recommends motorists get enough sleep — seven to nine hours — take breaks about every two hours on long trips, stay away from sedating medications and always buckle up before driving.<br /><br />The return to DST caps off National Sleep Awareness Week. According to a study by the National Sleep Foundation, 60 percent of Americans have driven while feeling sleepy and 37 percent admit to actually having fallen asleep at the wheel in the past year.<br /><br />Drivers who sleep less than six hours per night on weekdays are significantly more likely to risk a crash than drivers who sleep eight hours or more.<br /><br />Research has also identified young males, shift workers, commercial drivers and people with untreated sleep disorders or with short-term or chronic sleep deprivation as being at increased risk for having a fall-asleep crash.<br /><br />The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 mandated that beginning in 2007, DST would start the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday of November. Daylight Savings Time formerly began on the first Sunday of April and formerly ended on the last Sunday of October.<br /><br />Blue Route Traffic Pattern<br /><br />Monday morning, PennDOT will shift one southbound lane of the Blue Route (I-476) over to the northbound side for nearly four miles as construction crews prepare to start the first major phase of construction to rebuild this deteriorated stretch in Montgomery County.<br /><br />PennDOT will extend the express lane traffic pattern to the opposite side of the highway just south of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Mid-County Interchange to just south of the I-76 Interchange in Plymouth Township, Conshohocken and Lower Merion.<br /><br />The work is part of a $71.7 million reconstruction project. Weather permitting, the shift will be made.<br /><br />A short version of the express lane pattern has been in place on the Blue Route since construction began in March 2009 to rehabilitate the twin bridges over the Schuylkill Expressway, according to PennDOT District Executive Lester C. Toaso.<br /><br />Starting Monday morning and for the remainder of the year, motorists traveling south on I-476 will find two lanes open on the southbound side of the highway and one lane on the northbound side between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), Toaso said.<br /><br />Once the longer southbound express lane pattern is in place, crews will work at night over the next two weeks to set concrete barriers to establish a two-lane construction traffic pattern on I-476 South.<br /><br />Lane closures for this operation will occur Sunday-Thursday 7 p.m.-6 a.m. and weekends 9 p.m.-8 a.m.<br /><br />Once barriers are in place, occasional weeknight lane closures may occur 10 p.m.-5 a.m., with short-term 15-minute traffic stoppages possible 1-5 a.m.<br /><br />Be aware that southbound I-476 drivers must remain on the southbound side of the highway if they want to exit at the I-76 Interchange (Exit 16).<br /><br />Drivers will not be able to access the I-76 off-ramps and the ramp to Route 23 (Conshohocken) from the southbound express lane on the northbound side of I-476.<br /><br />Route 1 Twin Bridges<br /><br />Lane restrictions are scheduled this week on the U.S. Route 1 Twin Bridges over the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia for bridge rehabilitation, PennDOT said. Delays are expected.<br /><br />On Monday and Tuesday, one lane will be closed in each direction 9 p.m.-5 a.m.<br /><br />Wednesday-Saturday, one lane will be closed on Route 1 North 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 9 p.m.-5 a.m. for installation of protective shielding and bridge deck demolition.<br /><br />I-95 Bridge Repairs<br /><br />Lane restrictions are scheduled this week on I-95 North/South in Philadelphia for bridge repairs.<br /><br />Weekdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m., I-95 North/South will be restricted between Girard Avenue and Woodhaven Road (Route 63).<br /><br />Weekdays 7 a.m.-5 p.m., one lane will be closed on Front Street between Packer and Oregon avenues for overhead bridge repairs on I-95.<br /><br />Traffic Delays<br /><br />Naamans Creek Road (Route 491) — Concord and Bethel, tree clearing between U.S. Route 202 and the Delaware state line 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.<br /><br />Aldan — Providence Road, utility installation at Stratford Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays to March 17.<br /><br />Also, Clifton Avenue, Aqua installation at Magnolia Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br /><br />Radnor — Goshen Road, road work costing $1.3 million, closed/detoured 24 hours daily between Darby-Paoli Road and Hunt Road for roadway reconstruction and realignment to remove a sharp curve through Aug. 21. Work began March 1. Goshen Road will be detoured over Darby-Paoli Road, Bryn Mawr Avenue, Route 3, Route 252 and Goshen Road.<br /><br />Also, Radnor-Chester Road, Aqua utility installation, closed/detoured between Lancaster Avenue (Route 30) and Conestoga Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays from March 29 through June 29.<br /><br />Concord — U.S. Route 202 North, township sewer authority utility installation between Summit Street and Smithbridge Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br /><br />Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1) — Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement with lane restrictions between Darlington and Station roads, 24-hour restrictions through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12.<br /><br />Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-5841963144265926353?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-34189753018379122122010-03-08T06:39:00.000-08:002010-03-08T07:09:42.851-08:00PECO work starts on Naamans Creek RoadFor March 7—ROAD WATCH…<br />(Naamans Creek Road (Route 491) to be restricted for utility relocation)<br />PECO Energy will restrict Naamans Creek Road (Route 491) between U.S. Route 202 and Shavertown Road in Concord and Bethel starting Monday for utility relocation, PennDOT said.<br />Route 491 will be restricted 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through March 26.<br />The utility work is being done in advance of PennDOT’s $9.8 million project to reconstruct, mill and pave Route 491 between the Delaware state line and Route 202, a distance of 5.5 miles.<br />The project also calls for drainage, signing, pavement marking, driveway, sight distance and turn radius improvements.<br />Roadway shoulders will also be stabilized.<br />The project will be completed in two phases with separate detours. Under phase one, Route 491 through traffic will be detoured over Route 261, Delaware Route 92 (Naamans Road) and Route 202.<br />During phase two, traffic will be detoured over Route 261 and Naamans Road.<br />The phase one and phase two detours are expected to take effect in spring 2011 and spring 2012, respectively.<br />Route 291<br />Lane restrictions are scheduled this week on Route 291 in Philadelphia for a series of bridge inspections.<br />Tuesday and Wednesday, the westbound right lane will be closed on Route 291 between Bartram and Lanier avenues 9 a.m.-3 p.m.<br />Thursday and Friday, the eastbound right lane will be closed on Route 291 between Bartram and Lanier avenues 9 a.m.-3 p.m.<br />Saturday, the eastbound right lane will be closed on Route 291 between Bartram and Lanier avenues 8 a.m.-noon. The westbound right lane will be closed 12 a.m.-4 p.m.<br />Barry Bridge<br />One lane will be closed on westbound Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays for bridge widening.<br />There will also be intermittent traffic stoppages on the bridge on Wednesday, 12:01-5 a.m. for bridge widening.<br />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.<br />Garrett Road Bridge<br />In Upper Darby, the southbound right lane will be closed on Garrett Road between Bishop Avenue and Burnley Lane 9 a.m.-noon Monday.<br />Then, the northbound right lane will be closed noon-3 p.m. Monday.<br />I-95 – Philadelphia<br />I-95 North/South will be restricted between Girard Avenue and Woodhaven Road (Route 63) in Philadelphia 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays for bridge structure repairs.<br />City Avenue Ramp<br />On Thursday, PennDOT will start a $20.2 million economic recovery project to replace four structurally deficient bridges at the Gustine Lake Interchange in Philadelphia.<br />The northbound City Avenue ramp to northbound Ridge Avenue will close Thursday. The interchange handles nearly 100,000 motorists daily between City Avenue, Lincoln Drive, Kelly Drive and Ridge Avenue.<br />The project is scheduled to finish in fall 2011.<br />On Thursday, the contractor will closed and detour the northbound City Avenue ramp to northbound Ridge Avenue in order to replace the structurally deficient bridge carrying the ramp over Kelly Drive. This ramp will reopen later this year.<br />During the ramp closure, detours will be posted for northbound City Avenue and Kelly Drive motorists heading to northbound Ridge Avenue.<br />A posted detour will direct northbound City Avenue drivers to a ramp leading to Kelly Drive and then to a ramp leading to Ridge Avenue, where a temporary signal at the intersection will allow motorists to turn left or right onto Ridge Avenue.<br />For Kelly Drive motorists heading to northbound Ridge Avenue, they will be detoured over Calumet Street to Ridge Avenue.<br />Route 30 Bypass<br />The eastbound right lane will be closed on the Route 30 Bypass Bridge over Route 282 and the Brandywine Creek in Downingtown, Chester County, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday for bridge abutment repairs.<br />The work is part of PennDOT’s $2.2 million, open-ended contract to repair state-owned bridges as needed in the five-county Philadelphia region.<br />Route 1 South Ramp to I-76<br />The southbound Route 1 on-ramp to I-76 West (Schuylkill Expressway) in Philadelphia will be closed 6-10 a.m. today for a bridge inspection.<br />During the operation, Route 1 South motorists will take the eastbound I-76 off-ramp and follow it to Montgomery Avenue and re-enter the expressway using the on-ramp to I-76 West.<br />Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.<br />Transit Funds<br />U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $18.6 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds for transit improvements in Pennsylvania.<br />Among the grants awarded is $12.5 million to SEPTA for the renovation of the Malvern Station.<br />The U.S. Department of Transportation is making $48.1 billion available for highway and bridge, rail transit, small shipyards and airport construction and repairs nationwide. Of that, $36.8 billion already has been awarded and will support 13,700 projects in 55 U.S. states and territories.<br />Traffic Delays<br />Radnor – Goshen Road, road work costing $1.3 million, closed/detoured 24 hours daily between Darby-Paoli Road and Hunt Road for roadway reconstruction and realignment to remove a sharp curve through Aug. 21. Work began March 1. Goshen Road will be detoured over Darby-Paoli Road, Bryn Mawr Avenue, Route 3, Route 252 and Goshen Road.<br />I-95 North/South – Upper Chichester, Lower Chichester, Chester, Upland, Ridley Township, Ridley Park, Tinicum, Chester -- Intelligent Transportation System Foundation installation with lane closures between Naamans Creek Road and Broad Street 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Friday.<br />Aldan – Providence Road, Aqua utility installation with restrictions at Albert Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Also, Providence Road, utility installation at Stratford Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday to March 17.<br />Also, Clifton Avenue, Aqua installation at Magnolia Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 15-19.<br />Nether Providence – Turner Road, Aqua installation between Pembroke and Westbury roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Concord – Beaver Valley Road, Bethel United Water utility installation between Concord Pike and Ruby Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.<br />Collingdale – MacDade Boulevard, borough utility installation between Felton and Roberta avenues 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 26.<br />Newtown – Bishop Hollow Road, Aqua installation between Hempstead Road and Hunters Run 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1) – Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement with lane restrictions between Darlington and Station roads, 24-hour restrictions through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12.<br />Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-3418975301837912212?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-46361090788960277372010-03-02T11:10:00.000-08:002010-03-02T11:12:11.983-08:00Ramp Meters Work If You Read SignsRoad Watch FOR 2-28<br /> (Are Ramp Meters Confusing Drivers? Just Read the Signs)<br /> Some drivers just don’t get it even though there’s a handful of signs directing them how to observe the new ramp traffic signals reactivated Wednesday on the Blue Route (I-476).<br /> In the brief time I spent covering PennDOT putting the upgraded signals called ramp “meters” into operation at the southbound on ramp from Baltimore Pike, I witnessed three people ignore the red lights on the lane pole – an outright traffic violation.<br /> The signs are posted on each lane pole for a reason, but apparently some motorists aren’t paying any attention to them.<br /> After witnessing these infractions, I must heartily disagree with PennDOT senior civil engineer Paul Lutz who was also on the scene. He thought the riding public was a little bit more aware of how the ramp signals function.<br /> Apparently, the errant motorists are treating the red signals like a stop sign, and proceeding through after stopping. Like the sign on each lane pole says, “Stop Here on Red” and “One Vehicle Per Green (Light).”<br /> The latter sign also doesn’t mean more than one vehicle can proceed through a green light.<br /> You’re only supposed to obey the signal for the single lane you’re in – not for the opposite lane. That’s why they’re marked “Left Lane Signal” and “Right Lane Signal.” <br /> Another problem for motorists unfamiliar with the ramp lights – which haven’t been in operation since 2008 due to necessary fiber optic and other upgrades costing nearly $2 million – is that many drivers aren’t pulling up to the white line before the signal pole. Oftentimes, the first vehicle in line in a lane was staying further back which slowed up the process.<br /> Perhaps, there should be another sign added – “Pull Up To Here” – to facilitate movement of the line of cars.<br /> Granted, some drivers may not be from the area or never experienced the so-called ramp meters before, but that’s what the signs are for.<br /> But then so many drivers don’t read or pay attention to road signs. For instance, they don’t understand what the “Yield” sign means, when it comes to merging on to a local road from the Blue Route or vice-versa.<br /> Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention it: these ramp traffic lights – I don’t get that “meter” nomenclature – only have red and green lights, no amber caution light.<br /> The metering rate for the red and green light at each ramp will be based on I-476 capacity and the number of vehicles on the ramp. Motorists can expect the ramp signal to shine green for 2-to-4 seconds and red for 2-to-8 seconds.<br /> Lower Road Fatalities<br /> The number of fatalities on Pennsylvania highways in 2009 dropped to 1,256, the lowest number since recordkeeping began in 1928, according to PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler.<br /> The previous low was 1,328 in 1944; in 2008 the commonwealth saw 1,468 traffic fatalities.<br /> “I’m extremely pleased that the partnership among PennDOT, law enforcement and other safety partners is playing a role in reducing the number of lives lost on Pennsylvania’s roadways,” Biehler said.<br /> “While we’ve made progress, we continue to work on further reducing that number; we want every single driver to get home safely.”<br /> According to PennDOT’s preliminary numbers, significant decreases were noted in unrestrained, alcohol-related and aggressive driving fatalities.<br /> Unrestrained fatalities decreased from 567 in 2008 to 451 in 2009. Alcohol-related fatalities dropped from 531 in 2008 to 442 last year.<br /> Deaths attributed to aggressive driving dropped to 130, down from 141 in 2008. <br /> PennDOT distributed $11 million in federal funding last year for aggressive- and impaired-driving enforcement. With the funding, 396 police departments conducted aggressive driving enforcement efforts statewide.<br /> Additionally, more than 600 police departments conducted 3,000 impaired-driving enforcement operations. <br /> In addition to providing funding for safety education and enforcement, PennDOT invests about $10 million annually to fund low-cost safety engineering improvements.<br /> Low-cost safety improvements include initiatives such as centerline rumble strip installation, improved traffic signalization, signage improvements and utility pole relocation. <br /> Overall, nearly 12,000 low-cost improvements have been made statewide since 2000. A study of the 1,167 miles of center-line rumble strips installed from 2000-04 showed a 35 to 50 percent crash reduction at the strip locations while shoulder rumble strips resulted in a 20 to 30 percent reduction. <br /> “Unfortunately, many of the fatalities we see every year could be prevented if people would follow some simple rules: always wear seat belts, never drink and drive and obey the speed limit,” Biehler said. “Those are the points we try to make in our education efforts.”<br /> Despite the record low number of highway deaths recorded last year, fatalities in crashes involving drivers ages 65 and older increased to 276 from 259 in 2008.<br /> To help curtail highway deaths in this age group, PennDOT offers information on approved Mature Driver Improvement courses offered statewide, a brochure on talking with mature drivers and other safety tips at its highway safety information source at www.DriveSafePA.org. <br /> To find out more about PennDOT’s safety efforts, including resources, tips, program descriptions and much more, visit the Drive Safe PA Web site. The site offers information and tips on many highway safety areas, including bicycle/pedestrian, child passenger safety, heavy trucks, engineering infrastructure, motorcycle safety, school bus safety, work zones and young drivers. <br /> PennDOT aims to save at least 100 more lives per year through its safety programs, as outlined in the Drive Safe PA initiative. Drive Safe PA encourages motorists to avoid life-threatening driving behaviors such as not buckling up, driving impaired and driving aggressively.<br /> More than 85 percent of Pennsylvania’s crashes are related to driver behavior. <br /> “Although we’re excited that motorists are driving safer than ever before, we can never lose sight that 1,256 loved ones lost their lives,” Biehler said. “We will continue to explore every option to help increase safety on Pennsylvania roads.”<br /> Bridge Lightings <br /> The Ben Franklin Bridge will have special lighting in March to promote the American Red Cross and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.<br /> For most of the month, March 1-16 and March 18-31, the bridge will have red lighting to recognize American Red Cross Month. The Red Cross provides assistance to those in need locally, nationally and internationally.<br /> Most recently, the efforts of the Red Cross were highlighted during the Haitian earthquake.<br /> On March 17, the bridge will have green lighting for the observance of St. Patrick’s Day. <br />Traffic Delays<br />I-95 North/South – Upper Chichester, Lower Chichester, Chester, Upland, Ridley Township, Ridley Park, Tinicum, Chester -- Intelligent Transportation System Foundation installation with lane closures between Naamans Creek Road and Broad Street 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Upper Darby -- Garrett Road, PECO Energy installation between Shadeland Avenue and Riverview Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Aldan – Providence Road, Aqua utility installation with restrictions at Albert Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Collingdale – MacDade Boulevard, borough utility installation between Felton and Roberta avenues 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 25.<br />Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1) – Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement with lane restrictions between Darlington and Station roads, 24-hour restrictions through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12.<br />Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-4636109078896027737?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-47039787250521635862010-02-23T14:01:00.000-08:002010-02-23T14:03:13.383-08:00Feds fund road projects with stimulus grantsFor Feb. 21, Road Watch Col.<br /> PennDOT moved swiftly in 2009 to put 30 transportation projects out for bid in the five-county Philadelphia Region that were financed with $257,757,000 of federal economic recovery funds.<br /> At the one-year anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 18 of the 30 transportation projects in the Philadelphia region that were fully or partially financed with ARRA funds are in construction and four have been completed. The remaining eight ARRA-funded projects will start shortly.<br /> “Our aim since early last year was to move ARRA projects into construction as quickly as possible to help retain and create jobs and to inject these federal funds into our economy,” said PennDOT District Executive Lester C. Toaso.<br /> “These special federal funds also helped us move important projects into construction that would not otherwise be underway at this time,” he said.<br /> The total dollar value of the 30 ARRA transportation projects in the Philadelphia region is $348,442,225, which includes construction inspection costs. <br /> The Philadelphia area ARRA projects include road and bridge improvements, Intelligent Transportation System installations, traffic signal upgrades, multi-use trails, and curb ramp replacements. Based on the dollar value of the 30 projects, 36 percent of the projects are for roadway improvements; 32 percent for bridges; 19 percent for electrical upgrades (e.g., ITS, traffic signals); 7 percent for paving and 6 percent for enhancement projects (e.g., trails, sidewalks, curb ramps). <br />To learn more about how the federal economic recovery program will benefit Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov. <br />The Delaware County projects include:<br /> BULLET I-95 Intelligent Transportation Improvement Project: Construction began Nov. 5,2009 on the $13,633,000 million project to install Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) components on Interstate 95 in Delaware County and Philadelphia and Interstate 476 in Delaware County.<br /> The project covers 16 miles of I-95 between the Delaware state line and Broad Street Interchange in Delaware County and Philadelphia, respectively, and 14 miles of I-476 between the I-95 and Route 30 interchanges in Delaware County.<br /> On I-95, PennDOT is installing 17 closed circuit television cameras; three dynamic message signs; 14 vehicle detectors; and 15 travel time readers.<br /> On I-476, crews are installing eight dynamic message signs and 11 travel time readers. Construction is scheduled to finish in spring 2011. Cost: $13,633,000 (100% ARRA funds); bid opened: June 4, 2009; contract award: June 16, 2009.<br /> BULLET Delaware County Curb Ramps: Work began June 15, 2009 to replace 1,000 ADA ramps along 13 state highways in Delaware County under a $4,818,551 project. Construction is scheduled to finish in May 2010.<br /> Cost: $4,818,551 (100% ARRA funds); bid opened: April 2, 2009; contract award: April 9, 2009.<br /> BULLET Improvement of PA 252/White Horse Road Intersection: Construction began Sept. 28, 2010, to improve the intersection of Route 252 (Darby Paoli Road) and White Horse Road in Newtown and Easttown Township, Chester County.<br /> Crews installed a traffic signal at the previously unsignalized intersection to improve traffic flow and safety. The new traffic signal includes emergency pre-emption equipment to allow for emergency vehicles to receive priority control through the intersection, a video detection system to maximize green light time on Route 252 (Darby Paoli Road) and an advance green phase for left turns onto White Horse Road from northbound Route 252<br />(Darby-Paoli Road).<br /> Newtown funded the engineering design phase of this improvement project.<br /> The project was finished in December 2009. Cost: $129,291 (100% ARRA funds); bid opened: July 16, 2009; contract award: July 21, 2009.<br /> BULLET Brookhaven Curb Ramp Replacements: Construction began Oct. 19, 2009 to replace 36 ADA curb ramps at seven intersections along Brookhaven Road in Brookhaven under an $189,900 contract. Construction was completed in December 2009.<br />Cost: $1,947,725 (100% ARRA funds); bid opened: June 11, 2009; contract award: June 23, 2009.<br /> BULLET Brookhaven Traffic Signal Improvement: Work began Nov. 2, 2009 on a $203,158 municipal project to improve traffic signals in Brookhaven. Crews are improving traffic signals at six intersections on Route 352 (Edgmont Avenue) and at the intersection of Bridgewater Road and West Brookhaven Road in Brookhaven. Ina ddition, new pedestrian signals and signs are being installed at four intersections on Route 352 (Edgmont Avenue) in the borough.<br /> BULLET Valley Road Repair and Resurfacing: Work began Sept. 30, 2009 on a $164,836 project to repair and resurface Valley Road in Edgmont. Crews repaired and resurfaced township-owned Valley Road between Route 352 (Middletown Road) and Brick House Farm Road. <br /> Construction was completed in late Oct. 2009. Cost: $164,836 (100% ARRA funds); bid opened: Sept. 3, 2009; contract award: Sept. 17, 2009.<br /> R1 Airport Line<br /> Due to the volume of snow, scheduled shuttle busing on the SEPTA R1 Airport Line has been cancelled this weekend, but there will be regular R1 train service to the airport.<br /> Airport Line shuttle bus operation is scheduled to resume between 30th Street Station and the airport for Amtrak construction the following weekends: March 13-14, March 20-21 and March 27-28.<br /> <br />Traffic Delays<br />Chester, Parkside and Brookhaven – ADA ramp construction with restrictions between 21st Street and Beachwood Road 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Chester – Seventh Street, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at Highland Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />I-95 North/South – Upper Chichester, Lower Chichester, Chester, Upland, Ridley Township, Ridley Park, Tinicum, Chester -- Intelligent Transportation System Foundation installation with lane closures between Naamans Creek Road and Broad Street 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Upper Darby -- Garrett Road, PECO Energy installation between Shadeland Avenue and Riverview Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Aldan – Providence Road, Aqua utility installation with restrictions at Albert Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Collingdale – MacDade Boulevard, borough utility installation between Felton and Roberta avenues 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 25.<br />Ridley Township – Fairview Road, Aqua Pa. utility installation, closed/detoured between Sherman Avenue and Emlem Street 7 a.m.-7 p.m., with 24-hour closure, detour posted Feb. 15-26.<br />Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1) – Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement with lane restrictions between Darlington and Station roads, 24-hour restrictions through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12.<br />Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-4703978725052163586?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-81473275068283926272010-02-15T08:28:00.000-08:002010-02-15T08:35:23.591-08:00No Courtesy of the Road In SnowROAD WATCH for Feb. 14, <br />Courtesy of the road – what’s that? – especially after two back-to-back snowstorms that helped set an all time record for the snowiest winter on record, 71.6 inches.<br />Many secondary roads and back streets of Haverford, Upper Darby, Springfield and Clifton Heights, et al, were still packed with snow and ice as of Friday morning.<br />And of course, many motorists weren’t adjusting their speed or driving ability to conditions. For example:<br />BULLET Tailgating – as I proceeded very slowly up my street in Havertown the other night with my left turn signal on and slowed down to cut through two high banks of snow on both sides of my hilly driveway, I was tailgated by two reckless drivers who almost ran into me.<br />As I drove at or below the 25 mph speed limit on curvy Glendale Road going to work, I was also tailgated by an impatient driver who was oblivious to the hard-packed snow still lingering on the road one morning.<br />BULLET Failure to Yield – many back streets in Westgate Hills and Drexel Hill became one-lane roads and only had enough room for one vehicle to pass through because of the hills of snow on each side of the road.<br />I slowed down several times and tried to bear to the right side – without getting stuck in a snowpile – as some discourteous driver never slowed down coming head-on. Only one time, while I was going home from work did a fellow motorist flash their high beams when I stopped at a stop sign before them, signaling me it was OK for me to make my left turn two blocks from home.<br />BULLET Snow Hills – at virtually every corner where snowplows had to pile up snow require caution when approaching an intersection, because your visibility is partially blocked.<br />BULLET Snowy Roofs – Wish I had a dollar for every SUV and work van or passenger van I saw that had snow or ice piled up on their roofs. That motorist behind you really doesn’t appreciate it when all that white stuff starts spattering all over his or her windshield.<br />BULLET Snow Drifts – the state driving test doesn’t help judge your driving ability on ice or snow unfortunately. Too many drivers who are out on the road in a snowstorm shouldn’t be, both young and old. Like why would you pull over into a snowdrift if you didn’t have to, and get stuck?<br />BULLET Last but not least – if you don’t adequately maintain your vehicle from the tires on up – and have proper windshield anti-freeze and wipers, then you’re an accident waiting to happen.<br />Oh, yeah – how about fully cleaning off that snow and ice from your vehicle before hitting the road? It’s more important to have an ice scraper/brush in the car than CDs. <br />I-95 Bridge Repairs<br />Lane restrictions are scheduled this week on I-95 North/South in Philadelphia for bridge repairs, weather permitting, PennDOT said.<br />Weekdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., I-95 will be restricted between Girard Avenue and Woodhaven Road (Route 63) for bridge structure repairs.<br />Weekdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., I-95 will be restricted between Academy Road and Woodhaven Road for bridge structure repairs.<br />Barry Bridge<br />There will be intermittent traffic stoppages on the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. for bridge bearing replacement on the bridge.<br />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 Second Street (Route 291). <br />Construction is scheduled to finish in 2011.<br />Traffic Delays<br />Chester, Parkside and Brookhaven – ADA ramp construction with restrictions between 21st Street and Beachwood Road 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Chester – Seventh Street, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at Highland Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />I-95 North/South – Upper Chichester, Lower Chichester, Chester, Upland, Ridley Township, Ridley Park, Tinicum, Chester -- Intelligent Transportation System Foundation installation with lane closures between Naamans Creek Road and Broad Street 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Upper Darby -- Garrett Road, PECO Energy installation between Shadeland Avenue and Riverview Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Aldan – Providence Road, Aqua utility installation with restrictions at Albert Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Collingdale – MacDade Boulevard, borough utility installation between Felton and Roberta avenues 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 25.<br />Ridley Township – Fairview Road, Aqua Pa. utility installation, closed/detoured between Sherman Avenue and Emlem Street 7 a.m.-7 p.m., with 24-hour closure, detour posted Feb. 15-26.<br />Chester Pike – Ridley Township and Eddystone, PECO Energy utility work between Simpson Street and Old Bullens Lane 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Feb. 18. Work began Jan. 28.<br />Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1) – Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement with lane restrictions between Darlington and Station roads, 24-hour restrictions through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12.<br />Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-8147327506828392627?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-89832153728450397902010-02-08T12:10:00.000-08:002010-02-08T12:12:41.625-08:00Drivers should speak up about cell phonesFor Feb. 7----Road Watch…<br />OK, so there’s a recent study by the Highway Loss Data Institute that some legislators and the AAA believe that knocks the winds out of the sails of the issue of the need for a statewide ban on using hand-held cell phones while driving.<br />I think we need a widespread poll of drivers/readers – not just the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety which only conducted a study of insurance claim data from three states and the District of Columbia before and after hand-held cell phone laws were passed.<br />Their study found that there were no reductions in crashes in those states after the bans took effect. Do these statistics also include accidents attributable to alcohol- and drug-related use, speeding and reckless/aggressive driving? That’s not made clear.<br />Such bans have been enacted in seven states so far, including nearby New Jersey, Utah, Oregon and Washington.<br />An AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman last week said the study was “significant” as Pennsylvania and numerous other states seek to implement such bans for drivers in a belief that it will make the roads safer.<br />The AAA said the study reinforces a long-held AAA concern that hand-held cell phone bans have limited impact because they cause drivers to switch to still-risky, hands-free cell phones.<br />The spokeswoman further added that hands-free phones offer no real safety advantages over hand-held phone because conversation (or DUIC) is the distracting factor, not the device itself.<br />H.B. 2070 – which also bans texting while driving -- is still in the Senate Transportation Committee and awaits a vote in the Senate.<br />Senate Majority Leader Sen. Dominic Pileggi is aware of the recent study, said his spokesman Erik Arneson.<br />He said that’s an issue Pileggi would like to see discussed in detail at a public hearing, which the transportation committee is considering holding.<br />Sounds good to me, like in a large auditorium at the Delaware County Community College, not some cramped borough hall.<br />Rep. Greg Vitali, D-166, of Haverford – to no surprise -- agreed with the study and staunchly maintains that the chief problem is “…not so much the talking but rather the aversion of the eyes from the road.”<br />In a rare occurrence, fellow columnist Gil Spencer even saw eye-to-eye with Vitali. I don’t.<br />He and others don’t get it that PREOCCUPATION is the key fact that makes DUIC such a dangerous distraction. To “preoccupy” is to dominate or engross the mind of a person, according to the dictionary.<br />You can be engrossed in a phone conversation and be looking out your windshield, but you still may not be paying attention to what’s in your field of vision – road conditions.<br />In other words, your mind’s somewhere else, get it?<br />It’s almost like daydreaming – deep in thought about some personal or stressful problem or some task that has to be done, etc.<br />Changing the radio, CD player or defroster buttons isn’t comparable. You can always take a sip of coffee when you’re stopped at a light.<br />It’s not the same as preoccupation. Get it! <br />Any vote on this important issue should be judged on the consensus of the driving public – especially those who have to daily endure careless drivers glued mentally to the hand-held cell phone stuck against their ear as they drive one-handed.<br />R1 Airport Line<br />Due to anticipated severe weather, SEPTA has cancelled scheduled work this weekend and will operate regular train service on the R1 Airport Regional Rail line Saturday and Sunday.<br />For the past several weekends, SEPTA shuttle buses have transported riders between 30th Street Station and the Philadelphia International Airport while overhead wire crews and Amtrak was performed.<br />The weekend shuttle buses will resume Feb. 13-14, March 13-14, March 20-21 and March 27-28.<br />Outbound Airport Line trains will terminate at 30th Street Station where waiting buses will carry passengers standing by en route to the airport.<br />Shuttle buses will depart 30th Street Station nine minutes later than the scheduled train departure time.<br />University City (Convention Avenue) customers will be able to board shuttle buses destined to the airport every half-hour starting at 4:36 a.m. and continuing until 11:36 p.m.<br />Eastwick Station customers will be able to board shuttle buses at Bartram Avenue at Station Drive to the airport at 4:54 a.m., then every half-hour from 4:54 a.m. until 11:47 p.m.<br />Inbound buses to Center City Philadelphia from the airport will depart Terminal A through E at 4:59 a.m. and then every half-hour from 5:22 a.m. until 11:52 p.m.<br />Traffic Delays<br />Chester, Parkside and Brookhaven – ADA ramp construction with restrictions between 21st Street and Beachwood Road 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Chester – Seventh Street, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at Highland Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />I-95 North/South – Upper Chichester, Lower Chichester, Chester, Upland, Ridley Township, Ridley Park, Tinicum, Chester -- Intelligent Transportation System Foundation installation with lane closures between Naamans Creek Road and Broad Street 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />I-476 North/South (Blue Route) – Nether Providence, Ridley Township and Springfield, ITS installation with lane closures between I-95 and U.S. Route 1, 9 p.m.-5 a.m. weekdays.<br />Haverford – Earlington Road, Aqua utility installation between Earlington and Covington roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Upper Darby – Providence Road, Aqua utility installation with lane restrictions at Sycamore Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Also, Garrett Road, PECO Energy installation between Shadeland Avenue and Riverview Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 19.<br />Aldan – Providence Road, Aqua utility installation with restrictions at Albert Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Collingdale – MacDade Boulevard, borough utility installation between Felton and Roberta avenues 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 25.<br />I-95 North/South ramps to the bridge – Chester, bridge construction with 15-minute stoppages on ramps 12:01 to 5 a.m. Wednesday.<br />Ridley Township – Fairview Road, Aqua Pa. utility installation, closed/detoured between Sherman Avenue and Emlem Street 7 a.m.-7 p.m., with 24-hour closure, detour posted Feb. 15-26.<br />Chester Pike – Ridley Township and Eddystone, PECO Energy utility work between Simpson Street and Old Bullens Lane 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Feb. 18. Work began Jan. 28.<br />Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1) – Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement with lane restrictions between Darlington and Station roads, 24-hour restrictions through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12.<br />Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-8983215372845039790?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-45163675377750952382010-02-01T07:02:00.000-08:002010-02-01T07:35:00.145-08:00Ban on Handheld Devices Is Long OverdueRoad Watch…Jan. 31…<br />The nearly unanimous state House vote of 189-6 last week on a bill banning talking/texting on handheld cell phones while driving was nothing to sneeze at. <br />Even Rep. Greg Vitali, who doesn’t believe talking while driving under the influence of conversation (DUIC) usually averts your eyes from focusing on the road, came on board to make the Delco delegation’s vote all yeas.<br />Preoccupation is the key fact that makes DUIC such a dangerous distraction. To "preoccupy" is to dominate or engross the mind of a person, according to the dictionary.<br />You can be engrossed in a phone conversation and be looking out your windshield, but you still may not be paying attention to what's in your field of vision. In other words, your mind's somewhere else, get it?<br />It's almost like daydreaming -- deep in thought about some stressful or personal problem or future plans. <br />Changing the radio or defroster buttons isn't comparable. Or you can just take a sip of your coffee when you're stopped at a light. <br />It's not the same as PREOCCUPATION. Get it! <br />Hopefully, the Harrisburg honchos in the Senate, where the Republicans have the majority 30-20 – led by Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi of Chester – can also muster such bi-partisanship when their version of H.B. 2070 comes out of the Senate Transportation Committee. <br />After they fine tune and tweak their version – they reportedly are considering merging it with H.B. 67 which deals with distracted driving issues related to junior drivers – they could come up with this much needed state motor vehicle law that supersedes a patch quilt of local laws.<br />It’s long overdue to have such a law that finally addresses this major distraction of yakking on a handheld cell phone held up to one’s ear while driving with only one hand on the steering wheel.<br />I staunchly disagree with those who feel driving with only one hand on the wheel poses no problem in controlling a vehicle – especially if you’re on a straight-away highway like the Pennsylvania Turnpike or I-95 with no traffic lights. Can you quickly change lanes if someone darts in front of you, using only one hand on the wheel?<br />The fact remains that the best way to make left or right turns on local roads – especially if they’re congested – is the conventional hand-over-hand, two-handed method I was taught in driving education in high school.<br />Maybe before so-called “suicide” or “granny” knobs on steering wheels were outlawed, you could have some one-handed control, but one-handed turns just don’t give you complete control.<br />The bill passed by the state House Tuesday afternoon would impose a fine of $50 on drivers using a handheld cell phone or texting while driving as a primary offense, meaning a cop could pull you over just for this violation.<br />The bill applies to vehicles that are in motion and there are exceptions for calling 911 or using navigational systems. Understandably, there are also numerous exceptions for operators of emergency vehicles, volunteer emergency responders engaged in the performance of their official duties.<br />What’s not made really clear in the 13-page House bill is what it means “…when the vehicle is stopped due to a traffic obstruction and the motor vehicle transmission is in neutral or park.” Maybe more specific circumstances are needed in the bill.<br />Rep. Joe Markosek, D-Allegheny, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, the bill’s lead sponsor, returned my call Friday.<br />“The car has to be either out of gear or the motor shut off, then you can be on the text or whatever,” he said. “If you are just at a (traffic) light and your foot’s on the brake, that doesn’t count.” <br />If you’re on a highway and there’s a wreck and you’re sitting in dead traffic for two hours and shut your engine off or you put the car in park, “you can text at that point,” he said.<br />If you pull over and take the vehicle out of gear with the motor running and have the heater on, “you can do that,” Markosek said.<br />Markosek said he thinks the chances of his bill passing in the Senate are very good. “I think there’s been a dramatic change in public support for this over the last year.”<br />If you agree, contact your local state Senator, either Dominic Pileggi, R-9, of Chester, Edwin “Ted” Erickson, R-26, who has a Drexel Hill office, R-26, Daylin Leach, D-17, who represents Haverford and Radnor and Montco, or Anthony H. Williams, D-8, of Philadelphia, who also has an office in Yeadon.<br />It’s a Go for Ramp Meters<br />After 15 years of on- and off-again operation for those so-called ramp meters – another name for traffic lights on ramps to the Blue Route (I-476) – they will be turned on again starting Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. at three of 14 ramps. The others turn on in late February and March. So now you’ll know what those inoperable signals were there for, all this time.<br />Traffic Delays<br />Chester, Parkside and Brookhaven – ADA ramp construction with restrictions between 21st Street and Beachwood Road 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Chester – Seventh Street, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at Highland Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />I-95 North/South – Upper Chichester, Lower Chichester, Chester, Upland, Ridley Township, Ridley Park, Tinicum, Chester -- Intelligent Transportation System Foundation installation with lane closures between Naamans Creek Road and Broad Street 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />I-95 North/South – Chester Township, Upland, Eddystone and Chester, ITS installation between Route 291 and Broad Street, 9 p.m.-5 a.m. weekdays.<br />I-476 North/South (Blue Route) – Nether Providence, Ridley Township and Springfield, ITS installation with lane closures between I-95 and U.S. Route 1, 9 p.m.-5 a.m. weekdays.<br />I-95 North/South ramps to the bridge – Chester, bridge construction with 15-minute stoppages on ramps 12:01 to 5 a.m. Wednesday.<br />Ridley Township – Fairview Road, Aqua Pa. utility installation, closed/detoured between Sherman Avenue and Emlem Street 7 a.m.-7 p.m., with 24-hour closure, detour posted Feb. 15-26.<br />Chester Pike – Ridley Township and Eddystone, PECO Energy utility work between Simpson Street and Old Bullens Lane 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Feb. 18. Work began Jan. 28.<br />Commodore Barry Bridge West – Chester, bridge work, right lane closed on bridge, 24-hour closure through Aug. 31. Work began Dec. 14.<br />Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1) – Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement with lane restrictions between Darlington and Station roads, 24-hour restrictions through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12.<br />Chester – Flower Street, Barry Bridge ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth Street and Second Street, 24-hour restriction, through 2011. Work began January 2009.<br />Chester – Norris Street, bridge ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restrictions through 2011. Work began January 2009.<br />Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-4516367537775095238?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-8365200989324566692010-01-25T06:43:00.000-08:002010-01-25T06:45:46.400-08:00Potholes season starts earlyFor January 24: ROAD WATCH<br />(POTHOLE SEASON STARTS EARLY)<br />With the recent thaw with high temperatures expected to hover in the mid to upper 40s this week – compared to subfreezing weather the first week of January – potholes are popping up before the usual spring thaw.<br />With potholes making an earlier than usual appearance in the region this year, PennDOT is asking motorists to use its toll-free number – 1-800-FIX-ROAD (1-800-349-7623) – to report pothole locations so they can repair them as quickly as possible, said PennDOT District Executive Lester Toaso.<br />“Our road maintenance hotline also provides an easy way to report maintenance problems such as downed signs and shoulder washouts,” he said.<br />Potholes are created when moisture seeps into the pavement, freezes, expands and then thaws.<br />As temperatures warm the cold pavement, melting and evaporating any ice, this creates air pockets that can eventually cause the pavement to break up. A winter of heavy snow or rain and several freeze-thaw cycles can mean a big pothole season ahead.<br />During cold weather, temporary repairs are made with cold patch asphalt because the weather is too chilly to use hot asphalt. Hot asphalt is used for permanent repairs during warmer weather.<br />Roads with high traffic volumes and older pavements are susceptible to potholes due to amount of use and the potential for water to seep beneath the pavement. Bridges and ramps, which receive heavy doses of snow removal chemicals in the winter, are more prone to potholes.<br />PennDOT’s hotline is staffed 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays. Calls from across the state are automatically route to the closest PennDOT regional office. Callers can leave a message if calling after regular business hours or on weekends.<br />Callers should be as specific as possible when providing locations of potholes or other maintenance problems. <br />Callers need to report the county, municipality, street name or traffic route number. Provide a description of any familiar landmarks near the problem area to help PennDOT locate the spot.<br />Toaso said PennDOT corrects these maintenance problems as soon as possible, with emergency road repairs receiving top priority.<br />The pothole number should not be used to report traffic crashes, disabled vehicles or other emergencies. Motorists should continue to call 9-1-1 to report the latter types of emergencies.<br />Blue Route<br />Nighttime lane closures are scheduled this week starting tonight on the Blue Route (I-476) and Ridge Pike in Montgomery County as crews continue preparations for the February start of southbound construction between the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Mid-County Interchange and the I-76 Interchange, PennDOT said.<br />I-476 South will be reduced from three lanes to two from the turnpike’s Mid-County Interchange (Exit 20) through the I-76 Interchange (Exit 16) from 10 tonight until 5 a.m. the following morning through Thursday.<br />I-476 North will be reduced from three lanes to two from just south of the I-76 Interchange (Exit 16) to the Ridge Pike Interchange (Exit 18) from 10 tonight until 5 a.m. the following morning through Thursday.<br />Also, Ridge Pike East/West may be reduced to one lane in either direction between Chemical Road and Alan Wood Road tonight through Thursday, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning.<br />In addition to the above lane closures, motorists may encounter shifting traffic patterns at on- and off-ramps at both Exit 16 and Exit 18 during the nighttime operations.<br />I-95 – Philadelphia<br />Lane restrictions are scheduled this week on I-95 North/South in Philadelphia for bridge repairs.<br />I-95 North/Girard Point Bridge in Philadelphia will be reduced from three lanes to two 8 p.m.-12 a.m., and from three lanes to one from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. weekdays for the installation of painting platforms.<br />I-95 North/South will be restricted between Academy Road and Woodhaven Road (Route 63) 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays for bridge structure repairs.<br />I-95 North/South will be restricted between Girard Avenue and Woodhaven Road 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays for bridge structure repairs.<br />Traffic Delays<br />I-95 North – Upland, Chester City, Chester Township, Ridley Township, Intelligent Transportation System Foundation installation with lane closures between U.S. Route 322 and the Blue Route (I-476) 9 p.m.-5 a.m. today through Friday.<br />I-95 South – Ridley Township, Tinicum and Ridley Park, ITS installation with lane closures between Route 291 and the Blue Route, 9 p.m.-5 a.m. today through Friday.<br />Brookhaven and Chester – ADA ramp construction with restrictions at Providence Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Tinicum – Fourth Avenue, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at North Governor Printz Boulevard 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Also, Jansen Street, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at Second Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Commodore Barry Bridge West – Chester, ramp construction, center lane closed on bridge, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Also, bridge work, right lane closed on bridge, 24-hour closure through August 2010. Work began Dec. 14.<br />I-95 North/South ramps to the bridge – Chester, bridge construction with 15-minute stoppages on ramps 12:01-5 a.m. Tuesday.<br />Collingdale – MacDade Boulevard, utility installation with restrictions between Felton and Roberta avenues 5:30 p.m.-7 a.m. weeknights through Feb. 5. Work began Jan. 11.<br />Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1) – Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement with lane restrictions between Darlington and Station roads, 24-hour restrictions through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12.<br />Chester – Flower Street, Barry Bridge ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth Street and Second Street, 24-hour restriction, through 2011. Work began January 2009.<br />Chester – Norris Street, bridge ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restrictions through 2011. Work began January 2009.<br />Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-836520098932456669?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-21619025845832285172010-01-19T07:43:00.000-08:002010-01-19T07:44:45.436-08:00SEPTA lists new rail schedulesROAD WATCH FOR Jan. 17<br />SEPTA Regional Rail routes will operate with new schedules starting today.<br />Media/Elwyn R3 – most mid-day service to Elwyn will operate uop to 7 minutes later due to several construction projects. Trains will depart Suburban Station in Philadelphia from 10:12 a.m. until 2:12 p.m.<br />Norristown R6 – mid-day weekday service has been restored to pre-2009 schedule times. Inbound trains will operate from Norristown Transportation Center from 9:05 a.m. until 3:29 p.m.<br />Outbound trains are scheduled to depart Suburban Station from 8:53 p.m. until 2:43 p.m.<br />The new schedules are currently available on the SEPTA Web site at www.septa.org/schedules/upcoming.html.<br />Passengers will also be able to pick up new timetables at Market-East, Suburban and 30th Street stations and SEPTA sales offices.<br />You can also call the Customer Service Department at 215-580-7800.<br />Commodore Barry Bridge<br />On Tuesday, between 12 and 4 a.m. there will be two 15-minute traffic stoppages in both directions on the Commodore Barry Bridge to accommodate work being done on an ongoing construction project.<br />The work involves placement of steel beams on the bridge. It is part of PennDOT’s $71 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.<br />Martin Luther King Jr. Day<br />All state driver license and photo centers will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online.<br />SEPTA transit and regional rail services will operate on regular weekday schedules for the observance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day Monday. Regular weekday peak and off-peak fares will be in effect during the day.<br />Personalized Plates<br />Drivers can now go online to check the availability of personalized license plates from PennDOT.<br />Pennsylvanians have requested that the option to check personalized license plates availability be available online.<br />To check for the latter, visit www.dmv.state.pa.us and select “Online Driver and Vehicle Services.” Individuals may apply for a personalized license plate by completing Form MV-904.<br />There are about 276,000 personalized plates in use across the state.<br />Blue Route Lane Closures<br />Nighttime lane closures will continue this week for motorists traveling on the Blue Route (I-476) in Montgomery County as crews continue preparations for the February start of southbound reconstruction between the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Mid-County Interchange and the I-76 Interchange, PennDOT said.<br />I-476 South will be reduced from three lanes to two lanes from the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Mid-County Interchange (Exit 20) through the I-76 Interchange (Exit 16) tonight through Thursday 10 p.m.-5 a.m. the following morning.<br />I-476 North will be reduced from three lanes to two from just south of the I-76 Interchange (Exit 16) to the Ridge Pike Interchange (Exit 18) tonight through Thursday from 10 p.m. each evening until 5 a.m. the following morning.<br />In addition to the lane closures, motorists may encounter traffic pattern shifts at on- and off-ramps at both Exit 16 and Exit 18 during the nighttime operations.<br />The scheduled lane closures will be in place as part of two separate projects currently under way on this stretch of the Blue Route which involve work to improve the twin spans over the Schuylkill River. <br />Improvements to the northbound bridge were completed in 2009.<br />Traffic Delays<br />I-95 North – Upland, Chester City, Chester Township, Ridley Township, Intelligent Transportation System Foundation installation with lane closures between U.S. Route 322 and the Blue Route (I-476) 9 p.m.-5 a.m. today through Friday.<br />I-95 South – Ridley Township, Tinicum and Ridley Park, ITS installation with lane closures between Route 291 and the Blue Route, 9 p.m.-5 a.m. today through Friday.<br />Nether Providence – Baltimore Pike, core boring with lane restrictions between Grandview and Beatty roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday.<br />Brookhaven and Chester – ADA ramp construction with restrictions at Providence Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.<br />Tinicum – Fourth Avenue, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at North Governor Printz Boulevard 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Also, Jansen Avenue, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at Second Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Springfield – Springfield Road, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation with restrictions at Netherwood Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Collingdale – MacDade Boulevard, utility installation with restrictions between Felton and Roberta avenues 5:30 p.m.-7 a.m. weeknights through Feb. 5. Work began Jan. 11.<br />Commodore Barry Bridge West – Chester, bridge work, right lane closed on the bridge with a 24-hour closure through Aug. 31. Work began Dec. 14.<br />Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1) – Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement with lane restrictions between Darlington and Station roads, 24-hour restrictions through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12.<br />Chester – Flower Street, Barry Bridge ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth Street and Second Street, 24-hour restriction, through 2011. Work began January 2009.<br />Chester – Norris Street, bridge ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restrictions through 2011. Work began January 2009.<br />Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-2161902584583228517?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-86821885645339224882010-01-11T08:10:00.000-08:002010-01-11T08:12:19.426-08:00Blue Route traffic pattern shiftsFor Jan. 10…Road Watch col.<br />(PennDOT to shift Blue Route Traffic Pattern for next stage of construction)<br />Early Tuesday morning, PennDOT plans to shift the Blue Route (I-476) traffic pattern near the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) Interchange for the next stage of construction to rehabilitate bridges over the Schuylkill River.<br />The express-lane traffic pattern on I-476 near the I-76 Interchange in West Conshohocken and Plymouth Township in Montgomery County will move from the southbound to the northbound side of the highway. Construction will then begin on the next phase of the $47.4 million project to repair/rehabilitate the 35-year-old twin bridges spanning the Schuylkill River.<br />The Blue Route’s new traffic pattern within the bridge construction zone will have two southbound lanes running on the southbound side of the highway.<br />A third southbound lane will cross over and run on the northbound side of I-476 to cross over the bridge. This lane will then shift back to the southbound side of I-476 just south of the bridge.<br />I-476 North will carry three northbound travel lanes plus the southbound express lane.<br />Motorists traveling on I-476 between I-76 and Ridge Pike interchanges can expect to face lane closures and slowdowns from 10 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday while crews paint traffic lines to implement the new traffic pattern in the construction zone.<br />PennDOT District Executive Lester Toaso advised southbound I-476 motorists to avoid using the express lane if they want to exit at the I-76 Interchange. I-476 South drivers will not be able to access the I-76 exit ramp if traveling in the southbound express lane.<br />PennDOT is using the express-lane pattern, which places one travel lane on the opposite side of the highway within the construction zone, to keep three travel lanes open in each direction on I-476 and to expedite construction.<br />“We are cutting by a year the time to rebuild the I-476 bridges with the use of the express-lane pattern,” Toaso said. “This pattern allows us to keep six travel lanes open and to accelerate the construction schedule by providing the contractor with a larger area in which to work.”<br />PennDOT began construction to rehabilitate the bridges last March. The project is scheduled to finish in December 2010. <br />Crews worked the past 10 months on the northbound bridge and this year they will rebuild the southbound structure.<br />Once the new traffic pattern is in place this week, crews will work on I-476 South weeknights 10 p.m.-5 a.m. for about two weeks to set construction barriers in place and secure the barriers to the bridge deck to create a protected work zone on the bridge.<br />I-476 South will be reduced from three lanes to two during this overnight operation. When the barriers are in place, crews will then begin work to rebuild the western half of the southbound I-476 bridge.<br />This portion of I-476 carries between 128,000 to 145,000 vehicles a day.<br />Driver License Center Closings <br />All driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday and Jan. 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.<br />Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online.<br />Commodore Barry Bridge<br />Intermittent traffic stoppages are scheduled 12:01-5 a.m. Monday on the Commodore Barry Bridge and the I-95 ramps to the bridge in Chester, including the Ninth Street ramp to the bridge for bridge construction.<br />The work is part of PennDOT’s $71 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. <br />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 off the bridge will allow Route 291 drivers to reach I-95.<br />I-95 Bridge Repairs<br />Lane restrictions are scheduled this week on I-95 North/South in Philadelphia for bridge repairs.<br />Weekdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m., I-95 North/South will be restricted between Girard Avenue and Woodhaven Road (Route 63) for bridge structure repairs.<br />Northbound traffic on the I-95/Girard Point Bridge in Philadelphia will be reduced from three lanes to two weekdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for the installation of painting platforms.<br />Also, lane restrictions are scheduled on I-95 and I-676 in the city weekdays this week for a series of bridge inspections.<br />Traffic Delays<br />I-95 South – Lower and Upper Chichester, Chester, Intelligent Transportation System foundation installation, lane restrictions between Naamans Road and Highland Avenue 9 p.m.-5 a.m. weeknights.<br />I-95 North – Lower and Upper Chichester, Chester, ITS foundation installation, lane restrictions between Naamans Road and U.S. Route 322, 9 p.m.-5 a.m. weeknights.<br />I-95 North/South – Upper and Lower Chichester, Chester City, Chester Township and Upland, trenching with shoulder closures between Naamans Creek Road (Route 491) and Broad Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />I-95 North ramp – Tinicum, trenching, right shoulder closed on ramp to Industrial Highway (Route 291) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1) – Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement with lane restrictions between Darlington and Station roads, 24-hour restrictions, through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12.<br />Route 320 (Madison Street) – Chester, ADA ramp construction, lane restrictions between Fifth and 22nd streets, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1) – Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement with lane restrictions between Darlington and Station roads, 24-hour restrictions, through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12 on the $4.2 million project by J.D. Eckman Inc.<br />Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br />Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br /> “Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-8682188564533922488?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-71752343019066163832009-12-14T07:08:00.000-08:002009-12-14T07:10:46.719-08:00Blue Route Work Reduces Lanes at NightFor Dec. 13------Road Watch…<br />Nighttime travel restrictions will be in place tonight through Thursday on the Montgomery County section of the Blue Route (I-476) for continuing construction between the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Mid-County Interchange and the I-76 Interchange.<br />Lane closures are in effect as work crews continue to prepare to rehabilitate the I-476 South bridge over the Schuylkill River and reconstruct the adjacent 3.2 miles of I-476 in early 2010.<br />BULLET I-476 South will be reduced from three lanes to two from south of the turnpike’s Mid-County Interchange (Exit 20) to the bridge over the Schuylkill River tonight-Thursday 10 p.m.-5 a.m.<br />BULLET I-476 South will be reduced from three lanes to one from the bridge over the Schuylkill through the I-76 Interchange (Exit 16) tonight through Thursday 11 p.m.-5 a.m.<br />BULLET I-476 North will be reduced from three lanes to two from the I-76 Interchange (Exit 16) to the Ridge Pike Interchange (Exit 18) tonight through Thursday 10 p.m.-5 a.m.<br />BULLET I-476 North will be reduced from three lanes to one from approaching the Ridge Pike Interchange (Exit 18) to the approach to the turnpike’s Mid-County Interchange (Exit 20) tonight through Thursday 11 p.m.-5 a.m.<br />Motorists using the Blue Route should remain alert for slowdowns and expect delays approaching the construction areas, especially when the two-lane closure is in place on I-476 North.<br />Barry Bridge Construction <br />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 Commodore Barry Bridge for bridge construction.<br />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.<br />BULLET Monday, 4-9 a.m., the westbound right lane will be closed on the bridge for bridge deck reconstruction.<br />BULLET Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the westbound center lane will be closed on the bridge daily for bridge deck reconstruction.<br />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 off the bridge will allow Route 291 drivers to reach I-95.<br />PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out.<br />For more information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/district 6.<br />I-95 Bridge Repairs<br />Lane restrictions are scheduled this week on I-95 North/South in Philadelphia for bridge repairs under three separate contracts.<br />The work will be completed under a $10.8 million contract.<br />Weekdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., I-95 North/South will be restricted between Girard Avenue and Woodhaven Road (Route 63) for bridge deck and expansion dam repairs.<br />SEPTA Shuttles<br />Starting Monday, SEPTA will begin running shuttle buses for the next phase of the Route 101 Media/Sharon Hill Line reconstruction project.<br />They will replace regular trolley service on the line between Woodland Avenue and Media seven days a week. The project is expected to be completed in March 2010.<br />The project involves replacing 1922-era rail with continuous welded rail for a safer smoother ride and improve the highway grade crossings and overhead power systems.<br />They will also install fiber optic cabling along the line for audio-visual public address devices at passenger stations and train control.<br />Work will also include structural improvements to overhead power systems and vegetation maintenance.<br />Shuttle bus stops are located at or near trolley stops marked with “Route 101 Shuttle Bus” signs.<br />No Bridge Toll Hike Yet<br />The Delaware River Port Authority board voted last week to postpone the September 2010 toll increase, citing its effort to reduce the burden on toll payers in this recession.<br />The tolls on the DRPA’s four bridges – Ben Franklin, Commodore Barry, Walt Whitman and Betsy Ross – will remain $4 until July 2011, when it goes up to $5.<br />To adjust for a portion of the revenue lost due to the postponement, commissioners voted to reallocate $8 million of economic development funds. This move allows the authority to pay down its debt and delay increasing the tolls for the next 10 months.<br />“By not increasing tolls, the average toll paying customer will save approximately $200 during the 10-month time period,” said John Matheussen, DRPA CEO and PATCO president.<br />Routes 422 & 202<br />Lane restrictions are scheduled Tuesday on Routes 202 and 422 for a series of bridge inspections in Tredyffrin, Chester County, PennDOT said.<br />BULLET Tuesday, 9 a.m.-noon, the left lane will be closed on Route 422 West between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and U.S. Route 202.<br />BULLET Tuesday, noon-1 p.m., the right shoulder will be closed on Route 202 North between Valley Forge Road and Route 422.<br />BULLET Tuesday, 1-3 p.m., the right shoulder will be closed on the Route 202 South off-ramp to Swedesford Road.<br />Traffic Delays<br />Chester – Route 352, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions between 10th and 22nd streets, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />I-95 North/South – Chester, Chester Township, Upland, Upper Chichester and Lower Chichester, trenching with shoulder closures between Naamans Creek Road (Route 491) and the Blue Route (I-476), 9 p.m.-5 a.m. weeknights.<br />Route 452 East/West – Upper Chichester, trenching with shoulder closures between Chestnut Street and Johnson Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday.<br />Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1) – Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement with lane restrictions between Darlington and Station roads, 24-hour restrictions, through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12 on the $4.2 million project by J.D. Eckman Inc.<br />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.<br />Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br />Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br /> “Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-7175234301906616383?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-34369294857265971012009-12-14T07:04:00.000-08:002009-12-14T07:06:31.968-08:00<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-3436929485726597101?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-60837225173885274172009-12-08T07:20:00.000-08:002009-12-08T07:22:29.114-08:00PennDOT Should Regulate Driving DistractionsROAD WATCH COL. 12-6<br />(A Patch Quilt of Motor Vehicle Laws Makes No Sense)<br /><br />AAA Mid-Atlantic announced support of Philadelphia’s ban effective Dec. 1 on handheld cell phones and texting while driving a vehicle, but said a statewide law is needed in fairness to motorists.<br />I second that motion because how many people from surrounding suburbs or upstate or out-of-state know about this new regulation when they enter the city – especially if not enough signs are posted by the city. <br />The motorist organization – as does Road Watcher – believes legislation regulating motor vehicles should come from state lawmakers, not local municipalities. Some other municipalities, including Lower Chichester in Delaware County, have enacted such ordinances, but this just contributes to a confusing zig-zagging patch quilt of jurisdictions that many motorists may not be aware of.<br />I say let local municipalities enact local zoning and miscellaneous ordinances, but leave matters of motor vehicle regulation, inspection and related issues under the jurisdiction of PennDOT and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Are we going to have local mayors, commissioners and councilmen check tire pressures and mufflers next?<br />“A patchwork of local ordinances is unfair and can be confusing to motorists,” says AAA spokeswoman Catherine Rossi. AAA called on state lawmakers to pass a statewide law banning texting while driving.<br />“Texting while driving is the epitome of distracted driving,” Rossi said. “Research shows that our crash risk doubles when we look away from the road for two or more seconds.<br />“No message is worth the risk to yourself or other drivers,” she said. “If a message or an e-mail just can’t wait – pull over to a safe area before replying.”<br />AAA believes that laws that prohibit handheld cell phones while driving, but allow hands-free phone use feed the misconception that hands-free cell phones are safer. Research such as a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has shown that whether handheld or hands-free, it is the conversation that is the distraction.<br />Drivers using a cell phone while driving are far more likely to be involved in a crash, using either method.<br />House Bill 2070, House Bill 1375 and Senate Bill 143 seek to ban texting while driving.<br />An amendment to H.B. 67 would expand the state’s careless driving statute to include reckless driving caused by distractions including interactive wireless communications devices, electronic, electrical or mechanical devices, eating, drinking, grooming and reading.<br />Nope, you got to be kidding about the latter four activities – talk about Big Brother encroaching on our lives. And that last activity – how are you supposed to read a map?<br />Nineteen states including nearby New Jersey have laws on the books banning texting while driving; seven others have pending legislation.<br />Photo ID Cards <br />Starting last week, PennDOT is making photo identification cards available to Pennsylvania residents aged 10 and older. The previous minimum age requirement to obtain a photo ID card was 16.<br />The law took effect Nov. 29. All other requirements for obtaining a Pennsylvania photo ID card remain the same.<br />PennDOT reminds individuals under 18 applying for a state photo ID card that a parent, guardian or person acting in loco parentis must accompany them to a PennDOT License Center.<br />To locate a PennDOT Driver License Center, visit the Locations Information Center on the Driver and Vehicle Services Web site, www.dmv.state.pa.us.<br />The form DL-54A, “Application for Initial Photo Identification Card,” is available on the Web site.<br />An individual must bring the form completed, along with the required identity documents and a fee of $12 to a PennDOT Driver License Center to obtain the photo ID.<br />Vets License Plates<br />Honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces have a new way to proudly display their service as PennDOT has a new series of military license plates honoring vets of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.<br />What happened to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard?<br />The new plates feature the standard Pennsylvania license plate colors of blue, white and yellow, along with the applicable branch of service emblem or logo on the left side of the plate.<br />Pennsylvania is printed at the top of the plate, with the name of the applicable branch of service at the bottom.<br />To obtain one of these plates, honorably discharged vets must complete and mail Form MV-150, Application for U.S. Military Veteran Registration Plate, to PennDOT and include a certified copy of their DD-214 form, along with a $20 fee.<br />The MV-150 form is available on PennDOT’s Web site, www.dmv.state.pa.us.<br />New Traffic Light<br />A new traffic signal is now operating at the intersection of Route 252 (Darby Paoli Road) and White Horse Road in Newtown, Delaware County, and Easttown Township, Chester County, PennDOT said. The project was completed four weeks ahead of schedule and was financed with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.<br />Previously, the intersection operated only with a stop sign on White Horse Road. <br />PennDOT’s contractor began construction on Sept. 28 under a $129,291 contract to enhance traffic flow and safety at the intersection.<br />The new traffic signal includes emergency pre-emption equipment to allow emergency vehicles to receive priority control through the intersection, a video detection system to maximize the green light time on Route 252 and an advance green phase for left turns onto White Horse Road from Route 252 North.<br />About 20,000 vehicles a day travel on Route 252 through the intersection and the presence of a new traffic signal is allowing White Horse Road motorists to turn safely onto Route 252.<br />Newtown funded the engineering design phase of the project. <br />Blue Route Work<br />Nighttime lane closures 10 p.m.-5 a.m. are scheduled on the Blue Route (I-476) in Montgomery County tonight through Thursday for continuing construction between the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Mid-County Interchange and I-76 Interchange.<br />Lane restrictions will be in place as crews continue to work in preparation for shifting construction from the northbound I-476 bridge over the Schuylkill River to the southbound crossing in early January, and to repave shoulders and build crossovers for the start of reconstruction in early 2010 on 3.2 miles of I-476 South.<br />Traffic Delays<br />U.S. Route 322 East (Conchester Highway) – Bethel and Upper Chichester, Chester Water Authority installation, lane restrictions between Creek Parkway and U.S. Route 1, 7 p.m.-6 a.m. weekdays through Dec. 11. <br />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.<br />Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br />Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br /> “Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-6083722517388527417?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-4700825417141664212009-11-30T08:03:00.000-08:002009-11-30T08:04:52.481-08:00Blue Route Work cuts down lanes to two lanes, then only one laneOvernight lane closures will be in place on the Montgomery County section of the Blue Route (I-476) this week for crossover and shoulder construction to prepare the highway for reconstruction next year, PennDOT said.<br />I-476 South will be reduced from three lanes to two from south of the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Mid-County Interchange (Exit 20) to south of the I-76 Interchange (Exit 15) Monday-Thursday, 10 p.m.-5 a.m.<br />I-476 North will be reduced from three lanes to two from the I-76 Interchange (Exit 16) to the north side of the Blue Route's Schuylkill River bridge Monday-Thursday, 10 p.m.-5 a.m.<br />I-476 North will be reduced from three lanes to two from approaching the Ridge Pike Interchange (Exit 18) to the approach to the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Mid-County Interchange (Exit 20) Monday-Thursday 10-11 p.m. Northbound traffic will then be reduced from three lanes to only one lane each night 11 p.m.-5 a.m.<br />Motorists using I-476 should remain alert for slowdowns and expect delays approaching the construction areas - especially when the two-lane closure is in place on I-476 North.<br />The work is dependent on the weather. <br />Barry Bridge Restrictions<br />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 bridge reconstruction.<br />Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the westbound right lane will be closed on the bridge for bridge deck reconstruction.<br />Crews are building a new ramp off the approach to the bridge to enable I-95 motorists to exit onto Route 291 (Second Street). A second ramp is being built off the bridge which will allow Route 291 drivers to reach I-95.<br />I-95 - Delaware County<br />Lane restrictions are scheduled on I-95 North/South at Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) in Tinicum 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays for conduit installation.<br />Also, Tuesday-Wednesday, 9 p.m.-5 a.m., one lane will be closed on I-95 South between the Blue Route (I-476) and the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester for barrier installation.<br />I-95 -- Philadelphia<br />Lane restrictions are scheduled on I-95 in Philadelphia for a series of bridge inspections this week.<br />Tuesday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the right lane will be closed on I-95 South between Frankford Avenue and I-676 (Vine Expressway), PennDOT reports.<br />Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the left lane will be closed on I-95 South between Broad Street and Enterprise Avenue.<br />Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., the left lane will be closed on I-95 South between Broad Street and Enterprise Avenue.<br />Also, overnight lane closures will occur this week on I-95 between the Broad Street Interchange and the Girard Point Bridge for line painting, implementing a traffic pattern change and installing a painting platform, PennDOT said.<br />Northbound I-95 traffic will be reduced from three lanes to two from 8 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday, and southbound I-95 traffic will be reduced from three lanes to two from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday.<br />Then on Wednesday-Friday, 8 p.m.-5 a.m., the next morning, northbound I-95 will be reduced from three lanes to two on the Girard Point Bridge.<br />Backups are expected to occur.<br />South Street Bridge Work<br />Overnight lane closures and intermittent traffic stoppages are scheduled this week on I-76 East (Schuylkill Expressway) at the South Street Interchange in Philadelphia for construction of the new South Street Bridge by the City of Philadelphia, PennDOT reported.<br />Eastbound I-76 will be reduced from two lanes to one at the South Street Interchange Tuesday-Friday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.<br />In addition, intermittent 15-minute traffic stoppages will occur on I-76 East each morning 12:01-5 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Backups will occur during the late night and early morning work hours.<br />Sidewalk Restrictions - Philadelphia<br />Sidewalk and parking lane restrictions will be in effect this week on the Market Street and Chestnut Street bridges over the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia for inspections of both structures, PennDOT said. The restrictions will be in place 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday.<br />New I-76 Ramps<br />Construction will begin Tuesday on a $10.5 million project to construct new ramps to connect westbound I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) with Henderson Road and South Gulph Road in Upper Merion, Montgomery County. <br />Starting Tuesday, two lanes of South Gulph Road will be shifted to the northbound side of the roadway while crews install temporary barriers 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Once the barriers are installed, the traffic pattern will remain in effect for the remainder of the job.<br />Traffic Delays<br />U.S. Route 322 East (Conchester Highway) - Bethel and Upper Chichester, Chester Water Authority installation, lane restrictions between Creek Parkway and U.S. Route 1, 7 p.m.-6 a.m. weekdays through Dec. 11. <br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Chester - Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br />Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br /> "Road Watch" appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-470082541714166421?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-44218614312563064002009-11-23T09:48:00.000-08:002009-11-23T09:53:22.540-08:00Holiday Travel Slightly HigherRoad Watch Col. For 11-22, <br />AAA estimates that 38.4 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend – a 1.4 percent increase over last year.<br />About 33.2 million of holiday travelers plan to go by car – an increase of 2.1 percent.<br />The number of air travelers is expected to be 2.3 million – a decline of 6.7 percent.<br />The number of those traveling by other means, including trains, buses and multiple modes of transportation is expected to be 2.9 million – an increase of 1.2 percent.<br />“Although far too many Americans remain unemployed or under financial stress, AAA’s projected increase in Thanksgiving travel is another hopeful sign that economic conditions are stabilizing and improving in some areas,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Ela Voluck.<br />Last year, Thanksgiving travel dropped a whopping 25 percent in the wake of the ongoing housing and financial crisis. This year’s expected increase in travel reflects improvied consumer confidence from one year ago, better financial market performance and a growing sense among many consumers that the worst of the global economic crisis is behind us.<br />This year’s decrease in air travel continues a decade-long trend in which air travel as a percentage of total Thanksgiving travel has declined substantially.<br />Since 2000, the number of Americans traveling by air during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend has dropped an astounding 62 percent.<br />While much of this decrease can be attributed to ongoing economic difficulties, the air travel experience itself has undergone a substantial change since the 1990s with stricter airport security, more frequent delays, reduced capacity, added surcharges and fees, all attributing to the decline.<br />Despite increases in gasoline prices the past month, most people will not change their decision to fly versus drive since seat availability becomes more limited and airline ticket prices increase as the holiday approaches. Gas prices are about 10-20 cents higher than a month ago.<br />The lowest average published airfares are expected to decrease four percent, to an average of $170 per round-trip ticket. This decrease is comparing airfares during just the week of Thanksgiving. Airfares as a whole have risen steadily since August.<br />Thanksgiving travelers will journey an average of 815 miles round-trip. More than one-third, 37 percent, of travelers will travel 250 miles or less round-trip.<br />About a quarter of weekend travelers will log between 251 and 700 miles.<br />More than 38 percent will travel more than 700 miles round-trip.<br />Thanksgiving travelers are expected to spend about $718 per household, with 32 percent for transportation, 21 percent for accommodations and 21 percent on food and beverages.<br />WORST HOLIDAY FOR CRASHES<br />The Thanksgiving holiday period resulted in the most crashes of any holiday last year, PennDOT said. There were more than 5,300 crashes and 53 fatalities during that span, which includes the weekends before and after the holiday.<br />With millions of motorists planning to travel for Thanksgiving, PennDOT kicked off its Operation Safe Holiday campaign. State police and hundreds of municipal police departments will work with PennDOT to increase traffic safety enforcement from now until the New Year’s holiday weekend.<br />The operation will include sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols and regular traffic safety patrols to focus on impaired, aggressive and unbuckled motorists. More than 250 drivers were cited for driving under the influence during the operation’s enforcement last year.<br />“This weekend is the start of one of the busiest times of year on our highways,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler.<br />PennDOT reminds drivers to make sure they are well rested and alert, or rotate drivers and take frequent breaks. Weather and road conditions can deteriorate quickly at this time of year as winter approaches.<br />DRIVER LICENSE CENTERS CLOSED<br />All Pennsylvania driver license and photo centers will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday, PennDOT said. Customers may still obtain driver and vehicle products and services online at its Web site, www.dmv.state.pa.us.<br />BUMPS & THUMPS<br />It’s bad enough many suburbanites – and those inside the city, too – are discouraged from shopping in Center City Philadelphia because of the parking meter situation and a higher sales tax -- and now City Council wants to have mandatory bicycle registration.<br />The suggestion that really blows my mind is they want to impose this on teens, too – some of whom can’t even afford a new bike, alone a license. It shouldn’t have taken the recent deaths of two pedestrians by two wheelers to spark this council action.<br />Police should have been cracking down on reckless speeding cyclists way before this. Increasing fines for this behavior is a good idea.<br />Let’s face it, many irresponsible cyclists make it bad for the law-abiding cycling majority by routinely racing through stop signs and red lights in the city to the consternation of motorists who harbor animosity against bicyclists in general because of this behavior. <br />Sounds like another quick-fix revenue producer to me that just penalizes the bike-riding public that’s helping eliminate air pollution and promoting physical fitness. <br />BLUE ROUTE WORK<br />Motorists using I-476 between the I-76 and Pennsylvania Turnpike interchanges in Montgomery County will encounter nighttime lane closures 10 p.m.-5 a.m. tonight through Tuesday night for continuing work to prepare 3.2 miles of the Blue Route for reconstruction next year.<br />I-95 – PHILADELPHIA<br />Overnight lane closures will be in place on I-95 between the Broad Street Interchange and the Girard Point Bridge Monday and Tuesday 8 p.m.-5 a.m. for line painting and implementing a new traffic pattern change. Backups are expected.<br />TRAFFIC DELAYS<br />I-476 North – Springfield, bridge inspection, left lane closed between MacDade Boulevard and Baltimore Pike 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday.<br />Also, I-476 South, Springfield, bridge inspection, left lane closed between the same locations 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday.<br />I-95 North/South – Upper Chichester and Lower Chichester, trenching and shoulder closures between Naamans Creek Road (Route 491) and Chichester Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Tuesday.<br />Haverford – West Chester Pike (Route 3), PECO installation with lane restrictions between Eagle Road and Washington Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />U.S. Route 322 East (Conchester Highway) – Bethel and Upper Chichester, Chester Water Authority installation, lane restrictions between Creek Parkway and U.S. Route 1, 7 p.m.-6 a.m. weekdays through Dec. 11. <br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br />Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br /> “Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-4421861431256306400?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-82076329925279521332009-11-16T12:35:00.000-08:002009-11-16T12:40:34.088-08:00Single-Vehicle Crashes Equal Majority of Traffic DeathsFor Nov. 15----Road Watch <br />Single-vehicle crashes were the cause of nearly 60 percent of traffic deaths on Pennsylvania roads in 2008, a recent analysis of federal data by AAA Mid-Atlantic shows.<br />That’s a 1 percent increase over the previous year. However, overall fatalities decreased by 1.5 percent in 2008.<br />In 2008, 845 of the 1,468 road deaths in the state were as a result of a single-vehicle crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported. The 2008 data shows the percentage of single-vehicle crashes in the state is the same as it was in 2006.<br />“A high percentage of traffic deaths from single-vehicle crashes in Pennsylvania is troubling,” says AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Catherine Rossi. “While the circumstances of each crash are different, we know drivers’ actions play a significant role.”<br />Drivers can lower their risk of a crash by avoiding distractions, not speeding and paying attention to road conditions, she said.<br />Most drivers consider single-vehicle crashes “freak accidents,” but in fact such crashes involved numerous contributing factors that motorists can control.<br />Distracted driving is chief among them. It increases the risks of single-vehicle and rear-end crashes, research shows. <br />Federal government studies show that 80 percent of crashes involve some form of driver inattention.<br />Pennsylvania’s percentage of single-vehicle crashes is six points higher than the most recent national average for single-vehicle crash road deaths, which was nearly 52 percent in 2007.<br />Pennsylvania’s single-vehicle crash deaths as a percentage of the total vehicle fatalities was as follows: 2008, 58 percent; 2007, 57 percent; 2006, 58 percent; 2005, 55 percent; 2004, 54 percent. <br />In Delaware last year, single-vehicle crash deaths accounted for 56 percent, 68 out of 121. <br />In New Jersey last year, these deaths accounted for 63 percent, 371 of 590.<br />Buckle Up<br />Nearly 88 percent of motorists on state roads are making the often life-saving decision to obey the law and buckle up, PennDOT said.<br />The 2009 seat belt use rate for Pennsylvania reached a record of 87.9 percent, an increase from the previous high of 86.7 percent reported in 2007.<br />Stronger traffic safety enforcement is one contributing factor to the rising seat belt usage rate.<br />About 450 municipal police departments and state police participate in national and statewide Click It or Ticket campaigns. More than 10,000 seat belt citations were issued by these departments in the last year. <br />PennDOT invested nearly $2.5 million of federal funding for this enforcement.<br />Another possible reason for the improvement is broader seat belt education aimed at students in kindergarten through grade 12. Law enforcement officers presented more than 850 programs reaching 47,000 students. <br />In conjunction with the programs, police increased the number of patrols around schools to encourage young drivers and their passengers to buckle up.<br />PennDOT reminds motorists that under state law, all front-seat passengers are required to buckle up. Failure to comply with the seat belt law can result in a penalty of $60, including the fine and other costs.<br />Children aged 4 to 8 must be restrained in an appropriate booster seat when riding anywhere in a motor vehicle. Also, children aged 8 to 18 must be in a seat belt when riding anywhere in the vehicle. Both of these laws are secondary – which means that drivers can be ticketed only when cited for another traffic violation such as speeding.<br />The state’s primary child passenger safety law requires children under the age of four to be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat anywhere in the vehicle. The fine for non-use of child safety and booster seats is a maximum of $100 in addition to other costs.<br />Hog Island Road Lighting<br />PECO Energy Co. has completed the first phase of a multi-year project to replace one-quarter of the street lights along Hog Island Road in Tinicum. The loop located east of Route 291 serves Philadelphia International Airport, the U.S. Postal Service Center, the Army National Guard post and several industrial customers.<br />About 20 street lights are being replaced each year.<br />Groundwater and moisture has caused damage to underground electric lines in the area and above-ground electric lines were not desirable in the area due to air traffic. The Hog Island area is made up mostly of marshes and meadows.<br />PECO recently completed about one mile of the underground work, using a combination of its electric and gas crews for the job. Another stretch will be replaced next year.<br />PECO and local officials discussed the project in recent months with particular concern for public safety, especially with local traffic. PECO said the conditions of the local area altered its typical engineering approach to the facility upgrades.<br />The new underground conduit will ensure electric lines are not affected by the constant exposure to moisture. Underground facilities tend to be less vulnerable to most weather conditions, such as wind and lightning, and other factors, including vehicle accidents.<br />However, when outages occur, it tends to take longer to identify and repair problems and is much more costly, PECO said.<br />Traffic Delays<br />Upland – Brookhaven Road, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions between Trimble Boulevard and Bridgewater Road 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Tinicum and Chester – Fourth Avenue, ADA ramp construction between Second Street and Governor Printz Boulevard 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Also, Second Street, ADA ramp construction at Madison Street in Chester, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Chester – Kerlin Street, ADA ramp construction between 10th and 14th streets, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br />Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br /> “Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-8207632992527952133?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-24205354813765900812009-11-02T07:12:00.000-08:002009-11-02T07:29:05.923-08:00Work Starts on Blue Route Prep WorkFor Nov. 1 --Road Watch Col. <br />Motorists traveling on the Blue Route (I-476) in Montgomery County will encounter nighttime lane restrictions this week starting tonight for continuing construction to prepare 3.2 miles of the highway for reconstruction next year, PennDOT said.<br />Northbound and southbound lane closures on I-476 will be in place tonight through Thursday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. from just south of the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), Exit 16 Interchange, in West Conshohocken to the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Mid-County Interchange in Plymouth Township.<br />Tonight through Thursday, the left lane will be closed on I-476 North/South.<br />Tonight through Thursday, the two left lanes on I-476 North will be closed 11 p.m.-5 a.m.<br />PennDOT said the lane closures will be in place to allow crews to rebuild the highway’s shoulders and construct cross-over lanes in the grass median in preparation for implementing a traffic pattern shift early next year when reconstruction of the southbound side of I-476 begins.<br />The work is the initial stage of a $71.7 million project to replace the Blue Route’s deteriorated concrete pavement, rehabilitate six dual mainline bridges and one overhead structure, rebuild and widen the highway’s shoulders, improve storm water drainage, remediate an area prone to sinkholes and install 17 new sign structures.<br />Crews will work through late 2011 to rebuild this portion of I-476 that was built in the 1970s.<br />Daylight Saving Time Ends<br /> Daylight Saving Time in most of the United States ends at 2 a.m., local time, today, the first day of November so make sure you set your clocks back one hour. With the darkness falling on local roadways much earlier, it’s important that motorists adjust their driving accordingly, especially with the glare of the setting sun and the need to be aware of pedestrians, especially children, crossing hazardous intersections.<br /> Contrary to popular belief, no federal rule mandates that U.S. states or territories observe daylight saving time, according to National Geographic. <br /> Most U.S. residents set their clocks one hour forward in spring and one hour back in fall. But people in Hawaii and most of Arizon along with the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands—will do nothing. Those locales never deviate from standard time within their particular time zones. <br /> The federal law first passed in 1918 and, thanks to a 2005 revision that went into practice in 2007, now stipulates areas that observe daylight saving time must switch back to standard time at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November. <br /> The new Daylight Saving Time rule requires that regions that observe daylight saving time begin at the same time on the second Sunday in March. <br />Brookhaven Signals<br />Construction will begin Monday on a $203,158 municipal project to improve traffic signals in Brookhaven. The work will be done 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />The project is financed with federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.<br />BULLET Monday – lane restrictions are scheduled at the intersection of Bridgewater and West Brookhaven roads.<br />BULLET Tuesday – lane restrictions are scheduled at the intersection of Edgmont Avenue (Route 352) and Duttons Mill Road.<br />BULLET Wednesday –lane restrictions are scheduled at the intersection of Route 352 and Coebourn Boulevard.<br />BULLET Thursday – lane restrictions are scheduled at the intersection of Route 352 and Brookhaven Road.<br />BULLET Friday – lane restrictions are scheduled at the intersection of Route 352 and Trimble Boulevard.<br />Crews will improve traffic signals and pedestrian signals and signs in the borough.<br />Under the borough-designed project, workers will replace incandescent bulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) modules to enhance the visibility of the signals, plus provide a longer service life and use less energy than the incandescent bulbs.<br />New pedestrian countdown timers and push button controls will also be installed to enhance pedestrian safety.<br />The borough funded the engineering design phase of the improvement project.<br />Hog Island Road Lighting<br />PECO Energy Co. has completed the first phase of a multi-year project to replace one-quarter of the street lights along Hog Island Road in Tinicum. The loop located east of Route 291 serves Philadelphia International Airport, the U.S. Postal Service Center, the Army National Guard post and several industrial customers.<br />About 20 street lights are being replaced each year.<br />Groundwater and moisture has caused damage to underground electric lines in the area and above-ground electric lines were not desirable in the area due to air traffic. The Hog Island area is made up mostly of marshes and meadows.<br />PECO recently completed about one mile of the underground work, using a combination of its electric and gas crews for the job. Another stretch will be replaced next year.<br />PECO and local officials discussed the project in recent months with particular concern for public safety, especially with local traffic. PECO said the conditions of the local area altered its typical engineering approach to the facility upgrades.<br />The new underground conduit will ensure electric lines are not affected by the constant exposure to moisture. Underground facilities tend to be less vulnerable to most weather conditions, such as wind and lightning, and other factors, including vehicle accidents.<br />However, when outages occur, it tends to take longer to identify and repair problems and is much more costly, PECO said.<br />Route 202 North Bridge<br />Gov. Ed Rendell Saturday morning joined local officials in opening the new $8.4 million DeKalb Street (Route 202 North) Bridge in Bridgeport Borough, Montgomery County, which spans the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks.<br />Traffic Delays<br />Upland – Brookhaven Road, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions between Trimble Boulevard and Bridgewater Road 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Tinicum and Chester – Fourth Avenue, ADA ramp construction between Second Street and Governor Printz Boulevard 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Also, Second Street, ADA ramp construction at Madison Street in Chester, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Chester – Kerlin Street, ADA ramp construction between 10th and 14th streets, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Middletown – U.S. Route 1 South, overhead line work between Elwyn Road and Valleybrook Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Friday.<br />Also, Lungren Road, SEPTA utility installation between Lenni Road and Parkmount Road 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays through Friday.<br />Norwood – Chester Pike, PECO Energy installation between Ridley and Garfield avenues 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Wednesday.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br />Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br /> “Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-2420535481376590081?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-22390901107131602732009-11-02T07:10:00.000-08:002009-11-02T07:11:44.526-08:00<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-2239090110713160273?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-89925143649598429662009-10-27T07:45:00.000-07:002009-10-27T07:46:32.640-07:00Motorists Driving LessRoad Watch Col. –for Oct. 25<br />(PA. Driving Falls During August)<br />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.<br />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.<br />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. <br />Due to collection and analysis, federal highway data generally is released on a two-month delay.<br />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.<br />“Throughout the summer, Pennsylvanians were conservative in their driving,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Catherine Rossi.<br />“August is usually a heavily traveled month as families try to squeeze in vacations, but Pennsylvanians held back on travel,” she said.<br />The least traveled month was January, with a 4.5 percent decrease compared to the same month last year.<br />Traffic Delays<br />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.<br />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.<br />Brookhaven – Brookhaven Road, ADA ramp construction with restrictions between south Gray Street and Barlow Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Upland – Brookhaven Road, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions between Trimble Boulevard and Bridgewater Road 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Tinicum and Chester – Fourth Avenue, ADA ramp construction between Second Street and Governor Printz Boulevard 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Also, Second Street, ADA ramp construction at Madison Street in Chester, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Chester – Kerlin Street, ADA ramp construction between 10th and 14th streets, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Chester – Commodore Barry Bridge East, bridge work, right lane closed on bridge 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays, 24-hour restriction.<br />Also, westbound right lane closed on bridge weekdays.<br />Chester – Second Street, bridge work with intermittent traffic stoppages between Reaney and Flower streets 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays.<br />Chester – Third Street, bridge work, intermittent traffic stoppages between Reaney and Flower streets 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays.<br />Barry Bridge – Chester, ramp construction with stoppages in both directions on bridge 12:01-5 a.m Friday.<br />Aston – Concord Road, curb installation between Lehr Boulevard and Village Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday.<br />I-95 South – trenching with right shoulder closed between Naamans Creek Road and Chichester Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday.<br />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.<br />Also, Lungren Road, SEPTA utility installation between Lenni Road and Parkmount Road 7 a.m.-4 p.m. starting Thursday and through Nov. 6.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Upper Darby – Garrett Road, PECO installation between Wembly and Bayard roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br />Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br /> “Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-8992514364959842966?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-63103438667038474302009-10-20T08:14:00.000-07:002009-10-20T08:15:36.907-07:00Beware of Deer on RoadsFor October 18, ROAD WATCH…<br />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.<br />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.<br />“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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />More than 78 percent of the total crashes the past five years involving deer occurred between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m.<br />By following a few safety tips, motorists and outdoor enthusiasts can help reduce the possibility of being involved in a crash with a deer.<br />BULLET Be on the alert for individuals entering the woods early in the morning and leaving in the late evening hours.<br />BULLET Make young drivers aware of increased deer movement.<br />BULLET Slow down and use caution, especially where deer crossing signs are posted and increase following distance between vehicles.<br />BULLET Exercise caution when one deer crosses a roadway. Since deer often travel in small herds, one deer will usually be followed by others.<br />BULLET Always wear your seat belt and never drink and drive.<br />BULLET Turn on your headlights if your windshield wipers are on – it’s the law.<br />If a dead deer presents an obvious safety hazard on state roadways, motorists can call 1-800-FIX-ROAD to have the deer removed.<br />PennDOT also reminds motorists they can visit 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.<br />For fall driving tips and other highway safety information, visit www.DriveSafePA.org.<br />Barry Bridge Work <br />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).<br />Construction is scheduled to finish in 2011.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Friday, 12:01-5 a.m., there will be intermittent traffic stoppages on eastbound and westbound Commodore Barry Bridge for beam erection.<br />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.<br />Brookhaven ADA Ramps<br />Construction will begin Monday on a $190,000 project to replace 42 ADA curb ramps in Brookhaven funded with a federal stimulus grant.<br />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.<br />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.<br />SEPTA Hybrids<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />“For 2009 and 2010, were are picking up the option…” he said.<br />The green fleet will enhance transportation while providing cleaner air to the region.<br />By this time next year, about 25 percent of SEPTA’s fleet will be hybrids, Busch said. <br />PATCO Drill<br />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. <br />SEPTA Drill<br />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.<br />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.<br />Traffic Delays<br />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.<br />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. <br />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.<br />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.<br />Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br />Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br /> “Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-6310343866703847430?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-12468763373595726662009-10-05T08:54:00.000-07:002009-10-05T08:55:41.778-07:00Fall Driving Safety TipsFor Oct. 4---Road Watch<br />The autumn season is when motorists should be wary of wet leaves, sun glare, fog and frost that can make driving hazardous, PennDOT says.<br />“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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />For more fall driving tips and other highway safety information, visit www.DriveSafePA.org. <br /> I-95 Bridge Work/Inspections<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />MS 150 Bike Tour<br />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.<br />Riders left early Saturday morning from the parking lot of PATCO’s Woodcrest Station in Cherry Hill and return from Ocean City today.<br />For the past 20 years, PATCO and the Delaware River Port Authority have hosted the start and finish of the two day ride.<br />Organizers hope to raise over $5 million this year.<br />Cyclists ride through the blueberry fields of Hammonton, South Jersey’s Pine Barrens and into Ocean City and back.<br />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.<br />Vine Expressway (I-676)<br />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.<br />Motorists are urged to use an alternate route or face traffic delays from 30 to 45 minutes.<br />Guide Rail Repairs<br />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.<br />PennDOT says crews will repair aluminum protective barriers along a highway bridge over Amtrak railroad tracks. <br />On I-476 South, the left lane will be closed between MacDade Boulevard and I-95.<br />On I-95 North, the right lane and right shoulder will be closed between I-476 (Exit 7) and Stewart Avenue (Exit 8).<br />Traffic Delays<br />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.<br />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. <br />U.S. Route 1 (Baltimore Pike) – Concord and Chester Heights, milling at Stoneybank Road 7 p.m.-5 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday.<br />Baltimore Pike – Middletown and Upper Providence, milling between Route 352 and State Street 7 p.m.-5 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br />Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br /> “Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-1246876337359572666?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-20492953488571849992009-09-28T09:46:00.000-07:002009-09-28T09:47:31.829-07:00Get the Message, Drivers, on I-76ROAD WATCH, SEPT. 27(I-76 Message Boards start operating Sept. 30)<br />Motorists on the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) will soon know how many minutes it will take to travel between major interchanges on the expressway starting Wednesday as PennDOT begins posting travel times on 13 dynamic message signs in Philadelphia and Montgomery County.<br />The message signs will display I-76 travel times with eight signs located on I-76; two on the Blue Route (I-476) near the I-76 Interchange; two on Route 1/Roosevelt Extension; and one at the base of the Platt Bridge near 26th Street.<br />They will operate seven days a week 6 a.m.-10 p.m.<br />Travel time information will be the default message throughout the day, but it will be replaced by a higher priority message in the event of an incident or emergency, road construction, hazardous weather condition or an AMBER alert.<br />The signs will display a three-line message to inform motorists of the travel time and distance to a certain interchange. The top line of the message will display the phrase “Avg. Travel Time.” Secondary lines will display the destination, for example, To I-676 EXIT, To U.S. 1 EXIT, To I-95 EXIT, To I-476 EXIT; the distance to the destination in miles and the travel time in minutes.<br />Minor variations may be used in situations where travel times are posted for a specific area along the main road or along an intersecting roadway or where travel times are displayed to multiple locations.<br />Fourteen electronic travel time readers along I-76 and four along southbound Route 1/Roosevelt Extension will calculate the travel times between key interchanges. The readers measure the time it takes for a vehicle to travel from one reader to another.<br />More than 100,000 motorists drive I-76 each day, PennDOT said.<br />Such information can help motorists to decide whether to stay on I-76 or use an alternate route, said District Executive Lester Toaso. It can also help reduce driver anxiety during times of congestion because motorists won’t have to guess how long it will take to travel from one point of the expressway to another, he said.<br />PennDOT recently installed travel time readers on I-76 along with closed-circuit television cameras, message signs and incident detectors as part of a $23 million Intelligent Transportation System improvement project.<br />In November 2008, PennDOT launched a pilot program for posting travel times on message signs in the state, starting on U.S. Routes 202, 100 and 30 in Chester County.<br />Ben Franklin Bridge<br />Between 10 a.m. and noon today, about 1,300 people will walk across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge’s south pedestrian walkway to raise money for the Fifth Annual Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer. They will end their walk at Penn’s Landing. The walk benefits the City of Hope Cancer Center.<br />Vehicular traffic will not be affected during this event. The north walkway will remain closed for construction.<br />Girard Avenue Ramp to I-95 North<br />The Girard Avenue ramp to I-95 North and northbound Aramingo Avenue in Philadelphia will close Monday for the start of an $8.8 million project to improve travel through the I-95/Girard Avenue Interchange, PennDOT said.<br />Over the next 10 months, a detour will direct eastbound Girard Avenue drivers onto Richmond Street, from where they will reach the ramp to I-95 North or access northbound Aramingo Avenue. Workers will build a temporary off-ramp from I-95 South to southbound Aramingo Avenue and realign northbound Aramingo Avenue between Delaware Avenue and York Street.<br />Route 202 Bridge<br />Construction will begin 10 p.m. Monday on a 14-month project to replace the 55-year-old bridge carrying U.S. Route 202 over SEPTA-owned railroad tracks just south of the Westtown Road Interchange in West Goshen, Chester County. The $3.7 million project is scheduled to finish in November 2010.<br />The bridge’s steel beams and concrete deck have deteriorated to the extent that they must be replaced.<br />Drivers should allow additional time to travel this stretch 10 p.m.-5 a.m. weeknights as one lane will be closed in one or both directions. <br />Route 491 Closing<br />Route 491 (Naaman’s Creek Road) between Meetinghouse and Larkin roads in Upper Chichester will be closed starting Monday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays through Nov. 24 for sanitary sewer repairs by the Southern Delaware County Authority.<br />During construction, Route 491 through traffic will be detoured over Meetinghouse Road, Chichester Avenue, Bethel Road and Larkin Road. Local access will be maintained up to the construction zone. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.<br />Traffic Delays<br />Edgmont – Valley Road, closed/detoured for repairs/resurfacing between Middletown Road (Route 352) and Brick House Farm Road, starting Wednesday, and Oct. 21. <br />Baltimore Pike (Route 1) – Middletown, Aqua Pa. utility installation between Black Horse Lane and Valley Road 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Wednesday through Nov. 30.<br />Holmes Road/Amosland Road – Ridley Township, Prospect Park and Norwood, Aqua utility installation between MacDade Boulevard and Chester Pike 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 2, detour posted.<br />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.<br />Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br />Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br /> “Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-2049295348857184999?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-46230644529447585722009-09-21T07:23:00.000-07:002009-09-21T07:27:08.977-07:00Trolley Work Detours Burmont RoadFor Sept. 20, Road Watch Col.<br /><br />Burmont Road Closing<br />SEPTA construction crews closed Burmont Road starting 7 a.m. Saturday through 5 a.m. Sept. 28 for work on the Media/Sharon Hill trolley lines.<br />All vehicular/pedestrian traffic will be detoured around Burmont Road between Cheswold and Blanchard Roads in Upper Darby.<br />A mobile welding factory will begin to join 80-foot-long rails for the new continuously welded steel track which will replace the current rails dating from 1922. These sections may reach 1,800 feet in length before being laid onto rail ties at ground level.<br />The Route 102 Sharon Hill Line recently began operating buses in place of trolleys and temporary stop locations have been constructed for riders for the next four months between Drexel Hill Junction and Sharon Hill as additional projects are completed.<br />Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area. There will be several posted pedestrian detours.<br />This work is a component of the federally funded Media/Sharon Hill Improvement Project in Delaware County which extends from 69th Street Terminal through Media and Sharon Hill.<br />The work will improve the safety and efficiency of the Route 101 Media and Route 102 Sharon Hill trolley lines. Both lines serve about 8,000 and 7,500 daily passengers, respectively.<br />The improvement project hotline can be accessed at 1-800-808-5025 for additional project information.<br />For SEPTA service information, call 215-580-7800 or visit www.septa.org.<br />E-ZPass Lane for Bridges<br />The Delaware River Port Authority has approved a $350,476 contract to provide design services for an Express E-ZPass lane on the Betsy Ross Bridge, which will also serve as a pilot program for a potential express lane at the Commodore Barry Bridge.<br />The express lane allows E-ZPass customers to pay the toll without having to slow down through the toll plaza. An express lane is usually located on the left side of the toll plaza.<br />DRPA hopes to have the express lane operational in 2011.<br />Betsy Ross Bridge Work<br />There will be travel restrictions for westbound traffic on the Betsy Ross Bridge until at least Tuesday for emergency repairs of an expansion joint.<br />Drivers traveling across the bridge into Philadelphia will have two lanes to travel until mid-span of the bridge. Once at mid-span, the bridge will be reduced to one lane for the remainder of the length of the crossing.<br />Rail Roadeo<br />SEPTA veterans Michael Sheppard of Collingdale and Adrian Mapp were among the winners in the SEPA Annual Rail Roadeo at the Elmwood Maintenance Facility in Southwest Philadelphia who secured a place at the 2010 International Rail Roadeo competition in Vancouver, Canada.<br />I-95 Bridge Inspections<br />Lane closures are scheduled on the northbound I-95/Girard Point Bridge between Enterprise Avenue and Broad Street in Philadelphia Tuesday-Thursday for bridge inspection.<br />Tuesday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the left lane on I-95 South/Girard Point Bridge will be closed.<br />Wednesday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the right lane on I-95 South/Girard Point Bridge will be closed.<br />Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the right lane on I-95 North/Girard Point Bridge will be closed.<br />I-95/Broad Street Viaduct<br />Nighttime travel restrictions are scheduled this week on the nearly 3,000-foot-long viaduct that carries I-95 over Broad Street in South Philadelphia, PennDOT said.<br />The contractor’s upcoming work schedule is coordinated so as not to affect traffic flow into or out of the stadium complex area during events. The viaduct carries 95,000 vehicles a day.<br />Monday and Tuesday, 8 p.m.-5 a.m. the next morning, I-95 North will be reduced from three lanes to two between the Broad Street Interchange and the Girard Point Bridge.<br />Wednesday and Friday, 8 p.m.-5 a.m. the next morning, I-95 North/South will be reduced from three lanes to two between the Broad Street Interchange and the Girard Point Bridge.<br />From 8 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday, I-95 North will be reduced from three lanes to two between the Broad Street Interchange and Girard Point Bridge.<br />The lane closure on I-95 South will start at 10 p.m. and last until 5 a.m. Friday.<br />Crews will work over the next year to improve the viaduct by repairing structural steel beams and other steel components, repairing and resurfacing the concrete deck; replacing expansion joints; and repairing concrete piers. The viaduct was built in 1973.<br />I-95 Bridge Repairs <br />Today-Thursday, 9 p.m.-5 a.m., I-95 North/South will be restricted between Route 420 in Tinicum and Ridley Township and Broad Street in Philadelphia. Crews will work at night to seal pavement joints, repair bridge decks and replace expansion dams.<br />I-95 Paving<br />Nighttime lane restrictions on I-95 between Girard and Cottman avenues in Philadelphia are scheduled weeknights 8 p.m.-5 a.m. for milling and paving.<br />In addition, nighttime lane restrictions are scheduled on the I-95 ramps to Allegheny Avenue, Castor Avenue and Bridge Street during the same hours Monday-Friday for structural repairs.<br />Vine Expressway <br />Nighttime travel restrictions are scheduled on I-676 East/West (Vine Expressway) between the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) and I-95 in Philadelphia 8 p.m.-5 a.m. weeknights for joint sealing of the concrete pavement.<br />Motorists are advised to use an alternate route or face traffic delays from 30 to 45 minutes.<br />Schuylkill Expressway<br />Drivers will encounter overnight lane closures/slowdowns weeknights traveling on the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) between the I-676 and University/Grays Ferry avenues interchanges in Philadelphia for bridge construction.<br />Monday-Friday, 8 p.m.-5 a.m. the next morning, I-76 East/West will be reduced to one lane at the University/Grays Ferry avenues interchange.<br />Monday-Friday, 10 p.m.-5 a.m. the next morning, I-76 West will be reduced to one lane between the Chestnut Street and I-676 Interchange for repairs to the Schuylkill Avenue structure over the expressway.<br />Traffic Delays<br />Baltimore Pike (Route 1) – Middletown, Aqua Pa. utility installation between Black Horse Lane and Valley Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.<br />Also, utility installation between Black Horse Lane and Valley Road 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Wednesday through Nov. 30.<br />Tinicum – Second Street, ADA ramp construction between LaGrange and Poulsen avenues 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Holmes Road/Amosland Road – Ridley Township, Prospect Park and Norwood, Aqua utility installation between MacDade Boulevard and Chester Pike 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 2, detour posted.<br />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.<br />Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br />Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br /> “Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-4623064452944758572?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891493731196071757.post-41516664291396561262009-09-14T07:25:00.000-07:002009-09-14T07:28:12.183-07:00Precious CargoRoad Watch for Sept. 13<br />(National Child Passenger Safety Week, etc.)<br />Motorists are urged to have their child safety seats inspected for proper use/installation during National Child Passenger Safety Week.<br />Crash data show that even though a child may be restrained, the appropriate child safety seat must be used properly to ensure effectiveness, PennDOT said.<br />Since 2004, there have been 97 fatalities and 14,383 injuries to children up to age eight. About 46 percent of those injuries were cases where either a child safety seat was not used or the child was not restrained properly.<br />To keep children safe, PennDOT provides funding for about 160 child passenger safety seat fitting stations. More than 5,000 seats were checked at these stations last year.<br />In addition, PennDOT invested about $100,000 from fines for seat belt violations to buy child safety seats for its loaner program, which loans car seats to families in need.<br />Information on fitting stations and the loaner program is available by calling 1-800-CAR-BELT or visiting www.DriveSafePA.org.<br />Under the state’s primary child passenger safety law, children under the age of 4 must be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat anywhere in the vehicle.<br />In addition, children aged 4 up to 8 must be restrained in an appropriate booster seat.<br />Violating either of these laws can result in a $100 fine plus associated costs.<br />Once a child outgrows the booster seat, state law requires that children up to age 18 must be secured in a seat belt system anywhere in the vehicle. Violators of this law are subject to a $10 fine plus associated costs.<br />Rail Work<br />In Upper Darby and Lansdowne, SEPTA will close Burmont Road between Garrett Road and East Baltimore Avenue in Upper Darby and Lansdowne starting Sept. 19 for rail replacement, PennDOT reported. The 24-hour detour will be in place through September 28.<br />During the operation, Burmont Road will be detoured over Garrett Road, North Bishop Avenue and East Baltimore Avenue. Local access will be maintained up to the construction zone.<br />Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area. There will be several posted pedestrian detours.<br />SEPTA will complete the work under a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit.<br />I-95/Girard Point Bridge<br />PennDOT has announced the awarding of a $70 million contract for renovations to the I-95/Girard Point Bridge in Philadelphia, a project underwritten by federal stimulus funds.<br />PennDOT awarded a contract to the tri-venture of Buckley & Co. Inc. of Philadelphia, Alpha Painting & Construction Co. Inc. of Baltimore, Md., and Liberty Maintenance Inc. of Campbell, Ohio, for the rehabilitation and painting of the bridge over the Schuylkill River.<br />Construction is expected to start in late September to extend the life, aesthetics and ride quality of the 18-span steel truss bridge by performing various structural repairs and maintenance work. The project is scheduled to finish in the fall of 2012.<br />The contractor will work over the next three years to repair/strengthen structural steel members and paint the entire bridge, among other repairs, to reduce the susceptibility of corrosion from the elements and reduce periodic maintenance.<br />Schuylkill Expressway<br />Motorists will face overnight lane closures/slowdowns this week traveling on the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) between I-676 and the University Avenue/Grays Ferry Avenue interchanges in Philadelphia for bridge construction.<br />Monday-Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., I-76 East/West will be reduced to one lane at the interchanges for bridge construction.<br />Monday-Friday, 10 p.m.-5 a.m., I-76 West will be reduced to one lane between Chestnut Street and the I-676 Interchanges for repairs to the Schuylkill Avenue structure over the expressway.<br />Traffic Delays<br />I-95 North/South – Tinicum and Ridley Township, bridge repairs today through Thursday between Broad Street and Route 420, 9 p.m.-5 a.m.<br />Tinicum – Route 291, ADA ramp construction between First and Fifth avenues 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Also, Wanamaker Avenue, ADA ramp construction between Third and Fourth streets, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Also, Second Street, ADA ramp construction at LaGrange Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.<br />Thornbury – U.S. Route 202, PECO Energy Co. utility installation between Dilworthtown and Oakland roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.<br />Haverford – Haverford Road, Aqua utility installation at West Hathaway Lane 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Wednesday.<br />Holmes Road/Amosland Road – Ridley Township, Prospect Park and Norwood, Aqua utility installation between MacDade Boulevard and Chester Pike 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 2, detour posted.<br />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.<br />Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br />Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.<br /> “Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8891493731196071757-4151666429139656126?l=www3.allaroundphilly.com%2Fblogs%2Fdelcotimes%2Fjroman%2Fblog.html' alt='' /></div>John Romanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05265629241431735767noreply@blogger.com0