For Feb. 7----Road Watch…
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.
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.
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.
Such bans have been enacted in seven states so far, including nearby New Jersey, Utah, Oregon and Washington.
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.
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.
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.
H.B. 2070 – which also bans texting while driving -- is still in the Senate Transportation Committee and awaits a vote in the Senate.
Senate Majority Leader Sen. Dominic Pileggi is aware of the recent study, said his spokesman Erik Arneson.
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.
Sounds good to me, like in a large auditorium at the Delaware County Community College, not some cramped borough hall.
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.”
In a rare occurrence, fellow columnist Gil Spencer even saw eye-to-eye with Vitali. I don’t.
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.
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.
In other words, your mind’s somewhere else, get it?
It’s almost like daydreaming – deep in thought about some personal or stressful problem or some task that has to be done, etc.
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.
It’s not the same as preoccupation. Get it!
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.
R1 Airport Line
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.
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.
The weekend shuttle buses will resume Feb. 13-14, March 13-14, March 20-21 and March 27-28.
Outbound Airport Line trains will terminate at 30th Street Station where waiting buses will carry passengers standing by en route to the airport.
Shuttle buses will depart 30th Street Station nine minutes later than the scheduled train departure time.
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.
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.
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.
Traffic Delays
Chester, Parkside and Brookhaven – ADA ramp construction with restrictions between 21st Street and Beachwood Road 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Chester – Seventh Street, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at Highland Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
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.
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.
Haverford – Earlington Road, Aqua utility installation between Earlington and Covington roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.
Upper Darby – Providence Road, Aqua utility installation with lane restrictions at Sycamore Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.
Also, Garrett Road, PECO Energy installation between Shadeland Avenue and Riverview Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 19.
Aldan – Providence Road, Aqua utility installation with restrictions at Albert Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.
Collingdale – MacDade Boulevard, borough utility installation between Felton and Roberta avenues 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 25.
I-95 North/South ramps to the bridge – Chester, bridge construction with 15-minute stoppages on ramps 12:01 to 5 a.m. Wednesday.
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.
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.
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.
Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

Road Watch…Jan. 31…
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.
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.
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.
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?
It's almost like daydreaming -- deep in thought about some stressful or personal problem or future plans.
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.
It's not the same as PREOCCUPATION. Get it!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rep. Joe Markosek, D-Allegheny, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, the bill’s lead sponsor, returned my call Friday.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.
It’s a Go for Ramp Meters
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.
Traffic Delays
Chester, Parkside and Brookhaven – ADA ramp construction with restrictions between 21st Street and Beachwood Road 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Chester – Seventh Street, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at Highland Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
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.
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.
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.
I-95 North/South ramps to the bridge – Chester, bridge construction with 15-minute stoppages on ramps 12:01 to 5 a.m. Wednesday.
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.
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.
Commodore Barry Bridge West – Chester, bridge work, right lane closed on bridge, 24-hour closure through Aug. 31. Work began Dec. 14.
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.
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.
Chester – Norris Street, bridge ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restrictions through 2011. Work began January 2009.
Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

For January 24: ROAD WATCH
(POTHOLE SEASON STARTS EARLY)
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.
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.
“Our road maintenance hotline also provides an easy way to report maintenance problems such as downed signs and shoulder washouts,” he said.
Potholes are created when moisture seeps into the pavement, freezes, expands and then thaws.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Callers should be as specific as possible when providing locations of potholes or other maintenance problems.
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.
Toaso said PennDOT corrects these maintenance problems as soon as possible, with emergency road repairs receiving top priority.
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.
Blue Route
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I-95 – Philadelphia
Lane restrictions are scheduled this week on I-95 North/South in Philadelphia for bridge repairs.
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.
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.
I-95 North/South will be restricted between Girard Avenue and Woodhaven Road 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays for bridge structure repairs.
Traffic Delays
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.
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.
Brookhaven and Chester – ADA ramp construction with restrictions at Providence Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Tinicum – Fourth Avenue, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at North Governor Printz Boulevard 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Also, Jansen Street, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at Second Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Commodore Barry Bridge West – Chester, ramp construction, center lane closed on bridge, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Also, bridge work, right lane closed on bridge, 24-hour closure through August 2010. Work began Dec. 14.
I-95 North/South ramps to the bridge – Chester, bridge construction with 15-minute stoppages on ramps 12:01-5 a.m. Tuesday.
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.
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.
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.
Chester – Norris Street, bridge ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restrictions through 2011. Work began January 2009.
Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

ROAD WATCH FOR Jan. 17
SEPTA Regional Rail routes will operate with new schedules starting today.
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.
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.
Outbound trains are scheduled to depart Suburban Station from 8:53 p.m. until 2:43 p.m.
The new schedules are currently available on the SEPTA Web site at www.septa.org/schedules/upcoming.html.
Passengers will also be able to pick up new timetables at Market-East, Suburban and 30th Street stations and SEPTA sales offices.
You can also call the Customer Service Department at 215-580-7800.
Commodore Barry Bridge
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.
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.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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.
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.
Personalized Plates
Drivers can now go online to check the availability of personalized license plates from PennDOT.
Pennsylvanians have requested that the option to check personalized license plates availability be available online.
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.
There are about 276,000 personalized plates in use across the state.
Blue Route Lane Closures
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Improvements to the northbound bridge were completed in 2009.
Traffic Delays
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.
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.
Nether Providence – Baltimore Pike, core boring with lane restrictions between Grandview and Beatty roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
Brookhaven and Chester – ADA ramp construction with restrictions at Providence Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Tinicum – Fourth Avenue, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at North Governor Printz Boulevard 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Also, Jansen Avenue, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions at Second Avenue 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Springfield – Springfield Road, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation with restrictions at Netherwood Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chester – Norris Street, bridge ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restrictions through 2011. Work began January 2009.
Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

For Jan. 10…Road Watch col.
(PennDOT to shift Blue Route Traffic Pattern for next stage of construction)
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.
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.
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.
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.
I-476 North will carry three northbound travel lanes plus the southbound express lane.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
PennDOT began construction to rehabilitate the bridges last March. The project is scheduled to finish in December 2010.
Crews worked the past 10 months on the northbound bridge and this year they will rebuild the southbound structure.
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.
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.
This portion of I-476 carries between 128,000 to 145,000 vehicles a day.
Driver License Center Closings
All driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday and Jan. 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online.
Commodore Barry Bridge
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.
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.
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.
I-95 Bridge Repairs
Lane restrictions are scheduled this week on I-95 North/South in Philadelphia for bridge repairs.
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.
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.
Also, lane restrictions are scheduled on I-95 and I-676 in the city weekdays this week for a series of bridge inspections.
Traffic Delays
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.
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.
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.
I-95 North ramp – Tinicum, trenching, right shoulder closed on ramp to Industrial Highway (Route 291) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.
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.
Route 320 (Madison Street) – Chester, ADA ramp construction, lane restrictions between Fifth and 22nd streets, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
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.
Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.
Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

For Dec. 13------Road Watch…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Barry Bridge Construction
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.
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.
BULLET Monday, 4-9 a.m., the westbound right lane will be closed on the bridge for bridge deck reconstruction.
BULLET Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the westbound center lane will be closed on the bridge daily for bridge deck reconstruction.
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.
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.
For more information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/district 6.
I-95 Bridge Repairs
Lane restrictions are scheduled this week on I-95 North/South in Philadelphia for bridge repairs under three separate contracts.
The work will be completed under a $10.8 million contract.
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.
SEPTA Shuttles
Starting Monday, SEPTA will begin running shuttle buses for the next phase of the Route 101 Media/Sharon Hill Line reconstruction project.
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.
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.
They will also install fiber optic cabling along the line for audio-visual public address devices at passenger stations and train control.
Work will also include structural improvements to overhead power systems and vegetation maintenance.
Shuttle bus stops are located at or near trolley stops marked with “Route 101 Shuttle Bus” signs.
No Bridge Toll Hike Yet
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.
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.
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.
“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.
Routes 422 & 202
Lane restrictions are scheduled Tuesday on Routes 202 and 422 for a series of bridge inspections in Tredyffrin, Chester County, PennDOT said.
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.
BULLET Tuesday, noon-1 p.m., the right shoulder will be closed on Route 202 North between Valley Forge Road and Route 422.
BULLET Tuesday, 1-3 p.m., the right shoulder will be closed on the Route 202 South off-ramp to Swedesford Road.
Traffic Delays
Chester – Route 352, ADA ramp construction with lane restrictions between 10th and 22nd streets, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
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.
Route 452 East/West – Upper Chichester, trenching with shoulder closures between Chestnut Street and Johnson Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday.
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.
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.
Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.
Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.