Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation in fatal car crashes involving teen drivers during the holiday season between 2000 and 2007, according to a new study released by Allstate Insurance. The study which measured crashes from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day found that 187 deadly crashes over that eight-year stretch occurred while teens were behind the wheel in the Keystone state.
Texas led the nation with 456 teen driver-involved deadly collisions over the same span, followed by California, 451; Florida, 378; Pennsylvania and Georgia, 185. Any of these fatal crashes may have resulted in multiple deaths.
More than a third of the deadly collisions - 66 - over that period occurred in the Philadelphia metro area. The region had a fatal crash rate of just over two fatal crashes per 100,000 teens. That ranked Philadelphia 32nd among the nation's largest metro areas. Three out of the top five deadliest of U.S. metro areas were in Florida: Tampa, Jacksonville and Orlando, followed by Birmingham, Ala., and Kansas City, Mo.
The study findings by Allstate continues the company's national Home for the Holidays public awareness campaign. The focus of the campaign is to encourage parents to have the safe driving talk with their teens this holiday season. The perfect way to help make that conversation happen is by using the Allstate Parent-Teen Driving Contract, which helps families lay out expectations for smart driving decisions and consequences if those expectations are not met.
The contract is free and can be downloaded from www.allstate.com/teen.
A more detailed breakdown on the study results can be found at http://media.allstate.com/.

PICKPOCKET ALERT

'Tis the season for pickpockets and SEPTA police are advising riders on how to guard against them. Pickpocketing increases during the holiday season because of increased crowds. Not only do people carry more cash, the large crowds give the pick pocket the opportunity to "accidentally" bump into shoppers. Officers from the SEPTA Community Affairs Unit will be out at stops along the Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines handing out safety pamphlets to riders.
The pamphlet titled "Eight Tips Pickpockets Don't Want You to Know," lists security tips for riders. The number one safety travel tip is "don't flash your cash," have your fare ready in the form of a SEPTA token or TransPass and keep it in a different location than in your wallet. Other tips include:
BULLET People in crowds should be alert while waiting for a bus, train or trolley.
• Don't keep your wallet in your back pants pocket.
• Don't carry a long-strap pocketbook over your shoulder. If possible wear it under your coat.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages so you become a tempting target.
• Keep your purse, shopping bag, backpack, packages, etc., in your lap, on your arm or between your feet - not by themselves on an empty seat.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
• Keep keys readily available in your pockets to prevent fumbling when you arrive at your car or home.
SEPTA's Transit Police Department Community Relations Unit conducts transit safety programs for schools, civic and senior organizations within the region. Call 215-580-5747 to schedule a safety presentation.

OPERATION SAFE HOLIDAY

PennDOT, the Pennsylvania DUI Association, local police and the University of Pennsylvania joined together on the Penn campus recently to kick off Operation Safe Holiday, seeking to reduce highway crashes and fatalities for the holiday season.
The statewide enforcement and education initiative targets three of the leading factors associated with crashes: impaired driving, aggressive driving and unbelted occupants.
Highway crashes are the leading cause of death among young adults in Pennsylvania and nationwide. For people aged 21-25, half of their highway deaths in the state last year involved drunk driving.
Lou Belmonte, PennDOT District Traffic Safety Engineer said, "always buckle up. Never drive impaired. Have a designated driver. Don't speed, or run red lights. Take extra care if you're walking or bicycling."
The DUI Victims" Moving Memorial was at the Penn campus last week to help communicate the safe driving message. The memorial is an exact replica of the permanent DUI Victims' Memorial Garden in Harrisburg. On the 25-foot interior wall are the names of more than 1,000 DUI victims from throughout the state.
Operation Safe Holiday kicked off before Thanksgiving and continues through the Christmas and New Year's holidays. PennDOT channels federal grant funds to more than 100 police departments in the five-county southeast Pennsylvania region, including Delaware County, the University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia police departments. The money pays overtime for police to conduct additional safety enforcement.
Traffic Delays
Chester Township - Concord Road, PECO Energy utility installation between McDonald Boulevard and North Commerce Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 23. Work began Nov. 21.Route 1 North/South - Chadds Ford and Concord, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation with lane restrictions between Black Horse Lane and Route 352 (Middletown Road) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.Route 1 South - Middletown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation between Middletown Road and Elwyn Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.Media Line Road - Marple and Newtown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation, closed/detoured between West Chester Pike (Route 3) and Gradyville Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 15. Work began Oct. 6.Haverford - Darby Road closed/detoured between Route 320 and Marple Road, road widening/utility installation, weekdays and Saturdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Dec. 30. Work began May 27.
"Road Watch" appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

Shoppers: Start your engines — but drive carefully!
There are countless signs for stopping, sharp curves and blind hills, but one sign that is particularly needed — on mall parking lots — during the holiday shopping season is one urging motorists to slow down and adhere to the directional arrow markings in the lanes.
Mall and shopping strip parking lots can especially become hazardous during the holiday shopping season when people get caught up in the hustle-bustle of running around looking for gifts.
Driving around in circles trying to find that rare parking spot at your favorite mall is hard enough, but that doesn’t mean you have to forget using common courtesy or driving cautiously. Also, it doesn’t mean you have to be in a rush about backing out of a space to the detriment of a passing vehicle.
AAA Mid-Atlantic has also issued tips for keeping safe in parking lots during the holiday shopping season.
“Think safety first,” says Cathy Rossi, a spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Trust your instincts and take some simple safety steps to protect yourself and your valuables.”
Here’s some safety tips for shoppers:
 Shop during daylight hours whenever possible.
 Shop with family or friends, especially at night.
 Try to park in a well-lit area or near a well-traveled roadway.
 Keep your gifts/purchases in your trunk and out of plain sight by covering them up.
 If you have to put packages in your vehicle and return to shopping, move your car to a different area. If someone is watching, you’ll throw them off.
 Leave your purse or wallet at home. Carry your credit card in your front pocket. If you must carry a purse or wallet, make sure to keep it close to your body or in your front pocket.
 Most of all, beware of your surroundings. When returning to your car, have keys in hand. If you notice someone watching you or acting suspicious, return to the store and ask for a mall security escort.
 Don’t overload. Avoid overloading yourself with too many bags. Always keep one arm free in case of emergency.
 Save the most expensive gifts/purchases for the end of your shopping trip so you can head straight home instead of leaving them unattended in your car.
Gas Budget
Philadelphia area residents are spending about $200 less a month on gas this week than they would have during the middle of summer, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
As gas prices fall to levels not seen since early 2005, families are saving money on gas during these otherwise tough economic times.
The average family in the five-county Philadelphia area, including Delaware County, now has $201 more in their pocket than they did back in June.
Calculations approximate that the average family drives about 23,100 miles each year — sometimes using two vehicles — and the average vehicle gets about 20 miles per gallon.
“Lower gas prices will help families as we enter into the holiday shopping season,” said AAA’s Rossi. “AAA projects gas prices may drop even further in the weeks ahead.”
Schuylkill Expressway
Overnight lane closures are scheduled this week on the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) between the South Street and I-676 interchanges in Philadelphia for overhead bridge construction, PennDOT said.
I-76 East will be reduced from two lanes to one Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning.
I-76 West will be reduced from two lanes to one on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning.
The work is weather dependent.
The operation is part of PennDOT’s $18 million project to rehabilitate the JFK Boulevard Bridge over the Schuylkill River and to make structural repairs to the deck carrying Schuylkill Avenue over I-76.
Construction began in early April and is scheduled to finish in February.
SEPTASafety
SEPTA recently honored employees for their years of outstanding dedication to safety during their 15th Annual Safety Awards Banquet at the Philadelphia Sheraton Center City Hotel.
“Ensuring the safety of our employees and customers is a goal SEPTA works towards daily,” a spokesman said. “These recipients reflect the tireless hard work of our valuable employees in our effort to provide safe, reliable public transportation service for the region.”
Among those honored by General Manager Joseph Casey was Joseph Sophia, a 30-year Safety Award recipient.
Traffic Delays
Collingdale — MacDade Boulevard, utility installation between Collingdale and Felton avenues 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.
Chester Township — Concord Road, PECO Energy utility installation between McDonald Boulevard and North Commerce Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 23. Work began Nov. 21.
Chestnut Parkway — Nether Providence and Chester, PECO Energy utility maintenance with lane restrictions between Harvey Road and 24th Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 1. Work began Nov. 4.
Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction, closed/detoured between Second and Front streets, 24-hour closure through Dec. 5. Work began Nov. 5.
Route 1 North/South — Chadds Ford and Concord, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation with lane restrictions between Black Horse Lane and Route 352 (Middletown Road) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Route 1 South — Middletown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation between Middletown Road and Elwyn Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Media Line Road — Marple and Newtown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation, closed/detoured between West Chester Pike (Route 3) and Gradyville Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 15. Work began Oct. 6.
Haverford — Darby Road closed/detoured between Route 320 and Marple Road, road widening/utility installation, weekdays and Saturdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Dec. 30. Work began May 27.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

Road Watch for Nov. 23-------

With millions of motorists planning to travel for the Thanksgiving Day holiday, PennDOT is launching Operation Safe Holiday to improve highway safety.
“I am calling on each and every motorist on our highways to drive safely this holiday season,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler.
“Although we can all be distracted by the hustle and bustle of the season, please remember these important driving tips: buckle up, slow down and never drive impaired,” he said.
As part of the operation, police will use checkpoints and roving patrols in addition to regular traffic safety patrols. Departments may also introduce BOLT operations, which is when a safety checkpoint later turns into a sobriety checkpoint at the same location.
There were 4,925 crashes resulting in 46 fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday period last year, PennDOT reported.
The official driving period includes the weekends before and after the holiday.
To improve their safety on the highway, PennDOT encourages motorists to make sure they are well-rested and alert. During long trips, it is a good idea to rotate drivers and take frequent breaks.
Drivers should also give their full attention to the road and avoid distractions – that also means you, handheld cell-phone yakkers.
PennDOT also reminds motorists that weather and road conditions can change rapidly this time of year – like that pre-winter snowfall that hit the county Friday morning – and motorists need to be alert.
Motorists should check the forecast before traveling and make sure their vehicles are equipped with a winter emergency kit. More information on road conditions and links to weather forecasts can be found at www.dot.state.pa.us under “Travel Information.”
DUI ASSOCIATION
The Pennsylvania DUI Association reminds motorists that during last year’s holiday season – from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day – about 1,000 people nationwide were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher.
Closer to home, 32 Pennsylvanians were killed in 875 impaired driving-related crashes during the same time period.
It is important for drivers to be responsible and remember that “Drunk Driving? Over the limit? Under arrest!” slogan before getting caught up in the hustle-bustle of the holiday.
The Pennsylvania DUI Association is joing with national, state and local highway safety officials to remind drivers of some tips to enjoy a safe and festive holiday.
BULLET Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
BULLET Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give the person your car keys.
BULLET If you are hosting an office party, make arrangements for your employees to get home safely.
BULLET If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transit so you are sure to get home safely.
BULLET If you see a drunk driver on the road, use common sense and don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement.
BULLET If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their car keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going.
For more information, visit www.padui.org or www.StopImpairedDriving.org.
TRIP TIPS
Many Pennsylvanians will depart for trips of 50 miles or more from home over this week – the Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving Day is typically the most difficult travel day of the year.
Advance planning is the key to minimizing hassles during this busy travel time, says AAA Mid-Atlantic.
BULLET Plan your travel times in advance – leave early, stay late, travel at off-periods. Get proper sleep the night before a long drive.
BULLET Have a backup route in the event of traffic congestion, accidents, construction or weather-related closures/delays.
BULLET Check the weather forecast. Knowing what to expect keeps you from packing unnecessary items.
BULLET Check your vehicle’s tires to make sure they’re properly inflated, fluids, belts, hoses and battery.
BULLET Pack an emergency car kit with a shovel, jumper cables, ice scraper/brush, wipe fluid/de-icer, kitty litter or salt for traction, first aid kit, flashlight with good batteries, blanket, snacks, bottled water and fully charged cell phone.
SOUTH STREET BRIDGE
In anticipation of added congestion on Philadelphia streets due to the South Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project, SEPTA has developed a special bus routing for Route 12 passengers to help those in the University City/Grays Ferry area.
SEPTA and the Grays Ferry Community Council worked on the new routing. Route 12 peak-hour University City trips via the 34th Street Bridge will have morning westbound service leaving Grays Ferry at 7:45 a.m., 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. en route to University City. Eastbound afternoon Route 12 service will depart University City at 4:29 p.m., 4:59 p.m., 5:29 p.m. and 5:59 p.m.
Westbound bus service on the Route 40 near the South Street Bridge construction will continue to be detoured on Walnut Street between 22nd and 34th streets before resuming normal routing on Spruce Street with eastbound service using Chestnut Street between 33rd and 23rd streets to South Street.
Last year, new weight restrictions on the bridge caused SEPTA to detour bus Route 40 from the deteriorating South Street Bridge which extends over the Schuylkill River and Amtrak’s Harrisburg line until bridge construction and rehab is complete. The project is expected to last two years.
Riders may also travel Market-Frankford El or Subway Surface routes to the University City area at 30th and Market streets. Also, R1 Airport, R2 Newark and R3 Media/Elwyn Regional Rail lines make regular scheduled stops at University City Station.
TRAFFIC DELAYS
Chester Township – Concord Road, PECO Energy utility installation between McDonald Boulevard and North Commerce Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 23. Work began Nov. 21.
Newtown – West Chester Pike (Route 3), Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation with lane restrictions at Surrey Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday.
Chestnut Parkway – Nether Providence and Chester, PECO Energy utility maintenance with lane restrictions between Harvey Road and 24th Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 1. Work began Nov. 4.
Chester – Flower Street, ramp construction, closed/detoured between Second and Front streets, 24-hour closure through Dec. 5. Work began Nov. 5.
Aston – Convent Road, PECO Energy utility installation with lane restrictions between Concord and Aston Mills roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Wednesday. Work began Nov. 6.
Route 1 North/South – Chadds Ford and Concord, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation with lane restrictions between Black Horse Lane and Route 352 (Middletown Road) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Route 1 South – Middletown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation between Middletown Road and Elwyn Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Media Line Road – Marple and Newtown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation, closed/detoured between West Chester Pike (Route 3) and Gradyville Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 15. Work began Oct. 6.
Haverford – Darby Road closed/detoured between Route 320 and Marple Road, road widening/utility installation, weekdays and Saturdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Dec. 30. Work began May 27.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

For 11-16, Road Watch col.
PennDOT will launch a pilot program Monday to display travel times on eight dynamic message signs in Chester County to provide real-time travel information to motorists driving on Routes 202, 30 and 100.
The signs will be posted on Route 202 between Route 401 and Matlack Street; Route 100 between Route 202 and Route 113; and on Route 30 between Route 202 and Route 322.
“Our plan is to eventually post travel times on all our message signs in the five-county region as we install the necessary equipment and software,” said PennDOT District Executive Lester C. Toaso.
They will help motorists make better decisions regarding their travel routes and help reduce driver anxiety during times of traffic congestion, he said.
BRIDGE INSPECTIONS
Bridge inspections are scheduled this week on I-95 in Philadelphia.
Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the left lane will be closed on the northbound I-95 /Girard Point Bridge over the Schuylkill River.
Wednesday, 9 a.m.-noon, the left lane on I-95 North will be closed at Callowhill Street. The southbound left lane will be closed noon-3 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the right lane on the northbound I-95/Girard Point Bridge over the Schuylkill River will be closed.
These inspections are part of its program to inspect all state bridges at least once every two years.
TURNPIKE WORK
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will restrict Route 202 between Jolly Road and Cherry Road in Whitpain Township, Montgomery County, and Walton Road between Germantown Pike and Plymouth Township beginning Wednesday for bridge reconstruction.
The structures will be reduced to one lane in each direction through July 2010. The commission will reconstruct two bridges over the turnpike under a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit.
Also, the commission reported that the Kriebel Road Bridge and the Bethel Road Bridge are scheduled to reopen to local traffic in time for Thanksgiving Day.
Local road detours have been in effect since January on these two bridges that cross over the turnpike’s Northeastern Extension.
TRAFFIC DELAYS
Chestnut Parkway – Nether Providence and Chester, PECO Energy utility maintenance with lane restrictions between Harvey Road and 24th Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 1. Work began Nov. 4.
Chester – Flower Street, ramp construction, closed/detoured between Second and Front streets, 24-hour closure through Dec. 5. Work began Nov. 5.
Aston – Convent Road, PECO Energy utility installation with lane restrictions between Concord and Aston Mills roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Nov. 26. Work began Nov. 6.
Route 1 North/South – Chadds Ford and Concord, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation with lane restrictions between Black Horse Lane and Route 352 (Middletown Road) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Route 1 South – Middletown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation between Middletown Road and Elwyn Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Media Line Road – Marple and Newtown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation, closed/detoured between West Chester Pike (Route 3) and Gradyville Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 15. Work began Oct. 6.
Haverford – Darby Road closed/detoured between Route 320 and Marple Road, road widening/utility installation, weekdays and Saturdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Dec. 30. Work began May 27.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

Road Watch – Nov. 9
On Monday, Nov. 9, the gas average in the five-county Philadelphia region -- including Delco -- was down 7 cents over the weekend to $2.39; diesel was down 4 cents to $3.39.
As of Monday morning, crude oil was selling for $65 a barrel.
The Pennsylvania gas average was down 8 cents since Friday to $2.38 -- making it the 24th lowest gas average in the U.S., according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
As of Monday in Delaware, the price per gallon was $2.12; New Jersey, $2.20; South Jersey, $2.12; Maryland, $2.24.
Missouri, Oklahoma and Ohio have a state average price below $2 for a gallon of regular.
In the five-county area a week ago, the average price per gallon was $2.56 a week ago and $3.29 a month ago, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. The highest average recorded this year was $4.16 on June 20 -- which also happened to be a record high.
On Friday, the national average price was $2.31 per gallon on Friday – with a barrel of crude oil selling for $62.
The Pennsylvania gas average then was down 2 cents to $2.46 as the state average was down 17 cents in a week.
Missouri was the first state to fall below $2 a gallon – at $1.99 Friday.
Last Sunday, AAA reported that the national average price of gas moved from $2.70, down 20 cents over the course of the work week to $2.50. In the last month, the retail price of gas is down more than $1.07 a gallon – marking the largest one-month decline on record.
Some gas stations in Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Indiana, Arkansas and Tennessee were selling gas at $2 a gallon or less while many gas stations in other states are getting there, AAA reported.
Petroleum reports showed gasoline demand is down 3 to 5 percent. Also, the number of miles driven by vehicles in the U.S. fell sharply despite falling fuel prices.
Vehicle-miles-traveled in August fell by 5.6 percent compared to the same month in 2007, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
“We expect gas prices will continue their tumble this month,” said AAA spokeswoman Catherine Rossi.
“This should translate to other consumables such as bread and milk which have a high transportation cost component attached to them,” she said.
“Lower gas prices should translate to lower prices on grocery store shelves,” Rossi said.
STEER CLEAR
To improve safety during roadside incidents, PennDOT is reminding motorists to move over or “steer clear.”
The “steer clear” law requires drivers to move over or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop or disabled vehicle.
If drivers cannot move over because of traffic or other conditions, they must reduce their speed.
“This is a very important law because it can save lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler.
“While it may seem like common sense, many motorists speed by these incidents,” he said.
“We need all drivers to remember to move over since this law is designed to provide added safety for those people responding to situations along our roadways,” Biehler said.
Motorists must move over or reduce their speed when they see emergency responders, including law enforcement, fire officials, emergency medical technicians, tow truck operators or highway workers.
The law applies any time an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing or where road crews or emergency personnel have lighted flares, posted signs or other traffic control devices.
Failure to move over or slow down can result in a summary offense that carries a fine of up to $250.
In addition, fines will be doubled for traffic violations occurring in these areas. If that violation leads to a worker beign injured, a 90-day license suspension could result.
More than 1,800 citations have been issued since the law went into effect in 2006. For more information regarding the “steer clear” law, visit: www.dot.state.pa.us.
PATCO RECORD
In addition to SEPTA recording three-times-as-normal ridership during the Phillies victory parade in Philadelphia on Friday, Oct. 31, PATCO also set a one-day record for trips.
On that date, 97,607 trips were unofficially recorded on PATCO, breaking the previous record by 20,000. The previous one-day record was also set because of a World Series parade.
On Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1980, there were 77,557 trips on PATCO.
The average daily ridership on a normal weekday is about 38,000 trips.
The record number does not include people who used New Jersey Transit tickets to ride PATCO, which the transit agency accepted for several hours from New Jersey bound travelers as NJT buses were unable to navigate the crowded streets of Philadelphia.
I-95 NORTH/SOUTH
Lane restrictions are scheduled 8 p.m.-5 a.m. weekdays on I-95 North/South in Philadelphia for the installation of rumble strips on the shoulders.
Weather permitting, one lane will be closed on I-95 North/South between Girard Avenue and Broad Street the above times.
TRAFFIC DELAYS
I-476 North/South – reflective pavement marker installation, lane closure between I-95 and I-76, 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Monday.
I-476 North/South – median grass cutting, left lane closed for slow moving operation between I-95 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Mid-County Interchange 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday.
Route 1 North/South – Chadds Ford and Concord, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation with lane restrictions between Black Horse Lane and Route 352 (Middletown Road) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Route 1 South – Middletown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation between Middletown Road and Elwyn Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Route 1 North/South – Chadds Ford and Concord, reflection pavement marker installation with lane closure between Chester County line and U.S. Route 322, 9 p.m.-6 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday.
Chestnut Parkway – Nether Providence and Chester, PECO Energy utility maintenance with lane restrictions between Harvey Road and 24th Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 1. Work began Nov. 4.
Chester – Flower Street, ramp construction, closed/detoured between Second and Front streets, 24-hour closure through Dec. 5. Work began Nov. 5.
Aston – Convent Road, PECO Energy utility installation with lane restrictions between Concord and Aston Mills roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Nov. 26. Work began Nov. 6.
Media Line Road – Marple and Newtown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation, closed/detoured between West Chester Pike (Route 3) and Gradyville Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 15. Work began Oct. 6.
Haverford – Darby Road closed/detoured between Route 320 and Marple Road, road widening/utility installation, weekdays and Saturdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Nov. 24. Work began May 27.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

For Oct. 26 -- ROAD WATCH
PennDOT is reminding teen drivers and their parents/guardians to be aware of the behaviors that cause most teen-driver crashes.
While Pennsylvania has had a reduction in crashes involving 16- and 17-year-old drivers over the past several years due in part to the state’s graduated driver-licensing program, “many teen drivers still do not appreciate the complexity of driving,” says PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler.
“Drivers must constantly evaluate complex situations, make split-second decisions and perform intricate maneuvers,” he pointed out.
“A teen driver’s lack of experience and potential for risk-taking can be a dangerous, and sometimes deadly, mix,” Biehler said.
National Teen Driver Safety Week ended Saturday.
There were 9,833 crashes involving a 16- or 17-year-old driver in Pennsylvania in 2007, resulting in 104 fatalities.
Although more than one factor may contribute to a crash, statistics show that driving too fast for conditions, driver inexperience, and improper or careless turning were the main causes of those crashes.
About 37 percent of the crashes involving a 16- or 17-year-old driver in 2007 involved at least one of these factors.
Additionally, driver distractions, such as using a cell phone, text messaging, having other teen passengers in a vehicle with the teen driver, adjusting the radio or eating while driving, are also major contributors to highway crashes as these behaviors take the teen driver’s full attention away from the driving task.
Driver distractions contributed to nearly 1,000 crashes involving 16- and 17-year-old drivers in 2007.
PennDOT says the risk of a crash involving any of these factors can be reduced through practice, limiting the number of passengers a teen driver can have in a vehicle, setting a good example for the teen driver, abiding by the law and exercising common sense.
SEPTA SCHEDULES
SEPTA’S new Regional Rail schedules effective today will reflect the addition of eight recently purchased railcars to increase peak-hour seating capacity by 1,800 each weekday.
The railcars were acquired from New Jersey Transit to help ease overcrowding and will be added to trains on the R2 Wilmington-Newark, R3 Media-Elwyn, R3 West Trenton, R5 Paoli-Thorndale and R7 Trenton lines.
Passengers may pick up schedules at Market-East, Suburban and 30th Street stations and SEPTA sales offices.
A new R2 Wilmington-Newark train has been added to the schedule and will depart Marcus Hook Station at 7:02 p.m. weekdays. The addition of a new train will allow the R2 train departing Newark Station at 6:46 p.m. on current weekday schedules to operate express service between Marcus Hook and University City stations.
In addition, the R2 train departing Newark at 6:48 a.m. will now serve passengers at Norwood Station each weekday.
The R3 train departing Elwyn Station at 7:47 a.m. on current weekday schedules will now depart Elwyn four minutes earlier. This train which will operate with additional capacity will serve all stations up to Secane and then operate express service to University City Station.
BEN FRANKLIN BRIDGE
On Tuesday, at 7 a.m. the Fifth Street vehicular tunnel under the Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to traffic for electrical repairs.
The tunnel is scheduled to reopen 3 p.m. Thursday.
Traffic will be detoured to use the left side of Fifth Street to Race Street.
TRAFFIC DELAYS
I-95 North – Chester, overhead bridge repairs between Highland Avenue exit and Commodore Barry Bridge exit 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 27-28.
I-95 North – Tinicum, crack sealing between Route 420 and Philadelphia County line 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 28.
I-95 South – Chester, overhead bridge repairs between Commodore Barry Bridge exit and Highland Avenue exit 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday.
I-476 North/South (Blue Route) – Ridley Township, Nether Providence, Springfield and Marple, reflective pavement marker installation, lane closure between Route 322 and Chester County line Thursday and Nov. 3-5, 9 p.m.-6 a.m.
Route 1 North/South – Chadds Ford and Concord, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation with lane restrictions between Black Horse Lane and Route 352 (Middletown Road) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Route 1 South – Middletown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation between Middletown Road and Elwyn Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 19. Work began Oct. 27.
Upper Chichester – U.S. Route 322 East/West (Conchester Highway) crack sealing between I-95 and Cherry Tree Road 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday.
Springfield Road – Darby Borough and Collingdale, PECO utility installation between South Ridge Road and Lynbrook Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Nov. 3
U.S. Route 13 North (Chester Pike) – Eddystone and Ridley Park, crack sealing between Bullens Lane and Route 420, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 27.
Upper Providence – Ridley Creek Road, pipe installation, closed/detoured between Kirk Lane and Rose Tree Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 27-30.
Media Line Road – Marple and Newtown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation, closed/detoured between Route 3 and Gradyville Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 15. Work began Oct. 6.
Upper Darby – Lansdowne Avenue, PECO installation between Garrett and Marshall roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Oct. 31. Work began Sept. 22.
Tinicum – Wanamaker Avenue, utility installation by Aqua Pennsylvania, closed/detoured between Route 291 and Second Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 31. Work began July 21.
Haverford – Darby Road closed/detoured between Route 320 and Marple Road, road widening/utility installation, weekdays and Saturdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Nov. 24. Work began May 27.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.

The fall season not only brings on a beautiful array of colors in the surrounding foliage, but also warrants cautious driving.As fair weather fades, road hazards such as wet leaves, frost and glare from sunlight during morning and evening rush hours can make driving more hazardous.To face the seasonal change, "motorists need to slow down and pay closer attention to their surroundings," says PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler. "Motorists need to slow down and pay closer attention to their surroundings," he said. "Increasing following distances and allowing extra room for stopping helps to decrease your chances of being involved in a crash."Some fall hazards are predictable, such as the times for sunrise and sunset more closely align with morning and evening rush hours. Intense glare from the sun on the horizon then can blind a driver, causing an unexpected traffic slowdown.Drivers can prepare for the glare by keeping a set of sunglasses handy and removing clutter from their sun visors.A less predictable, but still manageable hazard is leaves on the roadway. Leaves make driving more dangerous by obscuring traffic lines and other pavement markings.Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice on the roadway - not only for motor vehicles but also bicycles. Like the time I was cycling to Flat Rock Park at the Schuylkill River via Montgomery Avenue and Old Mill Creek Road in Montgomery County after traveling through Ardmore. I hit the brakes - which did nothing - and slid on leaves right through the intersection. Luckily no cars were coming.Motorists should slow down and use extra caution on leaf-covered roadways.As overnight temperatures dip toward freezing as we get deeper into autumn, morning frost and icy spots on the road can also be a hazard.Motorists should pay particular attention to bridges, overpasses and shaded areas on roadways where icy spots can form on the pavement. In addition to exercising caution while driving, motorists should clear their vehicles' windows of frost before travel.PennDOT offers the following fall driving tips:BULLET Increase your following distance in severe weather, at dusk and dawn when in an area with wet leaves. If you are being tailgated, let the other driver pass.BULLET Check your vehicle's headlights, tail lights and turn signals to ensure they are working properly since darkness will be a part of many driver's morning and/or evening commutes. If your vehicle is not equipped with a sensor, make sure you turn on your headlights as the sunlight fades.BULLET Have your vehicle's heating and wiper systems checked to ensure they are working properly. As a reminder, under state law, when your wipers are on, your headlights also must be on.BULLET Be sure you have tires with sufficient tread depth in case of an early-season snowfall. TRAFFIC DELAYSI-95 North/South - Lower Chichester, Upper Chichester, Chester, Upland, Ridley Township, Ridley Park and Tinicum, vegetation control, lane closure between Chichester Avenue and Route 291, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Wednesday.I-476 North/South (Blue Route) - Ridley Township, Nether Providence, Springfield and Marple, reflective pavement marker installation, lane closure between I-95 and West Chester Pike (Route 3), 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Monday-Thursday.Chadds Ford - Ridge Road, pipe installation, closed/detoured between U.S. Route 202 and Ring Road, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. Detour posted.I-95 North - Ridley Township, bridge inspection, right lane closed on bridge over Darby Creek 9 a.m.-noon Thursday.Also, I-95 South, Ridley Township, bridge inspection, right lane closed on bridge over Darby Creek noon-3 p.m. Thursday.I-95 North - ramp to I-476 North, Ridley Township, bridge inspection, right lane closed on ramp 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday.Springfield Road - Darby Borough and Collingdale, PECO utility installation between South Ridge Road and Lynbrook Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Nov. 3Media Line Road - Marple and Newtown, Aqua Pennsylvania utility installation, closed/detoured between Route 3 and Gradyville Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 15. Work began Oct. 6.Nether Providence - Rose Valley Road, utility installation, closed/detoured between Golf View and Hawthorne roads, 24-hour detour posted through Monday. Work began Sept. 29.Springfield - Thomson Avenue closed/detoured, Aqua installation between Baltimore Pike and Route 320 (Sproul Road), 24-hour detour posted through Wednesday. Work began Sept. 24. Upper Darby - Lansdowne Avenue, PECO installation between Garrett and Marshall roads 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Oct. 31. Work began Sept. 22.Ridley Park - Sellers Avenue, Aqua Pennsylvania water main installation, lane restrictions between Chester Pike and Ward Street 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Saturday. Work began Aug. 27.Tinicum - Wanamaker Avenue, utility installation by Aqua Pennsylvania, closed/detoured between Route 291 and Second Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 31. Work began July 21. Haverford - Darby Road closed/detoured between Route 320 and Marple Road, road widening/utility installation, weekdays and Saturdays 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Nov. 24. Work began May 27. "Road Watch" appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.