AARoads Forum

Regional Boards => Northeast => Topic started by: qguy on June 16, 2018, 10:04:57 AM

Title: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: qguy on June 16, 2018, 10:04:57 AM
PennDOT has received a grant for $35 mil toward construction of the topic interchange:

http://www.centredaily.com/news/local/article212578999.html

I started a new thread because the article says the grant is a federal INFRA grant for projects that can move to construction within 18 months. PennDOT will be building the local-access portion first. It finally looks like something may be happening relatively soon and we can follow it here.

BTW, I called this interchange the west interchange to differentiate it from the expressway-to-expressway I-80/I-99 East Interchange which PennDOT will eventually (perhaps sometime in our lifetimes??) build in the area south of Salona.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Rothman on June 16, 2018, 10:50:49 PM
 Still don't understand why another thread was needed?
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Alps on June 16, 2018, 11:54:37 PM
Quote from: Rothman on June 16, 2018, 10:50:49 PM
Still don't understand why another thread was needed?
I don't see another thread on this. If this is a split from the general PA thread, this is fine.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: qguy on June 17, 2018, 01:21:42 PM
Quote from: Alps on June 16, 2018, 11:54:37 PM
Quote from: Rothman on June 16, 2018, 10:50:49 PM
Still don't understand why another thread was needed?
I don't see another thread on this. If this is a split from the general PA thread, this is fine.

I figured that with some of the complicating factors, like all the pyritic rock within the interchange ROW that has the potential for making it more involved than the usual interchange of its type (and has increased the cost and significantly delayed the project), the topic deserved its own thread. But kill it if you disagree. I won't be offended.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: AMLNet49 on June 18, 2018, 02:36:39 PM
Isn't this a big deal? Wouldn't it more or less complete the original segment of I-99?
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: The Ghostbuster on June 18, 2018, 03:00:52 PM
Will this interchange be built anytime soon? I was under the impression that there was strong opposition to this proposal.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Buffaboy on June 18, 2018, 04:08:48 PM
Why don't they just build a Y interchange with elevated ramps?
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Roadsguy on June 18, 2018, 05:17:58 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on June 18, 2018, 04:08:48 PM
Why don't they just build a Y interchange with elevated ramps?

That's basically the plan, but they also need to provide local access to PA 26, which is supposed to be done a short distance to the east. Apparently the locals didn't like that idea, but I don't know what specifically seemed so bad about it.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: qguy on June 18, 2018, 09:00:18 PM
Quote from: AMLNet49 on June 18, 2018, 02:36:39 PM
Wouldn't it more or less complete the original segment of I-99?

Yes.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: 02 Park Ave on June 18, 2018, 10:44:43 PM
Are there any plans to add a third lane to I-80 between Exits 158 and 161?  There is a lot of traffic that comes around that mountain every morning.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Strider on June 20, 2018, 10:01:10 AM
Does anyone know what the design layout the interchange will be?

"T" semi-directional? Trumpet? Cloverleaf?
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Alps on June 20, 2018, 02:48:25 PM
Quote from: Strider on June 20, 2018, 10:01:10 AM
Does anyone know what the design layout the interchange will be?

"T" semi-directional? Trumpet? Cloverleaf?
Past plans had a modified T that arced around the existing interchange, favoring the 99 through movement.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Bitmapped on June 20, 2018, 09:45:30 PM
Quote from: 02 Park Ave on June 18, 2018, 10:44:43 PM
Are there any plans to add a third lane to I-80 between Exits 158 and 161?  There is a lot of traffic that comes around that mountain every morning.

26,000 VPD, just barely higher than adjacent sections. There's no need for widening.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: 02 Park Ave on June 20, 2018, 10:34:56 PM
The vehicle count may not justify a third lane, but it be justified due to the mixture of the commuter traffic with all of the long haul trucks in that stretch.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Alps on June 21, 2018, 01:59:32 AM
Quote from: 02 Park Ave on June 20, 2018, 10:34:56 PM
The vehicle count may not justify a third lane, but it be justified due to the mixture of the commuter traffic with all of the long haul trucks in that stretch.
Are you talking about a climbing lane?
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: seicer on June 21, 2018, 07:49:15 AM
It certainly can come to a crawl up the grade and a third-lane (climbing) is justified with the VPD and the % of truck counts.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: LeftyJR on June 21, 2018, 01:08:07 PM
Quote from: Alps on June 21, 2018, 01:59:32 AM
Quote from: 02 Park Ave on June 20, 2018, 10:34:56 PM
The vehicle count may not justify a third lane, but it be justified due to the mixture of the commuter traffic with all of the long haul trucks in that stretch.
Are you talking about a climbing lane?

One is needed between MM 158 and MM 153, but that is out of the scope of this project.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: briantroutman on June 21, 2018, 02:18:28 PM
Quote from: Strider on June 20, 2018, 10:01:10 AM
Does anyone know what the design layout the interchange will be?

"T" semi-directional? Trumpet? Cloverleaf?

This is the most recent design I have seen, and it was designated as "final"  in 1999. "Old"  PA 26 would basically be cut off from I-80/I-99 access. (And if I had to guess, PA 26 would likely be truncated to PA 64 near Pleasant Gap.)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1829/28072024177_73b18786fe_h.jpg)
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: seicer on June 21, 2018, 04:54:54 PM
Does that mean I-99 south of I-80 will finally go to 70 MPH? Why is that section to State College just 55 MPH?
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: qguy on June 21, 2018, 06:07:13 PM
Quote from: briantroutman on June 21, 2018, 02:18:28 PM
"Old"  PA 26 would basically be cut off from I-80/I-99 access. (And if I had to guess, PA 26 would likely be truncated to PA 64 near Pleasant Gap.)

Thanks for posting that, Brian! I've got a copy of the old project newsletter that shows that graphic around somewhere but can't find the box it's in.  :rolleyes:

I don't know about being truncated but "old" PA 26 will have access to I-80 (and I-99) via a new local-access diamond interchange on I-80 just east of the I-80/I-99 high-speed expressway-to-expressway interchange shown.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on June 21, 2018, 08:44:28 PM
Quote from: briantroutman on June 21, 2018, 02:18:28 PM
This is the most recent design I have seen, and it was designated as "final"  in 1999. "Old"  PA 26 would basically be cut off from I-80/I-99 access. (And if I had to guess, PA 26 would likely be truncated to PA 64 near Pleasant Gap.)

That's it, I was looking for it but couldn't find it.

Nice design but I can't imagine why it would cost $185 million to build.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: vdeane on June 21, 2018, 08:48:04 PM
Quote from: seicer on June 21, 2018, 04:54:54 PM
Does that mean I-99 south of I-80 will finally go to 70 MPH? Why is that section to State College just 55 MPH?
I doubt it... PA won't post anything within a census-designated urban area higher than 55, and I'm pretty sure that's why the speed limit is 55 there.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: webny99 on June 21, 2018, 08:59:53 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 21, 2018, 08:48:04 PM
Quote from: seicer on June 21, 2018, 04:54:54 PM
Does that mean I-99 south of I-80 will finally go to 70 MPH? Why is that section to State College just 55 MPH?
I doubt it... PA won't post anything within a census-designated urban area higher than 55, and I'm pretty sure that's why the speed limit is 55 there.

Considering I-90 near Erie, the definition of "urban area" must be open to interpretation...
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: vdeane on June 21, 2018, 09:10:58 PM
Well, it's not uniform, but it goes in and out several times.
https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/dc10map/UAUC_RefMap/ua/ua27766_erie_pa/DC10UA27766.pdf
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: 02 Park Ave on June 21, 2018, 10:12:48 PM
This interchange will be a magnificent structure.  It will be quite impressive considering the rural area it will be in there.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: webny99 on June 21, 2018, 10:31:01 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 21, 2018, 09:10:58 PM
Well, it's not uniform, but it goes in and out several times:
[link snipped]

Perhaps a more fundamental question is why PA refuses to set urban speed limits above 55 in the first place.
I'm sure the segments of I-390 (north of the thruway), I-490, and NY 531 posted 65 mph are considered part of Rochester's urban area. I've never heard of the "urban area" thing in other states, either.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Alps on June 22, 2018, 01:16:54 AM
Quote from: Beltway on June 21, 2018, 08:44:28 PM
Quote from: briantroutman on June 21, 2018, 02:18:28 PM
This is the most recent design I have seen, and it was designated as "final"  in 1999. "Old"  PA 26 would basically be cut off from I-80/I-99 access. (And if I had to guess, PA 26 would likely be truncated to PA 64 near Pleasant Gap.)

That's it, I was looking for it but couldn't find it.

Nice design but I can't imagine why it would cost $185 million to build.
With all of that structural work, in the Northeast? I believe it.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Gnutella on June 22, 2018, 04:52:44 AM
Quote from: webny99 on June 21, 2018, 10:31:01 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 21, 2018, 09:10:58 PM
Well, it's not uniform, but it goes in and out several times:
[link snipped]

Perhaps a more fundamental question is why PA refuses to set urban speed limits above 55 in the first place.

As a general rule in Pennsylvania, Republican governors prefer higher speed limits, and Democrat governors prefer lower speed limits. The reason why Pennsylvania didn't raise its speed limit to 65 in 1987 was because the new governor that year, Bob Casey, was a Democrat. Then came Republican Tom Ridge in 1995, and the speed limit was raised to 65 within six months of him taking office. Then came Democrat Ed Rendell in 2003, who put in place the ridiculous "urban" 55 zones, and then came Republican Tom Corbett in 2011, who raised the speed limit to 70 in conjunction with the Act 89 gas tax increase in 2013. Thankfully he did that, because there's no way that Democrat Tom Wolf would have agreed to it.

Anyway, I can't find the article, but I remember reading that PennDOT was going to study all the 55 zones in the state to determine whether raising them to 65 was feasible. Given how the 70 zones greatly expanded after just one year, I wouldn't be surprised if several 55 zones were raised to 65 in the coming years.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on June 22, 2018, 05:11:39 AM
Quote from: Alps on June 22, 2018, 01:16:54 AM
Quote from: Beltway on June 21, 2018, 08:44:28 PM
Nice design but I can't imagine why it would cost $185 million to build.
With all of that structural work, in the Northeast? I believe it.

Seven overpass scale bridges and three 2-lane bridges about 1,200 feet long.  In a rural area.  Should cost less than 1/2 of that IMHO.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: hbelkins on June 22, 2018, 10:49:05 AM
Quote from: Beltway on June 22, 2018, 05:11:39 AM
Quote from: Alps on June 22, 2018, 01:16:54 AM
Quote from: Beltway on June 21, 2018, 08:44:28 PM
Nice design but I can't imagine why it would cost $185 million to build.
With all of that structural work, in the Northeast? I believe it.

Seven overpass scale bridges and three 2-lane bridges about 1,200 feet long.  In a rural area.  Should cost less than 1/2 of that IMHO.

How much excavation and fill will be required? Been awhile since I've been there, but I seem to remember that the westbound lanes of I-80 butt up against a mountain there. Plus, will there be acid rock to mitigate the way there was south of State College?
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: qguy on June 22, 2018, 04:55:30 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on June 22, 2018, 10:49:05 AM
Quote from: Beltway on June 22, 2018, 05:11:39 AM
Quote from: Alps on June 22, 2018, 01:16:54 AM
Quote from: Beltway on June 21, 2018, 08:44:28 PM
Nice design but I can't imagine why it would cost $185 million to build.
With all of that structural work, in the Northeast? I believe it.
Seven overpass scale bridges and three 2-lane bridges about 1,200 feet long.  In a rural area.  Should cost less than 1/2 of that IMHO.
How much excavation and fill will be required? Been awhile since I've been there, but I seem to remember that the westbound lanes of I-80 butt up against a mountain there. Plus, will there be acid rock to mitigate the way there was south of State College?

^^ This.

I'll bet the prevalence of pyritic rock has a lot to do with the cost. The northwestern portion of the interchange will require excavation through the Bald Eagle Ridge. This is the same ridge that caused so much grief with its pyritic rock where I-99 crosses it between State College and Port Matilda about 20 miles to the southwest.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: DJStephens on June 23, 2018, 11:49:53 AM
Quote from: Beltway on June 21, 2018, 08:44:28 PM
Quote from: briantroutman on June 21, 2018, 02:18:28 PM
This is the most recent design I have seen, and it was designated as "final"  in 1999. "Old"  PA 26 would basically be cut off from I-80/I-99 access. (And if I had to guess, PA 26 would likely be truncated to PA 64 near Pleasant Gap.)

That's it, I was looking for it but couldn't find it.

Nice design but I can't imagine why it would cost $185 million to build. 



Seven bridge/culvert structures to preserve local access through that interchange.   Add pyritic or acid rock and prevailing wage agreements, and yes $185 million seems in line for Northeastern costs.  Worked on two New Mexico heavy civil highway projects, and often wondered why laborers and craftsmen on those projects did not get a "scale" wage, or Davis-Bacon, while workers in much more protected or "safe" enviroments - schools, courthouses, etc. enjoyed a generous scale wage. 
[/quote]
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on June 24, 2018, 12:14:37 AM
Quote from: DJStephens on June 23, 2018, 11:49:53 AM
Quote from: Beltway on June 21, 2018, 08:44:28 PM
Nice design but I can't imagine why it would cost $185 million to build. 
Seven bridge/culvert structures to preserve local access through that interchange.   Add pyritic or acid rock and prevailing wage agreements, and yes $185 million seems in line for Northeastern costs.  Worked on two New Mexico heavy civil highway projects, and often wondered why laborers and craftsmen on those projects did not get a "scale" wage, or Davis-Bacon, while workers in much more protected or "safe" enviroments - schools, courthouses, etc. enjoyed a generous scale wage. 

But that gets into the debate about whether that part of Pennsylvania is Northeastern or Midwestern.

It certainly is very far from the high level of urbanization of the Northeast Corridor major metro areas.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: qguy on June 24, 2018, 02:30:45 PM
Quote from: Beltway on June 24, 2018, 12:14:37 AM
Quote from: DJStephens on June 23, 2018, 11:49:53 AM
Quote from: Beltway on June 21, 2018, 08:44:28 PM
Nice design but I can't imagine why it would cost $185 million to build. 
Seven bridge/culvert structures to preserve local access through that interchange.   Add pyritic or acid rock and prevailing wage agreements, and yes $185 million seems in line for Northeastern costs.  Worked on two New Mexico heavy civil highway projects, and often wondered why laborers and craftsmen on those projects did not get a "scale" wage, or Davis-Bacon, while workers in much more protected or "safe" enviroments - schools, courthouses, etc. enjoyed a generous scale wage. 
But that gets into the debate about whether that part of Pennsylvania is Northeastern or Midwestern.

It certainly is very far from the high level of urbanization of the Northeast Corridor major metro areas.

The midwest starts (if one is traveling towards the west) or ends (if one is traveling towards the east) at the west foot of the westernmost ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. The proposed interchange is in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains, indeed it is to the east of their highest point. So it is firmly in the northeast, if somewhat close to its western edge.

[Edited to change "Allegheny" to "Appalachian."]
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: froggie on June 24, 2018, 02:46:01 PM
Quote from: Beltway on June 24, 2018, 12:14:37 AM
Quote from: DJStephens on June 23, 2018, 11:49:53 AM
Quote from: Beltway on June 21, 2018, 08:44:28 PM
Nice design but I can't imagine why it would cost $185 million to build. 
Seven bridge/culvert structures to preserve local access through that interchange.   Add pyritic or acid rock and prevailing wage agreements, and yes $185 million seems in line for Northeastern costs.  Worked on two New Mexico heavy civil highway projects, and often wondered why laborers and craftsmen on those projects did not get a "scale" wage, or Davis-Bacon, while workers in much more protected or "safe" enviroments - schools, courthouses, etc. enjoyed a generous scale wage. 

But that gets into the debate about whether that part of Pennsylvania is Northeastern or Midwestern.

It certainly is very far from the high level of urbanization of the Northeast Corridor major metro areas.

Whether it's Northeastern or Midwestern doesn't matter given the level of blasting needed and presence of pyritic rock in the area.  $185M is very much in the realm of reality for the project.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: hotdogPi on June 24, 2018, 03:25:39 PM
Quote from: Beltway on June 24, 2018, 12:14:37 AM
Quote from: DJStephens on June 23, 2018, 11:49:53 AM
Quote from: Beltway on June 21, 2018, 08:44:28 PM
Nice design but I can't imagine why it would cost $185 million to build. 
Seven bridge/culvert structures to preserve local access through that interchange.   Add pyritic or acid rock and prevailing wage agreements, and yes $185 million seems in line for Northeastern costs.  Worked on two New Mexico heavy civil highway projects, and often wondered why laborers and craftsmen on those projects did not get a "scale" wage, or Davis-Bacon, while workers in much more protected or "safe" enviroments - schools, courthouses, etc. enjoyed a generous scale wage. 

But that gets into the debate about whether that part of Pennsylvania is Northeastern or Midwestern.

I-99 is the dividing line. (In New York, I-390 is the dividing line.)
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: vdeane on June 24, 2018, 05:07:34 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 24, 2018, 03:25:39 PM
Quote from: Beltway on June 24, 2018, 12:14:37 AM
But that gets into the debate about whether that part of Pennsylvania is Northeastern or Midwestern.

I-99 is the dividing line. (In New York, I-390 is the dividing line.)
So what does that make Rochester?  I'm assuming we'd use either I-390's proposed route past I-590, the Genesee River (I'd say north of the Thruway if using it; it's more significant than I-390 at least by that point), or put the entire metro in one or the other.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: hbelkins on June 24, 2018, 05:21:12 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 24, 2018, 03:25:39 PM
Quote from: Beltway on June 24, 2018, 12:14:37 AM
But that gets into the debate about whether that part of Pennsylvania is Northeastern or Midwestern.

I-99 is the dividing line. (In New York, I-390 is the dividing line.)

Anyone who thinks Pittsburgh is in the midwest has been lobotomized, although to be fair, it's not really in the northeast either.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: webny99 on June 24, 2018, 05:25:26 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 24, 2018, 05:07:34 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 24, 2018, 03:25:39 PM
Quote from: Beltway on June 24, 2018, 12:14:37 AM
But that gets into the debate about whether that part of Pennsylvania is Northeastern or Midwestern.
I-99 is the dividing line. (In New York, I-390 is the dividing line.)
So what does that make Rochester?  I'm assuming we'd use either I-390's proposed route past I-590, the Genesee River (I'd say north of the Thruway if using it; it's more significant than I-390 at least by that point), or put the entire metro in one or the other.

Backing it up a step, I don't think there's a hard line between Northeast and Midwest, especially not in Upstate NY.
Western NY is very much part of the Rust Belt, and there is a distinct culture shift in the general vicinity of I-81, arguably between there and I-390. However, I think the entire state qualifies as part of the larger "Northeast" region (not the"East Coast", which refers primarily to the I-95 corridor).

Culturally, the Rochester metro is decidedly less "rust belt" than Buffalo, while also decidedly having less East Coast influence than Syracuse. But you can't very well split the metro in two, which is why I think the term "Midwestern" shouldn't apply to anything in New York State. Culturally, maybe in some ways, but not geographically.
Title: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Sam on June 24, 2018, 07:49:42 PM
Quote from: webny99 on June 24, 2018, 05:25:26 PM
Backing it up a step, I don't think there's a hard line between Northeast and Midwest, especially not in Upstate NY.


I agree there's no hard line, but Buffalo is the transition. Its "personality"  is almost equal parts Northeastern, Midwestern and Southern Ontario.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Alps on June 24, 2018, 08:16:15 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on June 24, 2018, 05:21:12 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 24, 2018, 03:25:39 PM
Quote from: Beltway on June 24, 2018, 12:14:37 AM
But that gets into the debate about whether that part of Pennsylvania is Northeastern or Midwestern.

I-99 is the dividing line. (In New York, I-390 is the dividing line.)

Anyone who thinks Pittsburgh is in the midwest has been lobotomized, although to be fair, it's not really in the northeast either.
Pittsburgh is in the midwest.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: sparker on June 24, 2018, 08:48:54 PM
Quote from: Alps on June 24, 2018, 08:16:15 PM
Pittsburgh is in the midwest.

For better or worse, the NFL agrees with that assessment.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: hbelkins on June 24, 2018, 09:54:28 PM
Quote from: Alps on June 24, 2018, 08:16:15 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on June 24, 2018, 05:21:12 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 24, 2018, 03:25:39 PM
Quote from: Beltway on June 24, 2018, 12:14:37 AM
But that gets into the debate about whether that part of Pennsylvania is Northeastern or Midwestern.

I-99 is the dividing line. (In New York, I-390 is the dividing line.)

Anyone who thinks Pittsburgh is in the midwest has been lobotomized, although to be fair, it's not really in the northeast either.
Pittsburgh is in the midwest.

Pittsburgh is in the Appalachian Mountains. Therefore it can't be in the midwest.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: froggie on June 24, 2018, 09:56:03 PM
Trying to define the Midwest is like trying to define Upstate New York.  There's no set definition and, if this thread is any indication, everyone has their own opinion and they're all different...
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: silverback1065 on June 24, 2018, 10:35:46 PM
pennsylvania is definitely NOT in the midwest by any definition I've ever seen.  I personally don't think the Dakotas or Kansas are in the Midwest though.  There is an official definition by the feds and penn isn't in it. 
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: 02 Park Ave on June 24, 2018, 10:59:09 PM
If they drink "pop", they are in the midwest.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on June 25, 2018, 12:22:44 AM
Quote from: froggie on June 24, 2018, 02:46:01 PM
Whether it's Northeastern or Midwestern doesn't matter given the level of blasting needed and presence of pyritic rock in the area.  $185M is very much in the realm of reality for the project.

Blasting with modern explosives is not unusually expensive.  The pyritic rock is not much different from normal excavation, it is a matter of moving it to a prepared spoil area where it can be encapsulated.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: qguy on June 25, 2018, 12:29:36 AM
We covered this once in another thread, here (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=20351.msg2265458#msg2265458).

Demographers consider Pittsburgh to be the first midwestern city one comes to as one travels west across Pennsylvania. It's demographically midwestern even if one doesn't think of it as geographically midwestern.

Pittsburgh is in the Allegheny Plateau region of Pennsylvania (which extends into Ohio), not the Appalachian Mountain region, so yes, it can geographically be in the midwest. IOW, one can debate whether or not Pittsburgh is geographically in the midwest, but what is not debatable is that it definitely is not in the Appalachian Mountains.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: sparker on June 25, 2018, 12:53:57 AM
It's likely that much of the consideration of Pittsburgh as an eastern outpost of the Midwest is its location at the upper end of the Ohio River, which not only drains much of the Midwest east of the Mississippi but serves as the dividing line between the Midwest and the South.  The rationale is that if Cincinnati and Evansville can be considered within the Midwest because they're on the north side of the Ohio, then Pittsburgh must be recognized as such, since its central core lies north of the Monongahela (the southern feeder arm to the Ohio River, with the Allegheny being the northern equivalent), and no one, neither an area native nor any demographer, considers Pittsburgh to be a southern city by any means.  So the Midwest can claim Pittsburgh (and vice-versa) by a process of elimination. 
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: hbelkins on June 25, 2018, 09:57:35 AM
Quote from: qguy on June 25, 2018, 12:29:36 AM
Pittsburgh is in the Allegheny Plateau region of Pennsylvania (which extends into Ohio), not the Appalachian Mountain region, so yes, it can geographically be in the midwest. IOW, one can debate whether or not Pittsburgh is geographically in the midwest, but what is not debatable is that it definitely is not in the Appalachian Mountains.

I would debate that geographical point with you.

If Pittsburgh is not in the Appalachian Mountains, then neither are Charleston WV, Morgantown WV, Pikeville KY, Cumberland MD, Asheville NC, Bristol TN/VA, Altoona PA, and any number of other eastern mountain cities  you may wish to name. The Appalachians aren't just one range, the way the Rockies are. The Appalachians encompass all the ranges. The Blue Ridge is a part of the Appalachians.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Rothman on June 25, 2018, 10:41:21 AM
USGS puts Pittsburgh in the Piedmont of the Appalachian Highlands.

Pittsburgh certainly doesn't feel like the Midwest to me.  It is definitely more Mid-Atlantic than, say, Columbus or Indianapolis (which are more dull, generic, and boring than Pittsburgh).  Also: Pittsburgh's got mountains.

I find the Ohio River argument less than convincing as well. 



Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: webny99 on June 25, 2018, 10:54:01 AM
Western PA is very much a part of, if not the heart of, Appalachia.

Pittsburgh is not geographically in the Midwest, full stop.
Culturally, it is in the Rust Belt and has many similarities to the Midwest, but that has to do with culture, not location.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Rothman on June 25, 2018, 10:56:40 AM
If western PA is the heart of Appalachia, then you're a monkey's uncle. :D
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: webny99 on June 25, 2018, 12:08:43 PM
Quote from: Rothman on June 25, 2018, 10:56:40 AM
If western PA is the heart of Appalachia, then you're a monkey's uncle. :D

Well, how would you define the heart of Appalachia?

It certainly includes West Virginia, which is not far from Western PA.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Rothman on June 25, 2018, 01:03:55 PM
Southern WV, eastern KY, eastern TN, then along the border with NC (Smokies and Mount Mitchell).

Not saying Pennsyltucky is not in the Appalachians, but the heart?  Nah.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: hbelkins on June 25, 2018, 01:07:02 PM
Quote from: Rothman on June 25, 2018, 10:41:21 AM

I find the Ohio River argument less than convincing as well.

Agreed. That would mean that Ashland and Ironton are in different regions, as would be Covington/Newport and Cincinnati, New Albany/Clarksville/Jeffersonville and Louisville, and Evansville and Henderson/Owensboro.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: sparker on June 25, 2018, 02:50:50 PM
I suppose using the Ohio River as a delineation point would depend upon whether Kentucky is considered generally part of the "classic" South or whether it (and possibly TN as well) functions as an individual region (a western Piedmont equivalent).  I don't see much resolution regarding just where Pittsburgh (or Louisville or Cincinnati or even Wheeling) should be arbitrarily placed.  Perhaps we should use our own road-centric logic and consider "Appalachia" as any place where there are ARC routes -- from lower NY, arrayed on both sides of the Ohio River, and just about everything down to and including MS!  Seems as good as any criteria out there! 
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: qguy on June 25, 2018, 05:51:54 PM
OK, I know this thread is getting a little off-topic, but...

I know the Appalachian Mountain region has more than one ridge.  :rolleyes:  I know this because 1) I can go to Google Maps and turn on satellite view, and 2) they teach this in elementary and middle schools all across Pennsylvania. I'm also well aware that the Blue Ridge is part of the Appalachian Mountains. In Pennsylvania, they extend from the Blue Ridge (which contains PA Turnpike tunnels on both the main trunk and northeast extension) to the Allegheny Front. In fact, as I write this now, I'm actually looking out a window and can see the Blue Ridge with my own eyes. (Doing two things at the same time!)

I don't know about calling the area on the west side of the Appalachian Mountains a piedmont. If someone found a USGS reference to that, then OK. I guess technically it's a piedmont (it's the "foot of a mountain," right?) but it's not the Piedmont. The Piedmont (capital P) is the region at the eastern edge of the Appalachian Mountain region between it and the Coastal Plain region.

For a good graphical presentation of the five major geographical regions in Pennsylvania, go here (http://slideplayer.com/slide/7687266/). For those not inclined to follow the link, they are (generally from east to west):
1. Coastal Plain.
2. Piedmont.
3. Appalachian Mountains (often called Ridge and Valley Region).
4. Allegheny Plateau.
5. Erie Plain.
:sleep:
Did I nod off? Anyway, for the more visually inclined among us, there's a nice map graphic here (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geology_of_Pennsylvania#/media/File:Physiographic_provinces_of_Pennsylvania,_Pennsylvania_Geological_Survey,_4th_ser.,_Map_13,_Pennsylvania_Geological_Survey_of_the_PennDepCons%26NatRes.jpg).

Altoona is definitely inside the Appalachian Mountain region. In fact, it's east of the highest point on the range, the eastern continental divide. (In that area it's where the Norfolk Southern rail line passes through the Gallitzin tunnels.)

Pittsburgh is not in the Appalachian Mountain region, it's in the Allegheny Plateau region. Do you consider the Allegheny Plateau region to by geographically northeast or midwest? Fine by me, honestly. If you consider the Allegheny Plateau to be geographically part of the northeast (which it may be), than the northeast probably extends to the middle of Ohio (geographically speaking). There's a graphic that shows that here (http://www.virginiaplaces.org/regions/physio.html) (second graphic from the top). I guess all the light grey area in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio could be considered geographically part of the northeast. That last graphic identifies the area Pittsburgh is in to be part of the overall Appalachian Highland area. Do consider that to be the "greater Appalachian Mountain" region? Again, fine by me; I won't argue with you.

At any rate, in my earlier post I said that demographers consider Pittsburgh to be demographically a midwest city, whatever it is geographically.

Apologies for the lengthy post. To get back on-topic, what is certain is that the interchange is firmly in the northeast (geographically, telegraphically, phonographically, etc., etc.).
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on June 25, 2018, 06:45:02 PM
Quote from: qguy on June 25, 2018, 05:51:54 PM
Apologies for the lengthy post. To get back on-topic, what is certain is that the interchange is firmly in the northeast (geographically, telegraphically, phonographically, etc., etc.).

Getting back to my point, where this northeast/Midwest discussion started, was when a poster defended the $185 million cost estimate, based on the interchange being in the 'northeast'.  As if it was expensive because of what it costs to build in northeastern metros such as Philadelphia, NYC, Baltimore, D.C., etc.

This is in a rural area about 200 miles from those metro areas, far enough to put it in a whole different cost regime.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: qguy on June 25, 2018, 07:12:11 PM
Quote from: Beltway on June 25, 2018, 06:45:02 PM
Quote from: qguy on June 25, 2018, 05:51:54 PM
Apologies for the lengthy post. To get back on-topic, what is certain is that the interchange is firmly in the northeast (geographically, telegraphically, phonographically, etc., etc.).
Getting back to my point, where this northeast/Midwest discussion started, was when a poster defended the $185 million cost estimate, based on the interchange being in the 'northeast'.  As if it was expensive because of what it costs to build in northeastern metros such as Philadelphia, NYC, Baltimore, D.C., etc.

This is in a rural area about 200 miles from those metro areas, far enough to put it in a whole different cost regime.

Maybe they had in mind its proximity to State College, the home of Penn State University, about 15 miles away. Y'know, the rate of tuition inflation these days makes everything nearby more expensive, even the rocks.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Alps on June 25, 2018, 07:56:47 PM
Quote from: Beltway on June 25, 2018, 06:45:02 PM
Quote from: qguy on June 25, 2018, 05:51:54 PM
Apologies for the lengthy post. To get back on-topic, what is certain is that the interchange is firmly in the northeast (geographically, telegraphically, phonographically, etc., etc.).

Getting back to my point, where this northeast/Midwest discussion started, was when a poster defended the $185 million cost estimate, based on the interchange being in the 'northeast'.  As if it was expensive because of what it costs to build in northeastern metros such as Philadelphia, NYC, Baltimore, D.C., etc.

This is in a rural area about 200 miles from those metro areas, far enough to put it in a whole different cost regime.
Pennsylvania is a northeastern state. Costs tend to aggregate by state due to taxes and state laws. Your move, a poster.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on June 25, 2018, 08:25:47 PM
Quote from: Alps on June 25, 2018, 07:56:47 PM
Quote from: Beltway on June 25, 2018, 06:45:02 PM
Quote from: qguy on June 25, 2018, 05:51:54 PM
Apologies for the lengthy post. To get back on-topic, what is certain is that the interchange is firmly in the northeast (geographically, telegraphically, phonographically, etc., etc.).
Getting back to my point, where this northeast/Midwest discussion started, was when a poster defended the $185 million cost estimate, based on the interchange being in the 'northeast'.  As if it was expensive because of what it costs to build in northeastern metros such as Philadelphia, NYC, Baltimore, D.C., etc.
This is in a rural area about 200 miles from those metro areas, far enough to put it in a whole different cost regime.
Pennsylvania is a northeastern state. Costs tend to aggregate by state due to taxes and state laws. Your move, a poster.

Highway construction and maintenance costs vary considerably by locality, VDOT tracks costs by county and city categories.  My 3 years with PennDOT (1970s) is obviously dated but it was the same situation there.  In the Philadelphia area we observed with interest how much less projects cost in rural parts of the state.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on June 25, 2018, 08:27:44 PM
Quote from: qguy on June 25, 2018, 07:12:11 PM
Quote from: Beltway on June 25, 2018, 06:45:02 PM
Getting back to my point, where this northeast/Midwest discussion started, was when a poster defended the $185 million cost estimate, based on the interchange being in the 'northeast'.  As if it was expensive because of what it costs to build in northeastern metros such as Philadelphia, NYC, Baltimore, D.C., etc.
This is in a rural area about 200 miles from those metro areas, far enough to put it in a whole different cost regime.
Maybe they had in mind its proximity to State College, the home of Penn State University, about 15 miles away. Y'know, the rate of tuition inflation these days makes everything nearby more expensive, even the rocks.

Yeah, the gold can seep into the ground and waters, and that can make everything more expensive!   :banghead:
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Gnutella on July 05, 2018, 05:11:08 AM
Quote from: Alps on June 24, 2018, 08:16:15 PMPittsburgh is in the midwest.

Quote from: Alps on June 25, 2018, 07:56:47 PMPennsylvania is a northeastern state.

:confused:
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: silverback1065 on July 05, 2018, 07:32:49 AM
pittsburgh is not in the midwest, never has been, never will be, nuff said.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on March 01, 2019, 02:45:03 PM
Completion of all work by December 2025.
. . . .

PennDOT Details New Local Access Tied to I-80/I-99 Interchange Project
March 01, 2019

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcityportals-statecollegecom-assets.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fassets%2Fnews%2Fimages%2F1479437_41545.jpg&hash=5d911419c2d47fc3358ec1635be64ca6f4d07d67)

After being discussed for what seems like ages, the proposed high-speed interchange at Interstates 80 and 99 is kicking into gear with a $34 million federal grant received by PennDOT. On Tuesday, the agency gave a presentation on the project at the Patton Township building.

The interchange will improve traffic patterns as drivers use I-99 and I-80 to come into the region, but will change local traffic as state Route 26 will not have access to I-80 when the project is complete. Access to SR 26 (Jacksonville Road) from I-80 will come from a new exit that will be built two miles to the east of the current exit, said PennDOT Assistant District Executive of Design Thomas Zurat.

The $34 million will go toward building this new local access interchange to SR 26. PennDOT plans to open bids for the project on April 23, 2020, and anticipates finishing it in December 2021.

This part of the project includes building a connector road from SR 26 to the on- and off-ramps of I-80.

After the new local access interchange is complete, the next steps of the project will be to go out to bid in March of 2022. The next steps include making improvements to Jacksonville Road between the new I-80 exit as it heads south back toward I-80, bridge improvements to the eastbound and westbound structures over Hubler Ridge Road and Sand Ridge Road, and construction of the high-speed interchange for I-80 and I-99.

PennDOT expects the Jacksonville Road improvement to be complete by July 2023 and the bridge improvement to be complete by December 2023.

The Jacksonville Road improvements will be made to handle the increased traffic that will come from the new local access point.

"We are going to do a little bit of widening, put in wider shoulders and pave the roadway. And it you ever ride down the road, there is a lot of up and down and we are going to smooth out those over verticals and such,"  said Zurat.

The high-speed interchange work looks to be completed by December 2025.

"There will be no connection to 26 when we are done, so there will be no local access,"  Zurat said. "This will be a high-speed connection between the two interstates. So what happens because of that, to the east of this interchange we are building a new local interchange for people to get on and off of 26. This will get bid and built first – the local interchange. This is about two or three miles toward Howard down 26, so you will be able to get on and off 80 and hook over toward 26 or what will be the new 1018 and take you back toward the quarry, which will come in here on Jacksonville Road and tie you underneath the interstate and keep going down Jacksonville toward Bellefonte."

This leaves options for people looking to get to Jacksonville Road from heading north on I-99 to get off at the 550 interchange or get on I-80 east for two miles and get off at the new interchange.

An aspect of the project designed to improve safety looks to get started by the end of this year, with improvements made to the current SR 26/I-80 westbound ramp that has long been an issue with backups as motorists look to get off I-80 to head to Penn State, especially during a football weekend.

This past year, a traffic light with a sensor was installed to help move traffic along. PennDOT plans to push back the embankment on the east side of 26 as people approach the traffic light to make it more visible and extend the exit ramp 400 feet coming off of I-80 westbound onto 26 to "accommodate a little more stacking,"  said Zurat. PennDOT is also going to add more sensors to allow the ramp to clear more smoothly during high-traffic times.

The high-speed interchange will also help further the plan to extend I-99 north toward the New York border.

"It opens up the extension of I-99, but the feds are still looking,"  said Zurat. "Probably the biggest concern for 99 right now is the section going up to Williamsport. Once you get up into Lock Haven and up into Jersey Shore, it narrows down with a lot of houses and businesses for just a short section and then it opens back up to four lanes. That is kind of the restriction right now. It wouldn't take us much to connect 80 to the Lock Haven bypass; that lower part is farm fields and you could do that. It's the piece north of that that would be a little more difficult."

Zurat added that I-99 currently stops at Musser Lane, a half-mile before I-80, but the new interchange will allow that last half mile to be considered I-99.

The overall project will cost about $200 million, he said.

Penn State is a test bed for automated vehicles, Zurat said, and part of the grant is to lay down a fiber network to allow the interchange to be part of the testing.

"So, that will be neat to see what that brings to the area,"  said Zurat. "But the big thing is to move the freight and the people and having a more reliable system will make it much better for the users."  


----------------
http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/penndot-details-new-local-access-tied-to-i80i99-interchange-project,1479437/?fbclid=IwAR0QFXQcub0QYSls-gjB4RYJgFpYojq2ptCNKxZ86WaXnyboPfojclKBT7Q
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: The Ghostbuster on March 01, 2019, 04:24:02 PM
Well, at least they finally have a construction date for this project! The original segment of Interstate 99 will finally connect with the rest of the Interstate system. Now if they can just find a way to make Interstate 99 continuous between Interstate 80 and Interstate 180/US 15.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: sparker on March 01, 2019, 04:46:35 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 01, 2019, 04:24:02 PM
Well, at least they finally have a construction date for this project! The original segment of Interstate 99 will finally connect with the rest of the Interstate system. Now if they can just find a way to make Interstate 99 continuous between Interstate 80 and Interstate 180/US 15.

Before that is done, US 15 between Williamsport and the NY state line needs to have the final "tweaking" done to bring it up to full Interstate standards; the I-80-to-Williamsport section will need extensive modification or bypassing to pass muster; that would probably be a more long-term situation.  If the northerly stretch could be signed as I-99, then the central US 220 stretch could be posted with "TO I-99" signage -- including the BGS's at I-180 and I-80 -- until it too were fully completed. 
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: briantroutman on March 01, 2019, 04:57:20 PM
Quote from: Beltway on March 01, 2019, 02:45:03 PM
"It wouldn't take us much to connect 80 to the Lock Haven bypass; that lower part is farm fields and you could do that. It's the piece north of that that would be a little more difficult."

Granted, there are fewer challenges to solve in bridging the three-mile gap between I-80 and Mill Hall than in the longer and more populated segment between Jersey Shore and Williamsport, but Mr. Zurat is really soft-peddling the amount of work and funds needed to complete the I-80/US 220 connection at Exit 178. Essentially, that project will involve almost everything involved with the upcoming $200 million project near Bellefonte–plus–the land clearing, grading, and construction work necessary to build three miles of a new two-lane carriageway. That will entail the modification of the newly built Auction/Fairground Rd. interchange, a slight modification of the PA 477 interchange, and the construction of two new overpass structures. With the Exit 161 project having been delayed for "what seems like ages"  according to the article, I don't have any reason to think that a continuous freeway link to Mill Hall will take any less time.

And on the subject of the Jersey Shore to Williamsport freeway gap, PennDOT is investing $37.6 million into a three-year project (http://www.sungazette.com/news/top-news/2019/02/route-220-corridor-construction-work-has-projected-fall-start-date/) intended to increase safety along the existing free-access surface highway–adding median barriers in more places, eliminating more left turns, and constructing more jug handles. I don't anticipate any progress toward the long-planned freeway upgrade/bypass for another decade at least.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on March 01, 2019, 09:21:09 PM
Quote from: sparker on March 01, 2019, 04:46:35 PM
Before that is done, US 15 between Williamsport and the NY state line needs to have the final "tweaking" done to bring it up to full Interstate standards

Like what?  Someone claimed that there is forest fire road that connects as a RIRO, but other than that I don't know what doesn't meet full Interstate standards.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: seicer on March 01, 2019, 09:30:24 PM
Quote from: Beltway on March 01, 2019, 09:21:09 PM
Quote from: sparker on March 01, 2019, 04:46:35 PM
Before that is done, US 15 between Williamsport and the NY state line needs to have the final "tweaking" done to bring it up to full Interstate standards

Like what?  Someone claimed that there is forest fire road that connects as a RIRO, but other than that I don't know what doesn't meet full Interstate standards.

It pretty much is a RIRO, and those types of connections already exist elsewhere, and I'm not sure what other deficiencies there are.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on March 01, 2019, 09:43:18 PM
Quote from: seicer on March 01, 2019, 09:30:24 PM
Quote from: Beltway on March 01, 2019, 09:21:09 PM
Quote from: sparker on March 01, 2019, 04:46:35 PM
Before that is done, US 15 between Williamsport and the NY state line needs to have the final "tweaking" done to bring it up to full Interstate standards
Like what?  Someone claimed that there is forest fire road that connects as a RIRO, but other than that I don't know what doesn't meet full Interstate standards.
It pretty much is a RIRO, and those types of connections already exist elsewhere, and I'm not sure what other deficiencies there are.

If it is forest fire road then presumably it would have a locked gate that is only opened in an emergency situation.  IOW does not violate freeway standards.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Roadsguy on March 02, 2019, 12:00:20 AM
Quote from: Beltway on March 01, 2019, 09:43:18 PM
Quote from: seicer on March 01, 2019, 09:30:24 PM
Quote from: Beltway on March 01, 2019, 09:21:09 PM
Quote from: sparker on March 01, 2019, 04:46:35 PM
Before that is done, US 15 between Williamsport and the NY state line needs to have the final "tweaking" done to bring it up to full Interstate standards
Like what?  Someone claimed that there is forest fire road that connects as a RIRO, but other than that I don't know what doesn't meet full Interstate standards.
It pretty much is a RIRO, and those types of connections already exist elsewhere, and I'm not sure what other deficiencies there are.

If it is forest fire road then presumably it would have a locked gate that is only opened in an emergency situation.  IOW does not violate freeway standards.

I've been up it a little bit and I'm pretty sure there is a gate. It does have a name (https://goo.gl/maps/dimtiv8gAAP2), though (Four Mile Road?), and Google identifies it as township road 685 (T-685). The intersection also has a stop sign, one-way signs, and a wrong way sign.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: sparker on March 02, 2019, 01:53:00 AM
Question:  has PennDOT ever formally submitted the US 15 facility north of Williamsport as I-99? -- and if so, was the RIRO mentioned above cited as a reason for denial of such an application?  If the answer to the first question is no, then it would appear that PennDOT is in no particular hurry to upgrade the designation (unlike the existing southerly section of I-99), even though NY did so with their short segment a few years ago. 
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Plutonic Panda on March 02, 2019, 10:08:38 AM
Sorry I'm not familiar with Pennsylvania... I went and checked out Google maps and wow what a horrible interchange. Glad to see it upgraded though it seems like they could find a way to expedite this rather than phase it out until 2025. This isn't a very large project.

There is already a high speed interchange a little south that connects to what google maps shows as highway 64. It looks like they plan on building anew facility extending east?
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Roadsguy on March 02, 2019, 10:19:39 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on March 02, 2019, 10:08:38 AM
Sorry I'm not familiar with Pennsylvania... I went and checked out Google maps and wow what a horrible interchange. Glad to see it upgraded though it seems like they could find a way to expedite this rather than phase it out until 2025. This isn't a very large project.

There is already a high speed interchange a little south that connects to what google maps shows as highway 64. It looks like they plan on building anew facility extending east?

The interchange on I-80 was originally just for PA 26 (which ran into Bellefonte on Jacksonville Road and then continued south on what's now PA 150 to its current alignment, presumably where PA 64 used to end). A super-2 freeway (two lanes on four-lane right-of-way) was built in the early 1970s following what's now I-99, then continuing on the short connector to PA 26. Plans were originally to extend the freeway southeast to US 322, but obviously that never happened. I don't know if plans for the State College—Bellefonte section of I-99 predate the Interstate plans, but there was never any stub for it from the original PA 26 super-2.

One of the alternatives to complete the freeway gap in US 322 would have extended the freeway from Potters Mills northwest to the super-2, where 322 would either run southwest along I-99 to its current alignment or north to I-80, I'm not sure.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: AMLNet49 on March 03, 2019, 05:35:52 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 01, 2019, 04:24:02 PM
Well, at least they finally have a construction date for this project! The original segment of Interstate 99 will finally connect with the rest of the Interstate system. Now if they can just find a way to make Interstate 99 continuous between Interstate 80 and Interstate 180/US 15.

The portion between I-80 and New York State will be a "faux" interstate like the east end of I-86.

And I-99 already connects with the interstate system, at its south end. There are no at-grade intersections or traffic lights at I-99's connection to I-70/76
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: dfilpus on March 03, 2019, 06:17:13 PM
Quote from: AMLNet49 on March 03, 2019, 05:35:52 PM
And I-99 already connects with the interstate system, at its south end. There are no at-grade intersections or traffic lights at I-99's connection to I-70/76
Say what?
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: hbelkins on March 03, 2019, 07:08:49 PM
Quote from: AMLNet49 on March 03, 2019, 05:35:52 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 01, 2019, 04:24:02 PM
Well, at least they finally have a construction date for this project! The original segment of Interstate 99 will finally connect with the rest of the Interstate system. Now if they can just find a way to make Interstate 99 continuous between Interstate 80 and Interstate 180/US 15.

The portion between I-80 and New York State will be a "faux" interstate like the east end of I-86.

And I-99 already connects with the interstate system, at its south end. There are no at-grade intersections or traffic lights at I-99's connection to I-70/76

Wrong. There's a light at the end of the ramp from I-99 to Business US 220, and a light at the on-ramp to the turnpike from Business 220.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Alps on March 03, 2019, 08:20:19 PM
Quote from: dfilpus on March 03, 2019, 06:17:13 PM
Quote from: AMLNet49 on March 03, 2019, 05:35:52 PM
And I-99 already connects with the interstate system, at its south end. There are no at-grade intersections or traffic lights at I-99's connection to I-70/76
Say what?
He meant I-68.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: NE2 on March 03, 2019, 10:48:11 PM
Quote from: Alps on March 03, 2019, 08:20:19 PM
Quote from: dfilpus on March 03, 2019, 06:17:13 PM
Quote from: AMLNet49 on March 03, 2019, 05:35:52 PM
And I-99 already connects with the interstate system, at its south end. There are no at-grade intersections or traffic lights at I-99's connection to I-70/76
Say what?
He meant US 30.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: ekt8750 on March 04, 2019, 12:23:48 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 03, 2019, 07:08:49 PM
Quote from: AMLNet49 on March 03, 2019, 05:35:52 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 01, 2019, 04:24:02 PM
Well, at least they finally have a construction date for this project! The original segment of Interstate 99 will finally connect with the rest of the Interstate system. Now if they can just find a way to make Interstate 99 continuous between Interstate 80 and Interstate 180/US 15.

The portion between I-80 and New York State will be a "faux" interstate like the east end of I-86.

And I-99 already connects with the interstate system, at its south end. There are no at-grade intersections or traffic lights at I-99's connection to I-70/76

Wrong. There's a light at the end of the ramp from I-99 to Business US 220, and a light at the on-ramp to the turnpike from Business 220.

Yeah that interchange is a total Breezewood.

Quote from: Alps on March 03, 2019, 08:20:19 PM
He meant I-68.

Doubt it since I-99's signage ends at the Turnpike.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: hbelkins on March 04, 2019, 01:16:17 PM
Quote from: ekt8750 on March 04, 2019, 12:23:48 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 03, 2019, 07:08:49 PM
Quote from: AMLNet49 on March 03, 2019, 05:35:52 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 01, 2019, 04:24:02 PM
Well, at least they finally have a construction date for this project! The original segment of Interstate 99 will finally connect with the rest of the Interstate system. Now if they can just find a way to make Interstate 99 continuous between Interstate 80 and Interstate 180/US 15.

The portion between I-80 and New York State will be a "faux" interstate like the east end of I-86.

And I-99 already connects with the interstate system, at its south end. There are no at-grade intersections or traffic lights at I-99's connection to I-70/76

Wrong. There's a light at the end of the ramp from I-99 to Business US 220, and a light at the on-ramp to the turnpike from Business 220.

Yeah that interchange is a total Breezewood.

Quote from: Alps on March 03, 2019, 08:20:19 PM
He meant I-68.

Doubt it since I-99's signage ends at the Turnpike.

Actually, it ends at the connector to Business 220. There's an End I-99 sign southbound, and that's where the 0 mile marker is located. I'm not sure if there's a Begin I-99 sign northbound or not; I can't remember if I have ever seen one there. There's no I-99 signage south of there, and everything northbound to the south of that connector says "To North I-99."

Quote from: Alps on March 03, 2019, 08:20:19 PM
He meant I-68.

Although the upgrade of US 220 from Bedford to Cumberland is dead, I admit to being a bit surprised that Maryland hasn't signed any "To I-99" trailblazers at the US 220 exit east of downtown Cumberland. But then again, this is the same state that actively recruits westbound I-70 traffic to stay on I-68 and avoid a huge chunk of P-A.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: akotchi on March 04, 2019, 02:21:33 PM
The first I-99 North pull-through (without "to") is actually at the U.S. 30 exit, though the ground-mounted signs still have the "to" banner.  There is a zero marker northbound under the bridge carrying the U.S. 220 Business connector -- I did not see one southbound.

I took a few photos before the Abandoned Turnpike meet in November.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Roadsguy on March 04, 2019, 02:38:58 PM
Quote from: akotchi on March 04, 2019, 02:21:33 PM
The first I-99 North pull-through (without "to") is actually at the U.S. 30 exit, though the ground-mounted signs still have the "to" banner.  There is a zero marker northbound under the bridge carrying the U.S. 220 Business connector -- I did not see one southbound.

Technically it's at the local Bedford exit (https://goo.gl/maps/KwABvv1yYGx), though you could argue based on signage context that it's "for" the US 30 interchange.

There's no southbound zero-mile marker in any of the Street View years, though that point under the bridge is definitely where SR 0220 becomes SR 0099. There's also a southbound END marker just before the exit to Business 220.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: The Ghostbuster on March 05, 2019, 04:06:49 PM
Couldn't they reconfigure the interchange at the soutern end so there could be a direct connection between Interstate 99/US 220 and the Interstate 70/76 Pennsylvania Turnpike? It may require one or both roads to no longer have access to US 220 Business, but it looks like it could be done.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Alps on March 05, 2019, 08:38:24 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 05, 2019, 04:06:49 PM
Couldn't they reconfigure the interchange at the soutern end so there could be a direct connection between Interstate 99/US 220 and the Interstate 70/76 Pennsylvania Turnpike? It may require one or both roads to no longer have access to US 220 Business, but it looks like it could be done.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/KGk-HfWr9fU9FSqKFOiymweJi7dHibw6Q2f9kFPZmMrikAOMdUO7UpU178vtdjv6vR9aKCSJK0Ychj5WM1Tegm2LRUDdkqUSV0iGEPnHqmq87nlW76rIyQCxOBCXuy53fEedimwS=w2400)
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on March 05, 2019, 09:33:52 PM
Here is my Bedford interchange design, full freeway and local connections.
If there is an issue with the loop weaving on I-99 then there is ample space for C-D roadways.

That is the concept, but if I took more time I would smooth out the ramps somewhat... but you get the idea!

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcapital-beltway.com%2FBedfordPA.jpg&hash=030c3052dea6d1d1dc56208bfe8eb78fcfc9cb94)

Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: WNYroadgeek on March 06, 2019, 12:02:42 AM
Quote from: Alps on March 03, 2019, 08:20:19 PM
Quote from: dfilpus on March 03, 2019, 06:17:13 PM
Quote from: AMLNet49 on March 03, 2019, 05:35:52 PM
And I-99 already connects with the interstate system, at its south end. There are no at-grade intersections or traffic lights at I-99's connection to I-70/76
Say what?
He meant I-68.
I think you have the digits swapped there. Clearly meant I-86.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: hbelkins on March 06, 2019, 11:26:34 AM
If a direct connection was ever made, wonder if those Bedford businesses would howl as loudly as the Breezewood ones do anytime a direct connection is mentioned? It should be noted that Bedford's highway-business corridor there is much more thriving than is Breezewood's.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: sparker on March 06, 2019, 11:56:56 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 06, 2019, 11:26:34 AM
If a direct connection was ever made, wonder if those Bedford businesses would howl as loudly as the Breezewood ones do anytime a direct connection is mentioned? It should be noted that Bedford's highway-business corridor there is much more thriving than is Breezewood's.

Probably -- claiming precedent regarding the circumstances 15 miles to the east; a more recent instance will simply feed off the first.  It's likely that both PennDOT and the PTC will engage in mutual procrastination about formulation of any such plans for Bedford.   Since the Breezewood situation is approaching the half-century mark -- and I-99 is a little less than half that age, there are good odds that neither location will deviate from the status quo for the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: vdeane on March 06, 2019, 12:22:36 PM
They should have been required to fix Bedford before getting any approval to sign I-99.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Roadsguy on March 06, 2019, 01:52:43 PM
I think the original plan to extend I-99 south to I-68 might have been why Bedford was less of an issue since it wasn't supposed to be an Interstate terminus.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: PHLBOS on March 06, 2019, 02:14:33 PM
Quote from: Roadsguy on March 06, 2019, 01:52:43 PMI think the original plan to extend I-99 south to I-68 might have been why Bedford was less of an issue since it wasn't supposed to be an Interstate terminus.
That said, the real question would be: is said-extension completely off the table?  South of Bedford, US 220 still becomes an undivided 2-lane roadway; so an upgrade to a 4-lane expressway from Bedford to I-68 would need to happen before receiving an Interstate designation.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Mr_Northside on March 06, 2019, 03:22:41 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 06, 2019, 11:26:34 AM
If a direct connection was ever made, wonder if those Bedford businesses would howl as loudly as the Breezewood ones do anytime a direct connection is mentioned? It should be noted that Bedford's highway-business corridor there is much more thriving than is Breezewood's.

I'd have to doubt it.  The actual population of Bedford, while not large, probably helps supply customers. The travelers/locals ratio is probably a lot more balanced than Breezewood, cause I don't know that near as many vehicles enter/exit in Bedford.

Of course, these days (and probably for a while now), it's probably not so much possible opposition as it is local apathy.  I've read PennDOT statements to the effect that most of what they do is first based on local support/desire.  If those in the general area really start clamoring for a direct interchange, it stands a much better chance of happening, which is kind of what happened with the Turnpike & I-79 @ Cranberry - Township officals viewed the non-direct-connection as a hinderance and choke point, and pushed to get the connection.

The first best thing to get Turnpike & other freeway direct connections built is to get the local population to start putting the pressure on.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: hbelkins on March 06, 2019, 03:38:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 06, 2019, 12:22:36 PM
They should have been required to fix Bedford before getting any approval to sign I-99.

Isn't State College (I-80) just as bad as Bedford? At least State College is getting a full freeway interchange, finally.

Quote from: PHLBOS on March 06, 2019, 02:14:33 PM
Quote from: Roadsguy on March 06, 2019, 01:52:43 PMI think the original plan to extend I-99 south to I-68 might have been why Bedford was less of an issue since it wasn't supposed to be an Interstate terminus.
That said, the real question would be: is said-extension completely off the table?  South of Bedford, US 220 still becomes an undivided 2-lane roadway; so an upgrade to a 4-lane expressway from Bedford to I-68 would need to happen before receiving an Interstate designation.

My understanding is that it's dead, Jim. The federal funding (ADHS) slated for it was moved elsewhere in Pennsylvania, and everything I've read indicates that PennDOT has no plans to move forward with extending the freeway south. And even if it did, Maryland's fairly-new segment of US 220 and the I-68 interchange would suddenly become obsolete and in need of upgrading.

Think of I-68 and the Mon-Fayette (WV 43). There's not a full freeway interchange there and probably will never need to be one.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Alps on March 06, 2019, 03:39:03 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 06, 2019, 02:14:33 PM
Quote from: Roadsguy on March 06, 2019, 01:52:43 PMI think the original plan to extend I-99 south to I-68 might have been why Bedford was less of an issue since it wasn't supposed to be an Interstate terminus.
That said, the real question would be: is said-extension completely off the table?  South of Bedford, US 220 still becomes an undivided 2-lane roadway; so an upgrade to a 4-lane expressway from Bedford to I-68 would need to happen before receiving an Interstate designation.
I believe it's off the table and the funding was transferred to another corridor.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on March 06, 2019, 03:40:48 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 06, 2019, 11:26:34 AM
If a direct connection was ever made, wonder if those Bedford businesses would howl as loudly as the Breezewood ones do anytime a direct connection is mentioned? It should be noted that Bedford's highway-business corridor there is much more thriving than is Breezewood's.

Here is my Breezewood interchange design, full freeway and local connections.  The two new ramps would have 2 lanes and a 45 mph design speed.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcapital-beltway.com%2FBreezewoodPA.jpg&hash=479741122718913c315fd5f0d81e32d7b3ac406f)

All Electronic Tolling (AET) could eliminate the segment of old turnpike (connector highway) and build a conventional interchange between the turnpike and I-70.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: sparker on March 06, 2019, 04:14:39 PM
^^^^^^^^^
If the stretch of surface street connecting the I-99 and Pike interchanges has experienced any increase in its level of traffic incidents (even "fender-benders") due to the volume of traffic making the transition between the two facilities, conveying those stats to PennDOT and the PTC (although it would seem that the former would be more concerned than the latter) might serve as an initial first step toward development of a direct connector. 

On another note, IIRC ARC corridor "O", which originally followed US 220 between I-68 in Cumberland, MD and I-80, was truncated back to I-70/76 and the mileage applied to US 322 NW from I-99 to I-80 near Woodland; and that HPC #9, the vehicle used to designate I-99, was also cut back simultaneously.  That leaves the 2-lane stretch south of Bedford without a direct Fed funding path, effectively isolating that short MD pre-I-99 super-2 section of US 220 between I-68 and the state line (which apparently was a precursor to the original planned south terminus of I-99 at I-68).  AFAIK, there are no plans in the works at any level to address the remaining 2-lane US 220 section north of the MD state line; I-99 will terminate at Bedford for the time being. 
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: vdeane on March 06, 2019, 08:56:14 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 06, 2019, 03:38:13 PM
Isn't State College (I-80) just as bad as Bedford? At least State College is getting a full freeway interchange, finally.
It is now, but the initial section of I-99 first designated/signed didn't go further north than Bald Eagle (if not further south), so it wouldn't have been a factor then.  Why PA was allowed to sign an interstate that doesn't connect to the rest of the system, I don't know.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: hbelkins on March 07, 2019, 11:08:55 AM
Quote from: vdeane on March 06, 2019, 08:56:14 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 06, 2019, 03:38:13 PM
Isn't State College (I-80) just as bad as Bedford? At least State College is getting a full freeway interchange, finally.
It is now, but the initial section of I-99 first designated/signed didn't go further north than Bald Eagle (if not further south), so it wouldn't have been a factor then.  Why PA was allowed to sign an interstate that doesn't connect to the rest of the system, I don't know.

Congressional dictate.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: vdeane on March 07, 2019, 11:58:53 AM
I'm only aware of the I-99 number being signed into law... not anything about allowing it to be signed without a connection to another interstate (something which I'm pretty sure is allowed only for I-69 and I-11 - both of which actually did get an exemption a couple years ago).
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: AMLNet49 on March 08, 2019, 10:30:26 AM
Quote from: WNYroadgeek on March 06, 2019, 12:02:42 AM
Quote from: Alps on March 03, 2019, 08:20:19 PM
Quote from: dfilpus on March 03, 2019, 06:17:13 PM
Quote from: AMLNet49 on March 03, 2019, 05:35:52 PM
And I-99 already connects with the interstate system, at its south end. There are no at-grade intersections or traffic lights at I-99's connection to I-70/76
Say what?
He meant I-68.
I think you have the digits swapped there. Clearly meant I-86.
Wow just came back to this thread, yeah clearly I just had a completely false memory of a grade-separated connection between 76 an 99 from a trip to penn state several years ago.  I envisioned an upside down L-shaped double trumpet. But it must have been from somewhere else, because it's clearly not in Bedford PA.

Weird how the only direct freeway connections on I-99 are with the US Routes in Altoona and State College, yet not with the interstates

But at least with this project, I-99 will be virtually complete (aside from the aforementioned I-76 interchange), even if a couple sections technically need to be designated. This project will leave I-99 in the same position as nearby I-86, with both "real" portions and "faux" portions along its length.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Roadsguy on March 08, 2019, 10:39:47 AM
As for the question of how I-99 was designated despite not connecting to an Interstate, it seems the FHWA may just pretend, as seen on their NHS map:

(https://i.imgur.com/rL1fvPe.png)

Double blue lines are Interstate corridors.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: goobnav on March 08, 2019, 10:57:02 AM
Quote from: Roadsguy on March 08, 2019, 10:39:47 AM
As for the question of how I-99 was designated despite not connecting to an Interstate, it seems the FHWA may just pretend, as seen on their NHS map:

(https://i.imgur.com/rL1fvPe.png)

Double blue lines are Interstate corridors.

Same is true for I-476 and I-81 north of Scranton, guess FHWA is Ok as long as they are connected in some way.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Rothman on March 08, 2019, 11:00:00 AM
Quote from: goobnav on March 08, 2019, 10:57:02 AM
Quote from: Roadsguy on March 08, 2019, 10:39:47 AM
As for the question of how I-99 was designated despite not connecting to an Interstate, it seems the FHWA may just pretend, as seen on their NHS map:

(https://i.imgur.com/rL1fvPe.png)

Double blue lines are Interstate corridors.

Same is true for I-476 and I-81 north of Scranton, guess FHWA is Ok as long as they are connected in some way.
The connection north of Scranton looks direct to me.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: AMLNet49 on March 08, 2019, 11:02:41 AM
Quote from: goobnav on March 08, 2019, 10:57:02 AM
Quote from: Roadsguy on March 08, 2019, 10:39:47 AM
As for the question of how I-99 was designated despite not connecting to an Interstate, it seems the FHWA may just pretend, as seen on their NHS map:
Double blue lines are Interstate corridors.

Same is true for I-476 and I-81 north of Scranton, guess FHWA is Ok as long as they are connected in some way.

Scranton is a freeway-to-freeway connection though

Sure the mainlines don't cross but it is a fundamentally different situation
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Roadsguy on March 08, 2019, 11:10:57 AM
Quote from: AMLNet49 on March 08, 2019, 11:02:41 AM
Quote from: goobnav on March 08, 2019, 10:57:02 AM
Quote from: Roadsguy on March 08, 2019, 10:39:47 AM
As for the question of how I-99 was designated despite not connecting to an Interstate, it seems the FHWA may just pretend, as seen on their NHS map:
Double blue lines are Interstate corridors.

Same is true for I-476 and I-81 north of Scranton, guess FHWA is Ok as long as they are connected in some way.

Scranton is a freeway-to-freeway connection though

Sure the mainlines don't cross but it is a fundamentally different situation

Yeah, Clarks summit really isn't an issue like Bedford. You could argue where I-476 actually ends, but it's definitely a freeway-freeway connection with I-81. The FHWA draws the Interstate corridor along the ramp there just to have the lines connect. Meanwhile, PennDOT considers SR 7476 to end at US 11. I don't know about the PTC, but considering that northbound signage still treats the entire approach to the toll plaza as "next exit" numbered 131 and named Clarks Summit, they may consider everything after the would-be fourth trumpet to be "ramps." I have no idea how the PTC inventories their roads and ramps.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: goobnav on March 08, 2019, 11:28:55 AM
Have disagree, not a true freeway to freeway interchange, otherwise PennDOT would not be purposing the project below:

https://www.patpconstruction.com/scrantonbeltway/
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Rothman on March 08, 2019, 11:40:57 AM
Quote from: goobnav on March 08, 2019, 11:28:55 AM
Have disagree, not a true freeway to freeway interchange, otherwise PennDOT would not be purposing the project below:

https://www.patpconstruction.com/scrantonbeltway/
Heh.  You must not know what a toll plaza is.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Roadsguy on March 08, 2019, 11:45:42 AM
Quote from: goobnav on March 08, 2019, 11:28:55 AM
Have disagree, not a true freeway to freeway interchange, otherwise PennDOT would not be purposing the project below:

https://www.patpconstruction.com/scrantonbeltway/

First, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission isn't a part of PennDOT.

Second, just because it's a slow-speed connection doesn't mean it's not freeway-freeway. The proposed interchange improvements on the north side are to make this interchange easier to use for I-81 traffic to bypass Scranton on I-476. The connection to the south (https://goo.gl/maps/6nAAHPwM8cp), on the other hand, is certainly not freeway-freeway. Every movement from I-476 to I-81 here has to run on at-grade PA 315.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: goobnav on March 08, 2019, 11:54:10 AM
The PTC and PennDOT would have to work together for this situation and yes, being that I am a native of the area it is not a complete freeway to freeway connection, don't believe me drive it.  The bridge over US 11 is a cool thing to see. 

Definitely know what a toll plaza is and they are in the process of going E-Tolling to try to get people off of that god awful section of 81.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on March 08, 2019, 01:15:53 PM
Quote from: goobnav on March 08, 2019, 11:28:55 AM
Have disagree, not a true freeway to freeway interchange, otherwise PennDOT would not be purposing the project below: https://www.patpconstruction.com/scrantonbeltway/

The existing interchange is low-speed with one-lane ramps good for about 25 mph.

They want to built high-speed direct connections with freeway-standard 2 lane ramps, high speed as in 55 mph or more, between the Turnpike and northerly I-81.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: vdeane on March 08, 2019, 02:21:11 PM
While I do consider the northern I-81/I-476 connection to be freeway/freeway, goobnav does have a point - one of the ramps from I-81 has a stop sign.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: briantroutman on March 08, 2019, 02:30:08 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 08, 2019, 02:21:11 PM
While I do consider the northern I-81/I-481 connection to be freeway/freeway, goobnav does have a point - one of the ramps from I-81 has a stop sign.

Freudian slip, perhaps? But seriously, when both high-speed connections are complete and the "Scranton Beltway"  is operational, I see merit in the idea of renumbering that section as an even x81 since it quite literally serves a bypass for I-81 traffic.

But if AASHTO wouldn't approve a new x95 to replace the now-former I-95 in Bucks (PA) and Mercer (NJ) counties, I suppose it's doubtful they'd approve a new number in Scranton.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Rothman on March 08, 2019, 03:41:52 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 08, 2019, 02:21:11 PM
While I do consider the northern I-81/I-476 connection to be freeway/freeway, goobnav does have a point - one of the ramps from I-81 has a stop sign.
Lemme guess:  I-81 NB to I-476 SB.  Big deal. :D
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: signalman on March 08, 2019, 05:13:28 PM
Quote from: Rothman on March 08, 2019, 03:41:52 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 08, 2019, 02:21:11 PM
While I do consider the northern I-81/I-476 connection to be freeway/freeway, goobnav does have a point - one of the ramps from I-81 has a stop sign.
Lemme guess:  I-81 NB to I-476 SB.  Big deal. :D
Nope. I-81's SB exit ramp has a stop sign.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4824451,-75.6805398,3a,75y,261.05h,87.82t/data=!3m5!1e1!3m3!1sFXFjl6yvqa3LyoMi2kj3QA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DFXFjl6yvqa3LyoMi2kj3QA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D25.554422%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Rothman on March 08, 2019, 05:31:12 PM
Noooooooooo...

(Eh.  Still direct from what I see.)
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: PHLBOS on March 08, 2019, 06:00:11 PM
Quote from: signalman on March 08, 2019, 05:13:28 PMI-81's SB exit ramp has a stop sign.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4824451,-75.6805398,3a,75y,261.05h,87.82t/data=!3m5!1e1!3m3!1sFXFjl6yvqa3LyoMi2kj3QA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DFXFjl6yvqa3LyoMi2kj3QA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D25.554422%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100
Side bar: that peeling I-476 BGS was replaced circa 2013-2014 (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4823559,-75.6809016,3a,75y,271.34h,88.66t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1symSlTRHBupWTZvTBY5PnoQ!2e0!5s20141001T000000!7i13312!8i6656).  Interestingly, the Allentown lettering isn't in Clearview.  Most new/replacement PennDOT/PTC BGS installs were pretty much all-Clearview (at least for the control cities) back then.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on March 08, 2019, 10:00:30 PM
I am still working with the Carlisle interchange, looking at 3 different concepts.

Here is my favorite so a far.  I may need to lengthen the relocated ramp highway and toll plaza and reduce the curves.  May need to expand the Turnpike interchange and widen the ramps.  The direct connection is elevated ramps extending over the existing local interchange.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcapital-beltway.com%2FCarlislePA.jpg&hash=c4b7fab41983f52285c2e7ad7adfd9aa7c0f4be2)
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Rothman on March 08, 2019, 10:28:08 PM
What's the little diamond interchange for?
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on March 08, 2019, 10:51:25 PM
Quote from: Rothman on March 08, 2019, 10:28:08 PM
What's the little diamond interchange for?

My depiction of the toll plaza.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Alps on March 08, 2019, 11:01:40 PM
Quote from: Beltway on March 08, 2019, 10:00:30 PM
I am still working with the Carlisle interchange, looking at 3 different concepts.

Here is my favorite so a far.  I may need to lengthen the relocated ramp highway and toll plaza and reduce the curves.  May need to expand the Turnpike interchange and widen the ramps.  The direct connection is elevated ramps extending over the existing local interchange.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcapital-beltway.com%2FCarlislePA.jpg&hash=c4b7fab41983f52285c2e7ad7adfd9aa7c0f4be2)

I'm not sure there's a good answer here, but at least it's not a mainline terminus!
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on March 08, 2019, 11:19:13 PM
Quote from: Alps on March 08, 2019, 11:01:40 PM
Quote from: Beltway on March 08, 2019, 10:00:30 PM
I am still working with the Carlisle interchange, looking at 3 different concepts.
Here is my favorite so a far.  I may need to lengthen the relocated ramp highway and toll plaza and reduce the curves.  May need to expand the Turnpike interchange and widen the ramps.  The direct connection is elevated ramps extending over the existing local interchange.
I'm not sure there's a good answer here, but at least it's not a mainline terminus!

One concept would simplify things by eliminating the local Turnpike interchange, and having the Turnpike local access via the current I-81 and US-11 interchange.  But the Turnpike might not want to have their direct local connection eliminated.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Alps on March 09, 2019, 12:09:59 AM
Quote from: Beltway on March 08, 2019, 11:19:13 PMBut the businesses might not want to have their direct local connection eliminated.
FTFY
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on March 09, 2019, 12:11:04 AM
Quote from: Alps on March 09, 2019, 12:09:59 AM
Quote from: Beltway on March 08, 2019, 11:19:13 PMBut the businesses might not want to have their direct local connection eliminated.
FTFY

Them too in addition to the PTC.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Alps on March 09, 2019, 12:22:03 AM
Quote from: Beltway on March 09, 2019, 12:11:04 AM
Quote from: Alps on March 09, 2019, 12:09:59 AM
Quote from: Beltway on March 08, 2019, 11:19:13 PMBut the businesses might not want to have their direct local connection eliminated.
FTFY

Them too in addition to the PTC.
I bet they'll be a lot louder about it.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: CentralPAGal on March 12, 2019, 08:15:01 PM
Quote from: Alps on March 09, 2019, 12:22:03 AM
Quote from: Beltway on March 09, 2019, 12:11:04 AM
Quote from: Alps on March 09, 2019, 12:09:59 AM
Quote from: Beltway on March 08, 2019, 11:19:13 PMBut the businesses might not want to have their direct local connection eliminated.
FTFY

Them too in addition to the PTC.
I bet they'll be a lot louder about it.

Which, short or a drastic increase in fatal accidents along US 11, is precisely why this direct connection has about as high a likelihood of happening as Breezewood. Screw those businesses.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: mrsman on March 15, 2019, 11:51:25 AM
Quote from: Alps on March 08, 2019, 11:01:40 PM
Quote from: Beltway on March 08, 2019, 10:00:30 PM
I am still working with the Carlisle interchange, looking at 3 different concepts.

Here is my favorite so a far.  I may need to lengthen the relocated ramp highway and toll plaza and reduce the curves.  May need to expand the Turnpike interchange and widen the ramps.  The direct connection is elevated ramps extending over the existing local interchange.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcapital-beltway.com%2FCarlislePA.jpg&hash=c4b7fab41983f52285c2e7ad7adfd9aa7c0f4be2)

I'm not sure there's a good answer here, but at least it's not a mainline terminus!

I know that a lot of this discussion is fictional as the powers that be don't seem to want to make a direct connection between the turnpike and other interstates (81,99,70 etc.), but if something like this were in the works, why would you still need toll plazas.  Can't we assume that there is a growing trend to eventually have AET on all toll roads.  It would certainly simplify a lot of the interchanges (and need less land) if the toll plazas weren't necessary.  Heck, even prior to AET, you can create an EZ-Pass only exit for the interstate and leave the existing plaza as access to the local businesses and US 11.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: vdeane on March 15, 2019, 12:49:59 PM
That's what I was wondering.  The PTC currently has plans to make the entire system AET within the next decade.  Knowing the speed the PTC moves at, even if they started planning for a direct connection today, the system would be AET before a new interchange would be finished.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Beltway on March 15, 2019, 01:53:49 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 15, 2019, 12:49:59 PM
That's what I was wondering.  The PTC currently has plans to make the entire system AET within the next decade.  Knowing the speed the PTC moves at, even if they started planning for a direct connection today, the system would be AET before a new interchange would be finished.

That is a question with Carlisle, how to convert to AET. 

In the case of my Breezewood design, building the two ramps would not be big loss if the interchange was converted to AET with a conventional interchange between the two highways, and they would have the direct connection in place that could work until the day that the conventional interchange could be built.

In the case of Bedford I designed a layout that I think would be fully usable in a AET situation, given the major buildings in the way of a conventional interchange between the two highways.

Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: silverback1065 on March 20, 2019, 10:50:28 PM
Quote from: mrsman on March 15, 2019, 11:51:25 AM
Quote from: Alps on March 08, 2019, 11:01:40 PM
Quote from: Beltway on March 08, 2019, 10:00:30 PM
I am still working with the Carlisle interchange, looking at 3 different concepts.

Here is my favorite so a far.  I may need to lengthen the relocated ramp highway and toll plaza and reduce the curves.  May need to expand the Turnpike interchange and widen the ramps.  The direct connection is elevated ramps extending over the existing local interchange.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcapital-beltway.com%2FCarlislePA.jpg&hash=c4b7fab41983f52285c2e7ad7adfd9aa7c0f4be2)

I'm not sure there's a good answer here, but at least it's not a mainline terminus!

I know that a lot of this discussion is fictional as the powers that be don't seem to want to make a direct connection between the turnpike and other interstates (81,99,70 etc.), but if something like this were in the works, why would you still need toll plazas.  Can't we assume that there is a growing trend to eventually have AET on all toll roads.  It would certainly simplify a lot of the interchanges (and need less land) if the toll plazas weren't necessary.  Heck, even prior to AET, you can create an EZ-Pass only exit for the interstate and leave the existing plaza as access to the local businesses and US 11.

that curve is too sharp
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: 74/171FAN on April 30, 2020, 03:08:37 PM
The local interchange on I-80/US 220 for PA 26 was let today.

https://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-2/pages/details.aspx?newsid=1672
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Roadsguy on April 30, 2020, 04:35:11 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on April 30, 2020, 03:08:37 PM
The local interchange on I-80/US 220 for PA 26 was let today.

https://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-2/pages/details.aspx?newsid=1672

Interesting. From taking a look at the plans, it seems the connector will be given the internal designation SR 6126 and PA 26 won't be rerouted yet. I-80 signage will read "To PA 26 North." Hopefully this changes once the I-99 interchange is built, because making PA 26 discontinuous for no reason would be silly.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: 74/171FAN on April 30, 2020, 04:47:26 PM
Quote from: Roadsguy on April 30, 2020, 04:35:11 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on April 30, 2020, 03:08:37 PM
The local interchange on I-80/US 220 for PA 26 was let today.

https://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-2/pages/details.aspx?newsid=1672
Interesting. From taking a look at the plans, it seems the connector will be given the internal designation SR 6126 and PA 26 won't be rerouted yet. I-80 signage will read "To PA 26 North." Hopefully this changes once the I-99 interchange is built, because making PA 26 discontinuous for no reason would be silly.

I agree with you that I was very much surprised that they would not reroute PA 26 onto I-80 when the interchange opens just to get traffic to use that route moving forward.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: seicer on May 06, 2020, 03:35:23 PM
Map: https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-2/ConstructionsProjectsAndRoadwork/PublishingImages/I80-A18%20Project%20Overview22.png
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Bitmapped on May 07, 2020, 05:12:03 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on April 30, 2020, 04:47:26 PM
Quote from: Roadsguy on April 30, 2020, 04:35:11 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on April 30, 2020, 03:08:37 PM
The local interchange on I-80/US 220 for PA 26 was let today.

https://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-2/pages/details.aspx?newsid=1672
Interesting. From taking a look at the plans, it seems the connector will be given the internal designation SR 6126 and PA 26 won't be rerouted yet. I-80 signage will read "To PA 26 North." Hopefully this changes once the I-99 interchange is built, because making PA 26 discontinuous for no reason would be silly.

I agree with you that I was very much surprised that they would not reroute PA 26 onto I-80 when the interchange opens just to get traffic to use that route moving forward.

PA 26's extension to what is now PA 150 came after I-80 was built. I wonder if it might be better to roll the changes back. Truncate PA 26 at I-99 and re-extend PA 445 back to Howard over Hubler Ridge Road, or maybe relocate PA 26 to follow PA 64 to Hubler Ridge Road. Having PA 26 get on I-99 and then I-80 to exit back onto an independent alignment seems needlessly complicated, and I think the northern end of PA 26 is mostly just local traffic. It doesn't have a lot of independent utility.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Ketchup99 on May 07, 2020, 09:20:07 PM
Quote from: Bitmapped on May 07, 2020, 05:12:03 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on April 30, 2020, 04:47:26 PM
Quote from: Roadsguy on April 30, 2020, 04:35:11 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on April 30, 2020, 03:08:37 PM
The local interchange on I-80/US 220 for PA 26 was let today.

https://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-2/pages/details.aspx?newsid=1672
Interesting. From taking a look at the plans, it seems the connector will be given the internal designation SR 6126 and PA 26 won't be rerouted yet. I-80 signage will read "To PA 26 North." Hopefully this changes once the I-99 interchange is built, because making PA 26 discontinuous for no reason would be silly.

I agree with you that I was very much surprised that they would not reroute PA 26 onto I-80 when the interchange opens just to get traffic to use that route moving forward.

PA 26's extension to what is now PA 150 came after I-80 was built. I wonder if it might be better to roll the changes back. Truncate PA 26 at I-99 and re-extend PA 445 back to Howard over Hubler Ridge Road, or maybe relocate PA 26 to follow PA 64 to Hubler Ridge Road. Having PA 26 get on I-99 and then I-80 to exit back onto an independent alignment seems needlessly complicated, and I think the northern end of PA 26 is mostly just local traffic. It doesn't have a lot of independent utility.

I personally agree we should change the designations for this but I'd rather roll PA-26 all the way back to where it was pre-1972 - running down the Benner Pike (present-day PA-150), through Bellefonte onto Jacksonville Road, following that under the new 80/99 interchange, and then continuing on its current alignment to Howard. PA-64 would then continue along College Ave through Pleasant Gap and to the Nittany Mall along where PA-26 is now. With PA-150 now decommissioned south of Bellefonte, the concurrency with PA-144 between Bellefonte and Milesburg can be removed, truncating PA-150 to the Milesburg interchange just south of I-80. This then allows PA-150 to be extended all the way along US-220's former alignment to Port Matilda, where it intersects I-99 at Exit 61.

I think this solves several problems at once:
- Creates a single route from State College to Bellefonte
- Eliminates what would be a discontinuity or two Interstate concurrencies with PA-26
- Turns the entire State College-Pleasant Gap-Nittany-Lock Haven corridor into one route (it is, after all, one road)
- Disposes of the "Alternate US-220" nonsense, giving it a proper state route designation
- Removes the PA-144/150 concurrency from Bellefonte to Milesburg
- Creates a single route along old US-220 from Lock Haven to Port Matilda
- Gives the corridor from Bellefonte to I-80 East/I-99 North a state route designation
And the drawbacks...
- None? Maybe the decommissioning of the southernmost mile of the Bellefonte Bypass and part of Water Street in Bellefonte (the latter can get "To PA-144 North" and "To PA-26 South" signage) but not much more.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: qguy on August 02, 2020, 08:27:37 PM
Bumping the thread bee-kozz...

PennDOT has finally started work on the local access interchange, completion of which is of course is necessary before construction on the high-speed freeway-to-freeway interchange can begin.

The project website is here: https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-2/ConstructionsProjectsAndRoadwork/Pages/SR26-Local%20Interchange.aspx

The site has an OK diagram, but not much more. It does mention that work on the I-99 interchange is projected to begin in 2022. It also has a link to a PDF of the presser.

A tip o' the hard hat to Jeff Kitsko for catching this. His PA Highways page on I-99 is here: https://www.pahighways.com/interstates/I99.html
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Ketchup99 on August 06, 2020, 11:03:51 AM
It's about time. That interchange is terrible.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Ryctor2018 on October 14, 2021, 03:55:38 PM
Major Bump!
Since I am hundreds of miles away, and the last time I went to New York City or Philly it was by plane I thought I would ask local roadgeeks about this status update:

https://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-2/pages/details.aspx?newsid=2095

Do any of you guys have pics (worth posting) of the progress that was made this year? That webpage stated Phase 1 is being finished this year. But, stages 2 will bid about a year from now. Stage 3 (the I-99/I-80 flyovers) will bid in 2 years. Can someone summarize why the yearlong delay? Anything else to share about the project? Hopefully, it is not cancelled. Maybe the infrastructure bill can accelerate the pace.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: rickmastfan67 on October 15, 2021, 01:23:45 AM
Quote from: Ryctor2018 on October 14, 2021, 03:55:38 PM
That webpage stated Phase 1 is being finished this year.

The page clearly says 2022.

QuoteThe I-80/Route 26 local interchange project is east of Bellefonte and is part of a long-awaited safety-improvement in Centre County. HRI, Inc. of State College is the contractor on this $52 million project, which will run through October of 2022. Up-to-date information is available on the project page at www.penndot.gov/jacksonvilleroad
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Ryctor2018 on October 15, 2021, 01:53:19 PM
From the webpage: https://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-2/pages/details.aspx?newsid=2095

Work this season includes completion of basin construction in the median, completion of northern ramps, full depth reconstruction of I-80 westbound bridge piers and northern abutment, and construction of the connector road between I-80 and Route 26.

I know the work on Phase one will be completed next year (2022). I was asking about the progress of the project. I follow many projects around the nation. Even if the project won't finish by the end of the year, it's still nice to hear from locals to that area about first hand status updates and progress.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: 74/171FAN on October 15, 2021, 03:03:32 PM
PennDOT - District 2 News: Mid-October Update for Local Interchange Project (https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-2/pages/details.aspx?newsid=2105) 
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Ketchup99 on October 15, 2021, 07:32:48 PM
Quote from: Ryctor2018 on October 14, 2021, 03:55:38 PM
Major Bump!
Since I am hundreds of miles away, and the last time I went to New York City or Philly it was by plane I thought I would ask local roadgeeks about this status update:

https://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-2/pages/details.aspx?newsid=2095

Do any of you guys have pics (worth posting) of the progress that was made this year? That webpage stated Phase 1 is being finished this year. But, stages 2 will bid about a year from now. Stage 3 (the I-99/I-80 flyovers) will bid in 2 years. Can someone summarize why the yearlong delay? Anything else to share about the project? Hopefully, it is not cancelled. Maybe the infrastructure bill can accelerate the pace.

Before I left for college in August, I drove that bit of I-99 and 80 once or twice almost every week. I-80 was a mess through spring and summer, but then in August, all four lanes were in business. I-99 was down a lane in both directions for quite some time around Exit 81 while they worked out some safety modifications on that big curve. And while I don't know anything definitive, it sure didn't look like there was an interchange there in August. I'll update when I'm home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, I'll want to check it out anyhow.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: 74/171FAN on November 10, 2022, 02:35:15 PM
Well now I feel dumb for posting about this in the general PA thread.

(For I-80, US 220, and PA 26)  PennDOT - District 2 News: PennDOT Celebrates Completion of the Interstate 80 Local Interchange Project Near Bellefonte (https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-2/pages/details.aspx?newsid=2482)
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Ketchup99 on December 18, 2022, 07:38:30 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on October 15, 2021, 07:32:48 PM
Quote from: Ryctor2018 on October 14, 2021, 03:55:38 PM
Major Bump!
Since I am hundreds of miles away, and the last time I went to New York City or Philly it was by plane I thought I would ask local roadgeeks about this status update:

https://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-2/pages/details.aspx?newsid=2095

Do any of you guys have pics (worth posting) of the progress that was made this year? That webpage stated Phase 1 is being finished this year. But, stages 2 will bid about a year from now. Stage 3 (the I-99/I-80 flyovers) will bid in 2 years. Can someone summarize why the yearlong delay? Anything else to share about the project? Hopefully, it is not cancelled. Maybe the infrastructure bill can accelerate the pace.

Before I left for college in August, I drove that bit of I-99 and 80 once or twice almost every week. I-80 was a mess through spring and summer, but then in August, all four lanes were in business. I-99 was down a lane in both directions for quite some time around Exit 81 while they worked out some safety modifications on that big curve. And while I don't know anything definitive, it sure didn't look like there was an interchange there in August. I'll update when I'm home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, I'll want to check it out anyhow.

Update on this: Exit 163 is up and running, no construction going on atm.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: webny99 on December 19, 2022, 05:16:24 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on December 18, 2022, 07:38:30 PM
Update on this: Exit 163 is up and running, no construction going on atm.

That's great news! I'd love to somehow spread the word so traffic knows to stay on PA 26 to get on I-80 EB at the new Exit 163 entrance when the left turn from I-99 to I-80 EB (https://goo.gl/maps/MYRpfKtRM1ZQqeRw9) backs up. With this new interchange open, there's zero reason to wait in line for that notorious left turn if there's any chance at all of a wait there. The new entrance to I-80 EB should get plenty of use after Penn State games for the next few seasons until the I-80/I-99 redesign is complete.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: froggie on December 22, 2022, 08:26:53 AM
There is already GMSV of the new Exit 163 (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.9630413,-77.6712992,3a,75y,153.01h,92.6t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sAF1QipNfpjEtUgvCStGzDvP86Gr0NuDsaahFDJQJT6ZH!2e10!3e11!7i7680!8i3840).
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: 74/171FAN on December 22, 2022, 09:08:23 AM
I also have my own photos starting here (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218015626702741&set=a.10218015778106526) for anyone interested.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Roadsguy on December 23, 2022, 10:54:31 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on December 22, 2022, 09:08:23 AM
I also have my own photos starting here (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218015626702741&set=a.10218015778106526) for anyone interested.

Ugh, 3/4 error on the BGSes on I-80...
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: DJStephens on December 25, 2022, 10:10:33 AM
Quote from: Roadsguy on December 23, 2022, 10:54:31 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on December 22, 2022, 09:08:23 AM
I also have my own photos starting here (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218015626702741&set=a.10218015778106526) for anyone interested.

Ugh, 3/4 error on the BGSes on I-80...
A mish-mash of fonts and sizes.  Gosh that clearview is awful.   
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Ketchup99 on December 28, 2022, 10:28:59 AM
Quote from: webny99 on December 19, 2022, 05:16:24 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on December 18, 2022, 07:38:30 PM
Update on this: Exit 163 is up and running, no construction going on atm.

That's great news! I'd love to somehow spread the word so traffic knows to stay on PA 26 to get on I-80 EB at the new Exit 163 entrance when the left turn from I-99 to I-80 EB (https://goo.gl/maps/MYRpfKtRM1ZQqeRw9) backs up. With this new interchange open, there's zero reason to wait in line for that notorious left turn if there's any chance at all of a wait there. The new entrance to I-80 EB should get plenty of use after Penn State games for the next few seasons until the I-80/I-99 redesign is complete.

Oh, I'd rather not spread the word. It backed up a few days ago and I sat in traffic for about three minutes before going "hold up, I forgot, there's another interchange now!" and I was on the highway five minutes later. Don't want everyone else figuring out about this too. :D

This project also gives us a great opportunity to restore PA 26 onto its old routing: College Avenue to the Benner Pike and then through Bellefonte onto Jacksonville Road. Then, PA 150 can be truncated to Milesburg - and then extended all the way down US 220 Alternate, ending at US 322 just west of Port Matilda. Hopefully PennDOT takes advantage!
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: webny99 on December 28, 2022, 11:11:04 AM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on December 28, 2022, 10:28:59 AM
Quote from: webny99 on December 19, 2022, 05:16:24 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on December 18, 2022, 07:38:30 PM
Update on this: Exit 163 is up and running, no construction going on atm.

That's great news! I'd love to somehow spread the word so traffic knows to stay on PA 26 to get on I-80 EB at the new Exit 163 entrance when the left turn from I-99 to I-80 EB (https://goo.gl/maps/MYRpfKtRM1ZQqeRw9) backs up. With this new interchange open, there's zero reason to wait in line for that notorious left turn if there's any chance at all of a wait there. The new entrance to I-80 EB should get plenty of use after Penn State games for the next few seasons until the I-80/I-99 redesign is complete.

Oh, I'd rather not spread the word. It backed up a few days ago and I sat in traffic for about three minutes before going "hold up, I forgot, there's another interchange now!" and I was on the highway five minutes later. Don't want everyone else figuring out about this too. :D

My thought was that the backup could be removed entirely if enough people took the new interchange. The way the new interchange is laid out with a right turn from PA 26 and left turn onto the ramp with no cross traffic, it would take a crazy amount of volume for it to get congested and I don't see that happening.

The bigger issue might be that more traffic using PA 26 would create fewer gaps in traffic and longer backups for traffic exiting I-80 WB, making that gnarly left turn to I-99 SB even worse. Of course, traffic in that direction could use the new interchange too: they would still have to turn left onto PA 26 so that could back up, but at least it wouldn't affect the I-80 mainline.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: Bitmapped on December 28, 2022, 09:03:10 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 28, 2022, 11:11:04 AM
My thought was that the backup could be removed entirely if enough people took the new interchange. The way the new interchange is laid out with a right turn from PA 26 and left turn onto the ramp with no cross traffic, it would take a crazy amount of volume for it to get congested and I don't see that happening.

The bigger issue might be that more traffic using PA 26 would create fewer gaps in traffic and longer backups for traffic exiting I-80 WB, making that gnarly left turn to I-99 SB even worse. Of course, traffic in that direction could use the new interchange too: they would still have to turn left onto PA 26 so that could back up, but at least it wouldn't affect the I-80 mainline.

The ramp from I-80 WB to PA 26/I-99 SB is now signalized, so gaps in traffic aren't really an issue anymore.
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: webny99 on December 28, 2022, 10:07:43 PM
Quote from: Bitmapped on December 28, 2022, 09:03:10 PM
The ramp from I-80 WB to PA 26/I-99 SB is now signalized, so gaps in traffic aren't really an issue anymore.

Interesting, I see that now in the most recent Street View. I guess I'm out of date as I haven't been through there in a few years. Is that a somewhat recent change?
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: rickmastfan67 on December 28, 2022, 10:34:23 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 28, 2022, 10:07:43 PM
Quote from: Bitmapped on December 28, 2022, 09:03:10 PM
The ramp from I-80 WB to PA 26/I-99 SB is now signalized, so gaps in traffic aren't really an issue anymore.

Interesting, I see that now in the most recent Street View. I guess I'm out of date as I haven't been through there in a few years. Is that a somewhat recent change?

Lights were installed by Aug '18 per StreetView, just not active yet at that time.
https://goo.gl/maps/V96cup6GPogZeMPQ6
Title: Re: I-80/I-99 West Interchange
Post by: LeftyJR on January 13, 2023, 02:54:46 PM
Quote from: DJStephens on December 25, 2022, 10:10:33 AM
Quote from: Roadsguy on December 23, 2022, 10:54:31 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on December 22, 2022, 09:08:23 AM
I also have my own photos starting here (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218015626702741&set=a.10218015778106526) for anyone interested.

I was so disappointed to see these.  I don't like Clearview, but when done right, it can look good.

Ugh, 3/4 error on the BGSes on I-80...
A mish-mash of fonts and sizes.  Gosh that clearview is awful.