Rolling Hills Estate Bridge opening earlier than planned

UNIONTOWN (May 28) – PennDOT District 12 would like to inform area motorists that a bridge on Route 1022 (Rolling Hills Estate) will open to traffic later this evening. This is earlier than originally expected. It was scheduled to reopen on Friday, May 30.

Crews are finishing up painting lines and when they are completed, the bridge will open to traffic.

This bridge is located between Bute Road (SR 1051) and Gallatin Avenue Extension and it carries Rolling Hills Estate Road over Route 119.

Single Lane Restrictions North and Southbound – North of Kirby Exit in Greene

UNIONTOWN (May 27) – PennDOT District 12 would like to inform motorists that a section of Interstate 79 just north of the Kirby Exit between mile markers 7 and 8 has a single lane restriction. These restrictions, which are in both the north and southbound directions, are in place due to some surface cracking as a result of longwall mining. Traffic is restricted to the right lane.

71 local bridges to be repaired

A total of 71 deteriorating bridges in Fayette, Greene and Washington counties are slated for repair among more than 1,100 state bridges statewide as a part of an initiative by Gov. Edward G. Rendell to reduce the number of structurally deficient bridges throughout the Commonwealth.

On Thursday, Rendell released the list of the 1,145 state bridges that would be repaired under his “Rebuild Pennsylvania” initiative and urged the Legislature to quickly approve his plan in order to avoid disruptions when worn-out bridges have to be closed or posted with weight restrictions.

The list includes 22 bridges in Fayette County, 16 bridges in Greene County and 33 bridges in Washington County in need of replacement, rehabilitation or removal.

The list and a county-by-county map of all the bridges are available on PennDOT’s Web site, www.dot.state.pa.us, under the “Accelerated Bridge Program” link.

Gov. Rendell releases list of 1,145 bridges to be repaired under ‘Rebuild Pennsylvania’ initiative

HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell today released a list of the 1,145 state bridges that will be repaired under his Rebuild Pennsylvania initiative and urged the General Assembly to quickly approve his plan in order to avoid disruptions when worn-out bridges have to be closed or posted with weight restrictions.

“This list represents my response to a seemingly invisible — but very real — threat to our safety, ease of travel and to the economy of Pennsylvania,” Governor Rendell said. “We must make these repairs or we will irresponsibly leave to our children crumbling bridges and roads. Right now, interest rates are extremely low and, as a result, it is an opportune time for the commonwealth to embark on these necessary repairs and ensure that we leave well maintained bridges to the next generation.

“This list includes bridges in every county. Rural, urban and suburban residents will benefit from my proposal to accelerate the repair of these bridges,” the Governor said.

“Residents rely on every bridge on this list, but there is deterioration that travelers cannot see. We are closely watching these bridges and have been addressing the problem for years, but if the kinds of repairs promised under my Rebuild Pennsylvania initiative are postponed, the state could be forced to close or post these bridges with weight restrictions.

“In the past five years we have nearly tripled our investments in bridge repair,” Governor Rendell said. “Even with our investments and increased efficiency, increased construction costs and our aging transportation systems require more strategic investments to maintain our bridges and improve our roads.

“I commend the Metropolitan Planning Organizations around the state that have worked closely with PennDOT to identify and prioritize the most critical bridge repairs needed for local residents,” the Governor said.

The Governor released the list of 1,145 bridges while standing near the 5,200-foot long George Wade Bridge, which carries Interstate 81 over the Susquehanna River at Harrisburg. The list and a county-by-county map of all the bridges are available on PennDOT’s Web site, www.dot.state.pa.us, under the “Accelerated Bridge Program” link.

PennDOT worker receives governor’s award

Linda Fullem, an employee for the state Department of Transportation, has received the Governor’s Awards For Excellence, joining nine other employees across the state as the only recipients of the award.
Fullem, who lives in the Chalk Hill area, was presented the award during a ceremony held Monday to honor for her achievement in community service.
Gov. Edward G. Rendell presents the awards annually to employees who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
According to PennDOT District 12 spokeswoman Valerie Petersen, Fullen has organized and participated in the PennDOT’s Fayette County “Relay for Life” fund-raising effort for 10 years, raising more than $44,000 for the American Cancer Society. Fullem also spearheads other fund-raising activities and works closely with the “Golfers for Charities Association Golf Outing” whose proceeds benefit the “Relay for Life” fund-raising effort, Petersen said.

Governor proclaims May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Governor Edward G. Rendell has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, reminding operators of all vehicles to share the road as more motorcyclists will be heading out on Pennsylvania’s roads this year.
“With the increase of motorcycle use across the commonwealth, we all need to watch out for and respect one another on our highways,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. “Drivers need to be especially alert for motorcycles, which sometimes are not as easily seen as larger vehicles.”
More than 4,100 crashes involving motorcycles occurred on Pennsylvania roadways in 2007, resulting in 225 motorcycle-related fatalities. The number of registered motorcycles and licensed motorcyclists increased in 2007 by nearly 22,000 and nearly 13,000, respectively.
By virtue of their size and differences in maneuverability, motorcycles present unique challenges for their operators and other drivers. To improve safety, PennDOT recommends that motorists always check their mirrors and blind spots at intersections, and before making lane changes since motorcycles are smaller and harder to pick out among larger vehicles.
Larger vehicle operators are also reminded to allow adequate following distance and space for a motorcycle to maneuver. Road and weather conditions that may be minor annoyances to the average driver can pose a major hazard for motorcyclists.
Motorcyclists can protect themselves on the road by wearing proper gear, including DOT -approved protective headgear, face or eye protection and brightly colored, protective clothing covering all exposed areas of the body from head to toe.
By practicing proper riding techniques and learning how to handle their motorcycles in all types of road and weather conditions, motorcyclists can further decrease their chances of being involved in a crash.
Pennsylvania law mandates the use of eye-protection for all motorcyclists unless they are operating a motorized pedalcycle or a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab. The law also mandates the use of protective headgear, unless the motorcyclist is 21 years of age and has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for not less than two full calendar years, or has successfully completed a motorcycle safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
PennDOT’s Motorcycle Safety Program courses are offered March through October at 69 sites across the commonwealth and are free to Pennsylvania residents. To enroll, individuals must have either a Class M (motorcycle) learner’s permit or license. Class M permit holders who successfully complete the program will be issued a Class M (motorcycle) license.
Visit www.pamsp.com for more information on the Motorcycle Safety Program and to enroll in a course.
Additional information about motorcycle safety as well as general information on licensing and registration is available at www.dmv.state.pa.us.

Copyright Associated Press 2008

Highway deaths drop for 2007

HARRISBURG – Highway crashes in Pennsylvania claimed the lives of 1,491 motorists in 2007, a decrease of 34 from 2006, according to PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E.

“Anytime that Pennsylvania experiences a drop in the number of highway deaths, it’s good news,” Biehler said. “The sad news is that there are far too many people still dying in highway crashes. More tragic is the fact that aggressive driving continues to be the number one killer on our roads.”

In 2007, aggressive driving played a role in 971 fatalities, up from 913 a year earlier. Over the past five years, aggressive driving has killed 4,640 motorists with the majority of those deaths coming in 2005 when 1,019 motorists were killed due to the actions of aggressive drivers.

Aggressive driving includes such behaviors as speeding, running traffic control devices and careless lane changes. Speed-related highway deaths climbed to 734 last year from 663 in 2006.

“These statistics show that aggressive driving continues to jeopardize the safety of all drivers,” Biehler said. “I’m urging drivers to act responsibly and do the right thing when operating a motor vehicle – your life and the lives of those you share the road with are at stake.”

Biehler also offered a warning to would-be aggressive drivers that with more than 338 municipal police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police working together through the Smooth Operator Program to stop aggressive driving behaviors, it’s only a matter of time before they see those familiar red and blue lights in their mirrors.

If a motorist is stopped and cited for driving 75 mph in a 65 mph zone, the fine and other associated costs are $135.50 plus two points against their driver’s license.

Some of the other major contributing factors to highway deaths, such as failure to wear a seatbelt and driving under the influence, dropped last year. Unbuckled fatalities dropped to 559 from 611 in 2006 and alcohol-related deaths dropped to 525 from 544.

Crashes on Pennsylvania roads rose to 130,564 from 128,342 in 2006. In spite of the increase in crashes in 2007, this is the third lowest number in more than 50 years. Aggressive driving played a role in 74,887 of those crashes.

Motorists urged to obey new law, use common sense at emergency scenes

HARRISBURG: – Pennsylvania motorists today were urged to obey a new state law designed to protect police, emergency responders and tow-truck operators as they carry out traffic stops and respond to crashes and disabled vehicles on state roads.

“The ‘Steer Clear’ law requires drivers to move over or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop or disabled vehicle,” said State Police Major John F. Duignan of the Bureau of Patrol. “This law will prevent injuries and save lives, but only if drivers follow the new rules and use common sense.”

Barry G. Hoffman, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 8 executive, said, “We urge motorists to slow down and use caution when approaching emergency personnel or our highway workers. They have a tough job to do and need your help in allowing them to return to their families safe and sound.”

Among the speakers at a news event at Troop H, Harrisburg, were Tprs. James R. Fisher of Troop H, Harrisburg, and Monty A. Miller of Troop L, Hamburg, both of whom were injured in crashes while at the scene of traffic incidents.

Fisher was injured last Thanksgiving when his patrol vehicle was hit from behind while he was investigating a crash on Rt. 581 in Cumberland County. Miller was injured in January 2004 when a vehicle hit his patrol car while he was investigating a crash on I-81 in Dauphin County.

The new law, which took effect in September, requires motorists to move to a lane that is not immediately adjacent to an emergency response area. Such areas include, for example, locations where police are making traffic stops, construction crews are working on highways, or tow trucks are responding to disabled vehicles. If drivers cannot move over because of traffic or other conditions, they must proceed at a speed that is “reasonable and prudent.”

The law applies any time an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing and 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 being injured, a 90-day license suspension could result.

In cases where law enforcement may not be present, the law allows road workers and emergency responders to report violations by motorists. Law enforcement can issue citations based on these reports.

Among others participating in today’s event were Scott Buchle, operations manager, South Central EMS Inc., Harrisburg; Horsham Township Police Chief Robert Ruxton, president, Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, and Shane Staley, director at large, Pennsylvania Towing Association.

For more information regarding the “Steer Clear” law, visit PennDOT’s Web site at www.dot.state.pa.us .

PennDOT announces construction schedule for week of April 28

Fayette County Manager, Chris Sleighter, today announced the following tentative work plan for the week of April 28, 2008. All maintenance activities are conducted on a weather-permitting basis. Motorists should drive with caution throughout all work areas and be alert for signed work zones requiring the usage of headlights.

Bridge Flushing Crew will be Cleaning and Flushing Bridge Decks on various state routes throughout Fayette County.

Beam Placement is scheduled for State Route 4040 (Navaho Hollow Area).

Patching Holes is scheduled on State Route 4014 (Peanut Area), and State Route 4016 (Pleasant View-Royal Road), and State Route 4009 (Pleasant View Church Road), State Route 3013 (Dog Kennel Road), and State Route 4022 (Narrows Road).

Crack sealing is scheduled on State Route 1002 (Banning Road), and State Route 40 (National Pike Area).

Surface Treatment Crew will be applying a seal coat to the road surface on State Route 2004, and State Route 381, and State Route 2001, and State Route 2002 (Wharton Township Area).

Working on truck pull off on State Route 711 (Springfield Pike Area).

Signs will be updated, downed signs will be replaced, and work orders will be addressed on various state routes throughout Fayette County.

PENNDOT has a 24-hour toll free number for residents to call to report any road maintenance concern. This number can also be utilized to report locations of dead deer on state highways. The number is 1-800-FIX ROAD (1-800-349-7623). Please visit us on the web at www.penndot12.com

PennDOT announces Route 1030 Church Hill Road railroad crossing repair

UNIONTOWN (April 22) – PennDOT District 12 would like to inform motorists that a section of Route 1030 (Church Hill Road) between Pechin Road and Ferguson Road in Dunbar will be closed for railroad crossing repairs starting on April 28 at 7 a.m. through May 2 at 5:00 p.m., weather permitting.

This closure is necessary for crews to remove and replace the existing crossing surface on Route 1030. The contractor for this project is Ohio Track from Youngstown, Ohio

Motorists are urged to use Ferguson Road and Pechin Road as the detour.