I've been working with a representative of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to go through possible options for a tour of the new I-95/PA Turnpike interchange prior to its official public opening–which is currently slated for mid/late September. So as to a general timeframe, we'd probably be looking at a date after August 27th but before September 15th. The PTC is willing to provide a decent level of access and assistance, so this meet will be far more than a quick unguided drive-through.
Here's a rough outline of what we might do:
- midday - meet at a Bristol-area restaurant for lunch, map trading, and conversation
- early afternoon - drive to PTC project office for tour, meet and greet with a project engineer and Q&A session
- mid afternoon - board PTC vans, drive through project area with stops for photo ops and questions
- late afternoon - return to project office for wrap-up with engineer; return to our own vehicles
- early evening - dinner
But there's a bit of a catch: The representative stressed that they'd strongly prefer to arrange this on a weekday–understandably, since the engineers and employees will all be on the clock at that time. Knowing that a weekday would be challenging for many possible attendees, I asked what our options would be if we insisted on a weekend. The PTC rep couldn't commit to anything yet, but she was fairly certain that we'd be more limited–perhaps the project office visit and engineer would have to be eliminated.
So at this point, I want to put all options on the table and get your input. If we plan for a weekday, how many of you would be able to attend? Might it be better to plan for either a Friday or a Monday (to allow longer trips to spill into the weekend), and are there any specific dates that won't work for you at all? (I'll assume that Labor Day is off the table.)
It might be better to eliminate the days that WON'T work right away, then discuss the remaining dates that might be good possibilities. Please select any of the dates that are absolutely impossible for you. And if no weekdays are possible, let me know that, too. You can make as many selections as you wish and change your answers if your plans change. I want as many interested people to attend as possible, but I'm also interested in the possibility of having access to the project office and an engineer from the team. Let's figure out whether it's realistically possible or not.
I said no to all the September options. I have two work-related trips the first half of that month, plus it's both my wife's birth month and our anniversary month, so I don't see any possibility of traveling in September.
I left the August options open. I'm considering a personal trip to the other big P city on the other end of the Keystone State in August, but could work part of that trip into a jaunt to Philly.
I voted for Th 9/6 (but not Fri 9/7), and Mo 9/10, as most likely to work around a likely weekend trip to the Jersey Shore. But my interest is borderline.
It's hard to give a firm idea either way for the weekday dates because of the possibility of meetings and stuff springing up, but I do know that I'll be unavailable Labor Day weekend since I travel to visit family then. I find the idea of a Friday meet intriguing - I could take the direct route down, stay overnight, clinch some stuff on the way back Saturday, then rest on Sunday.
I can say right now that you won't get a weekday with a lot of people. Not going to happen. I could
probably spin my trip as an education opportunity and get out of class, but no way can I guarantee that.
Quote from: vdeane on July 23, 2018, 08:13:13 PM
It's hard to give a firm idea either way for the weekday dates because of the possibility of meetings and stuff springing up
That. I have no idea when project meetings will be called half of the time. Yeah, I could phone in if necessary, but that's a PITA.
I'm just going to see when this falls and take it from there.
Too bad 9/22 is not an option, I will be in central PA that weekend for a toy show in Hershey on Sunday, like Alpert said I will wait and see when this falls and go from there but I doubt I would be able to make it but I may take a personal trip out there after 9/23 to check this out
At least so far, I'm surprised that Fridays and Mondays have some of the highest numbers where people can't attend. I would've thought taking a day off and making it a long weekend would be more popular.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 24, 2018, 01:11:57 PM
At least so far, I'm surprised that Fridays and Mondays have some of the highest numbers where people can't attend. I would've thought taking a day off and making it a long weekend would be more popular.
I wouldn't be surprised if people are getting confused and voting for the dates they ARE available. Oscar's post appears to say that's what he did, for example.
Quote from: vdeane on July 24, 2018, 01:35:33 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 24, 2018, 01:11:57 PM
At least so far, I'm surprised that Fridays and Mondays have some of the highest numbers where people can't attend. I would've thought taking a day off and making it a long weekend would be more popular.
I wouldn't be surprised if people are getting confused and voting for the dates they ARE available. Oscar's post appears to say that's what he did, for example.
That's what I was worried about too...even though Brian did try to highlight that fact!
The poll seems to be set up that, contrary to Brian's intentions, people can't change or update their selections.
Both for that reason, and also because of confusion about whether to select preferred dates or bad dates (the wording of the poll is unusual, to say the least), it might be best to scrap the poll and have people post their preferences. Posts can be updated, at least.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 24, 2018, 01:40:15 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 24, 2018, 01:35:33 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 24, 2018, 01:11:57 PM
At least so far, I'm surprised that Fridays and Mondays have some of the highest numbers where people can't attend. I would've thought taking a day off and making it a long weekend would be more popular.
I wouldn't be surprised if people are getting confused and voting for the dates they ARE available. Oscar's post appears to say that's what he did, for example.
That's what I was worried about too...even though Brian did try to highlight that fact!
At least one of the votes for every Friday is real - I have unavoidable commitments on Fridays.
Quote from: oscar on July 24, 2018, 02:07:07 PM
The poll seems to be set up that, contrary to Brian's intentions, people can't change or update their selections.
Yeah, I noticed that. I mixed up one of my votes, but I can't fix it.
Hmm...I'm not sure why the poll isn't letting you change your votes. When I set it up, there was an option marked "Allow users to change vote" , which I selected.
Here's what I'll do. I can reset the vote counts to zero, and that should permit you all to re-vote. I'll also change the labels on the poll options to reiterate that each selection is a date that will not work for you. So hopefully any newcomers voting for the first time will get it right. In addition to voting (or instead, if you'd rather), feel free to post comments to the thread regarding your schedule and date preferences.
The reason why I asked for dates that will not work (as opposed to asking people to vote for preferred dates) is that any time I do scheduling for a meeting or anything else, it invariably becomes a process of elimination...everyone saying what days and times won't work for them, and then whatever is leftover becomes our pool of options. So at least as a starting point, let's try to get a quick snapshot as to the dates which won't work for the greatest number of people, and then after we take those no-go dates off the table, we can talk about preferences among the dates that remain.
Quote from: briantroutman on July 24, 2018, 02:41:12 PM
Personally & given what you mentioned regarding the PTC's availability; I wouldn't even include Labor Day in your preference listing.
Quote from: PHLBOS on July 24, 2018, 02:51:48 PM
Quote from: briantroutman on July 24, 2018, 02:41:12 PM
Personally & given what you mentioned regarding the PTC's availability; I wouldn't even include Labor Day in your preference listing.
Right–I don't think there's any possibility that we're doing Labor Day–with the PTC or without them. I just put it on the poll (as well as the weekend days) just so that everything would line up...consecutive days.
I mentioned this to Brian via a PM and I'll throw it out there; tour or no tour, a visit to the Scudder Falls Bridge construction project could be a possible addition. New beams for one of the spans have since been erected.
For those that want to see and/or clinch the newly-designated I-295; this meet could be geared to accommodate that as well.
Users can now change their votes.
At a glance, the new results (after resetting the poll) look similar to the old results: The "no" votes are rather broadly distributed, and nearly every day is out for 3-4 people.
I think we should let the voting continue for a few more days, but as I write this, the two days which seem to work for the most people are 28 August (a Tuesday) and 18 September (a Thursday). That surprises me–I assumed a Monday or a Friday would be the safest choice. Any day is fine for me, though.
But let's assume for a moment that the voting pattern holds and we're looking at one of those two days. What are your thoughts on those options? Would a fairly typical midday meet schedule (roughly noon-5, plus an optional dinner) still work well for a Tuesday or Thursday?
For me, if I'm able to make it, usually afternoons are better regardless of the date. I'm not sure if you're shooting for a morning or afternoon tour.
^ I'd be happy to set up the meet in any way that will allow the greatest number of people to attend.
Based on the schedules for past road meets I've attended, I assumed that we'd spend about 90 minutes at a restaurant for the usual light lunch, conversation, and map trading. Then around 1-2 p.m., we'd move over to the project office for our Q&A session and tour. So if someone is running late, he/she could go straight to the project office and still make the remainder of the meet.
The PTC part of the event would probably wrap up by 5 p.m., and then we'd have some options as to what to do next. If enough people are interested in doing a group drive-through of "new" I-295, we could do a convoy from the project office up to US 1 north of Trenton and have dinner in the vicinity. The only possible downside would be that traffic would be close to peak around that time.
But again, I want as many people to attend as possible (and for them to enjoy the meet) so if an earlier or later time would work better for you, please let me know.
My plan, if the meet's on a good day for me, would be to drive down the day of the meet (close to four hours even direct, so my preferred start time would be noon), stay overnight (dinner either at the post-meet or Wawa if there isn't one), and drive back the next day clinching US 1 in NJ and NY (taking the Turnpike from exit 15E to the bridge, since I already have US 1/9 from NJ 81 to the bridge; just need to fill in some gaps south of there). Of those two dates, the Thursday would be preferable.
I don't feel a need to re-clinch I-295. As far as I'm concerned, I was on it when it was still I-95, and all that's changed since is the signage, so it still counts.
An item of significance driving 295 would be seeing the construction at Scudder Falls Bridge, along with taking a look at NJ's resigning of 95 to 295.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 25, 2018, 02:00:33 PMAn item of significance driving 295 would be seeing the construction at Scudder Falls Bridge, along with taking a look at PA's & NJ's resigning of 95 to 295.
FTFY & the former (the Scudder Falls Bridge construction) was mentioned a few posts back.
Easily (due to proximity) & worth adding on IMHO.
Either day works for me.
I have a conflict on September 18, but August 28 would be a go for me.
Quote from: akotchi on July 25, 2018, 05:27:14 PM
I have a conflict on September 18, but August 28 would be a go for me.
September 18 being a Tuesday and not in the poll, I assume he meant September 13.
Since my post yesterday, someone else voted "no" for 28 August, putting 13 September into the lead, numerically speaking.
But that said:
- H.B. is open to an August date but not a September one
- akotchi has a conflict on 13 September but can make 28 August
- Valerie preferred 13 September but is open to the August date
- 02 Park Ave is open to either date
- others seem to be open to these dates but are unsure of their schedules this far in advance
So at least based on those who put a comment on the thread, 28 August would seem to be safer, though obviously three people did vote "no" for that day. On this poll (unlike some others, for some reason) I can't see who voted for which options. So if 28 August is a no-go for you, would you mind adding a comment to the thread?
Quote from: PHLBOS on July 25, 2018, 03:28:48 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 25, 2018, 02:00:33 PMAn item of significance driving 295 would be seeing the construction at Scudder Falls Bridge, along with taking a look at PA's & NJ's resigning of 95 to 295.
FTFY & the former (the Scudder Falls Bridge construction) was mentioned a few posts back.
Easily (due to proximity) & worth adding on IMHO.
I mentioned NJ's resigning specifically because of it being unusual and different. PA is so ordinary...and in many cases they literally just slapped a sticker over the existing "Old Exit" sign! lol
Quote from: briantroutman on July 26, 2018, 11:32:56 AM
Since my post yesterday, someone else voted "no" for 28 August, putting 13 September into the lead, numerically speaking.
But that said:
- H.B. is open to an August date but not a September one
Most assuredly,
do NOT base your decision on what I may or may not be able to do. I'm a long way away and may not even be able to make an August meet.
Set the date whenever it works for the most people who are closer to that area. If I can come, I'll come. If not, I'll look at everyone's pictures.
^That's fine–I realize that the absence of a "no" is not the same as even a tentative "yes". I was just noting that we had gotten a few posts in favor of the August date despite the raw vote total favoring the September date.
Well since this morning, another person has voted "no" for 28 August, so now that date has slipped into mid-pack territory...not a standout. Thursday, 13 September is the lead choice with only two "no" votes. Trailing right behind that with three negative votes each are the remaining weekdays of that same week 10-14 September (and Saturday the 15th).
As I said earlier (and as Valerie seemed to agree), a Friday meet might be more attractive for anyone wanting to take a long weekend. Anyone else have an opinion on that (which in this case would be 14 September)?
Also, I realized that there was essentially no way to vote if you were OK with all of the dates (which was the case for me), so I added an "I'm open to any of the above dates" option at the bottom. Again, I realize that it doesn't necessarily mean that you will be there, but at least lets us know that the option is basically open.
Quote from: briantroutman on July 26, 2018, 11:32:56 AM
Since my post yesterday, someone else voted "no" for 28 August, putting 13 September into the lead, numerically speaking.
But that said:
- H.B. is open to an August date but not a September one
- akotchi has a conflict on 13 September but can make 28 August
- Valerie preferred 13 September but is open to the August date
- 02 Park Ave is open to either date
- others seem to be open to these dates but are unsure of their schedules this far in advance
So at least based on those who put a comment on the thread, 28 August would seem to be safer, though obviously three people did vote "no" for that day. On this poll (unlike some others, for some reason) I can't see who voted for which options. So if 28 August is a no-go for you, would you mind adding a comment to the thread?
I actually misread the September date (focusing on the number rather than day of week).
I can be open to any day listed in the poll, as I just now voted.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 26, 2018, 12:29:32 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on July 25, 2018, 03:28:48 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 25, 2018, 02:00:33 PMAn item of significance driving 295 would be seeing the construction at Scudder Falls Bridge, along with taking a look at PA's & NJ's resigning of 95 to 295.
FTFY & the former (the Scudder Falls Bridge construction) was mentioned a few posts back.
Easily (due to proximity) & worth adding on IMHO.
I mentioned NJ's resigning specifically because of it being unusual and different. PA is so ordinary...and in many cases they literally just slapped a sticker over the existing "Old Exit" sign! lol
To be fair & believe it or not; those
OLD EXIT XX signs along the PA stretch of now-I-295 are actually new ones (I checked). Additionally, there have been a new distance sign placed along the PA stretch of I-295 (as of three weeks ago) just prior to the US 1 (Trenton/Langhorne) interchange.
We're now up to 15 responses, and 13 September is still in the lead with only three "no" votes. If you haven't submitted your no-go dates, please do. And also, if you'd spread the word among other roadgeeks who may be interested and either haven't stumbled onto this thread or aren't on the forum–perhaps people who have attended other PA meets–I'd appreciate it.
If anyone who's not on the forum wants to contact me, they can email me here (mail@briantroutman.com).
Thanks!
Quote from: briantroutman on July 27, 2018, 03:26:29 PM
We're now up to 15 responses, and 13 September is still in the lead with only three "no" votes. If you haven't submitted your no-go dates, please do. And also, if you'd spread the word among other roadgeeks who may be interested and either haven't stumbled onto this thread or aren't on the forum–perhaps people who have attended other PA meets–I'd appreciate it.
If anyone who's not on the forum wants to contact me, they can email me here (mail@briantroutman.com).
Thanks!
There will also be a rather less formal gathering the following weekend in a general vicinity, so the 13th (or even 14th) may work out quite well in combination.
Rosh Hashanah is September 9-11, so it would be great if those dates could be avoided.
^ That occurred to me when I created the poll, and fortunately, the 13th is still in the lead with the fewest votes. So it looks like that won't be a problem anyway.
If this pattern holds for a few more days, I think we can declare 13 September as the winner and start focusing efforts on planning out the details.
Quote from: briantroutman on July 23, 2018, 03:38:35 PM
Golden Spike Meet
Eh, more like Golden Top-Fourth-of-Spike Meet. And only half the width of the railroad tie is installed. :ded:
I've been in touch with my contact at the PTC, and everything's a "go" for the afternoon of September 13th. I'm not on Facebook (locked out my account...it's a long story), so I set up an event page on Eventbrite. Their tool is free for free events (which of course this road meet is).
I'll need to provide a reasonably accurate head count to the PTC prior to the event, so please register if you plan on attending. And feel free to share with any fellow roadgeeks who may be interested!
Here's the link to the event page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-95-pa-turnpike-golden-spike-meet-september-2018-tickets-48967320574 (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-95-pa-turnpike-golden-spike-meet-september-2018-tickets-48967320574)
Quote from: briantroutman on August 10, 2018, 04:09:24 PM
I've been in touch with my contact at the PTC, and everything's a "go" for the afternoon of September 13th. I'm not on Facebook (locked out my account...it's a long story), so I set up an event page on Eventbrite. Their tool is free for free events (which of course this road meet is).
I'll need to provide a reasonably accurate head count to the PTC prior to the event, so please register if you plan on attending. And feel free to share with any fellow roadgeeks who may be interested!
Here's the link to the event page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-95-pa-turnpike-golden-spike-meet-september-2018-tickets-48967320574 (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-95-pa-turnpike-golden-spike-meet-september-2018-tickets-48967320574)
That'll be tough. I need to be able to make up enough time at work to take the afternoon, and then there's the 75 minute trip down. I'll try but can't commit.
I'm definitely out. I have meetings that day that I really should be at. I am also still saving time off to use down the road, and I will most likely do the I-95/I-276 interchange as part of a bigger clinching trip involving finishing US 1 and US 13 in PA.
I just registered and have received my ticket. I am looking forward to this meet. Thank you for organizing it. See you on 13th September.
Quote from: Alps on August 11, 2018, 01:42:50 AM
That'll be tough. I need to be able to make up enough time at work to take the afternoon, and then there's the 75 minute trip down. I'll try but can't commit.
I definitely understand, although I do hope it works out so that you can make it. We have yet to finalize the exact schedule and should have enough wiggle room to accommodate anyone who might be coming late. So if, say, lunch is at noon and then we meet at the PTC office at 1, the "main event" (the interchange tour) might not start until 2 or 2:30. Even if you can't make it there for lunch and have to miss out on some of the Q&A session, you might still make it in time for the interchange tour and dinner.
And that goes for everyone–you'll probably be able to join the event in-progress up until 2, 2:30 or possibly later. Just let me know if you're interested but would have to arrive late, and I'll work to get the interchange tour pushed back as needed.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on August 11, 2018, 08:35:02 AM
I'm definitely out. I have meetings that day that I really should be at. I am also still saving time off to use down the road, and I will most likely do the I-95/I-276 interchange as part of a bigger clinching trip involving finishing US 1 and US 13 in PA.
I'm sorry to hear that! But certainly if your circumstances change and you can attend, let me know. I don't think I'll need to have a firm attendee list until a few days prior to the event.
Quote from: 02 Park Ave on August 11, 2018, 10:31:50 AM
I just registered and have received my ticket. I am looking forward to this meet. Thank you for organizing it. See you on 13th September.
Terrific–I'll look forward to having you there!
Quote from: briantroutman on August 10, 2018, 04:09:24 PMI've been in touch with my contact at the PTC, and everything's a "go" for the afternoon of September 13th.
Unfortunately & as previously stated, as much as I would love to attend this (especially since this project isn't too far from where I live); I can not burn another vacation day at work to do such.
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 13, 2018, 02:09:29 PM
Unfortunately & as previously stated, as much as I would love to attend this (especially since this project isn't too far from where I live); I can not burn another vacation day at work to do such.
I'm sorry you won't be able to make it! Perhaps as we're firming up the rest of the schedule, it might be possible to nudge the post-tour dinner back just enough so that you and any other local people who can't get off work for the tour could at least have the option of joining the group afterward.
I wish I could go, but I'm tight for money; gotta go to school, pay for insurance, and have no guarantee of work anytime soon. Hope you have fun, though!
And again, wish I could go but I am planning on making my own trip out there when I am in the York\ Harrisburg area the last week of September and "re-clinching" 95 and 295 in that area
Quote from: briantroutman on August 13, 2018, 05:45:14 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 13, 2018, 02:09:29 PM
Unfortunately & as previously stated, as much as I would love to attend this (especially since this project isn't too far from where I live); I can not burn another vacation day at work to do such.
I'm sorry you won't be able to make it! Perhaps as we're firming up the rest of the schedule, it might be possible to nudge the post-tour dinner back just enough so that you and any other local people who can't get off work for the tour could at least have the option of joining the group afterward.
Certainly such is a possibility. My place of work is across from Independence Hall in Philly and my work shift
officially/usually ends at 4:30. Depending on the dinner location; meeting for dinner is doable.
I am in for this date, though I probably cannot make any post-tour dinner afterward. I have other obligations that Thursday night.
I'd like to attend but it is 275 miles and 5.6 hours in free flowing traffic all in the I-95 corridor. Don't see how to do it without two days in a motel in the area. And in the middle of the week.
Cross-posting from the Interchange topic thread; according to this article (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-20/after-60-years-i-95-is-complete), the interchange is slated to be open on Sept. 24.
Quote from: Bloomberg ArticleThe Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, which oversees the I-95 Interchange Project, said the new infrastructure–which includes the creation of flyover ramps, toll plaza facilities, environmental mitigation sites, intersections, six overhead bridges, widened highways and new connections to the New Jersey and Pennsylvania turnpikes–will be open to the public by Sept. 24.
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 21, 2018, 12:19:29 PM
Cross-posting from the Interchange topic thread; according to this article (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-20/after-60-years-i-95-is-complete), the interchange is slated to be open on Sept. 24.
Quote from: Bloomberg ArticleThe Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, which oversees the I-95 Interchange Project, said the new infrastructure—which includes the creation of flyover ramps, toll plaza facilities, environmental mitigation sites, intersections, six overhead bridges, widened highways and new connections to the New Jersey and Pennsylvania turnpikes—will be open to the public by Sept. 24.
I like how they used the PA Turnpike's image of the full interchange, rather than an actual image which only has a quarter of the ramps completed.
Here's a similar article from a more local source (http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20180820/after-60-years-i-95-is-complete).
Just saw the link to this on the AARoads Facebook page. Since I'm currently on assignment in K of P, I'll be in the area anyway, so I'll likely take advantage of flex time at work.
Could you please provide a better landmark / GPS / Waze destination for the meet location? The Google Calendar event created from the EventBrite invitation has the location correct, but clicking on the location shows the Bensalem interchange (#351). I assume we can't park our cars on the highway. :D Would this be the 5 Hilton Drive address shown as the project office on http://www.paturnpikei95.com ?
Unless my stuff that Friday is canceled, I am unfortunately out. I can't justify heading down there twice in a week, being as I'll be down that way the following weekend.
I just sent out an email update to everyone who has registered. So far, we're up to 17 people registered and planning to attend (not including me). If we get a few more registrations and most of the registered people show up, this should be a pretty decent turnout. My contact at the PTC would like to have a reasonably accurate headcount by the Monday prior to the meet (10 Sept.), so if you're currently on the fence and think you'll be able to make it, please register by then.
As mentioned previously, it seems almost traditional to start a meet with lunch, conversation, and map trading, so I was planning to do the same. The field office is right beside the interchange itself (2605 Durham Road), and to make the best use of our time, it might be best to try to meet at a restaurant very close to the office.
One location that looks promising is the Golden Eagle Diner at the intersection of US 13 and Bath Street. This diner has rooms for meetings and events, so it might be possible to get our own space out of the way of other customers. And it should be no more than a ten minute drive to the project office. But I'm certainly open to any other suggestions or ideas you might have.
Regarding a timeline: I had planned on getting to whatever restaurant we choose before noon, and then I assume people will likely be arriving between roughly noon and 1. If we begin to clear out of the restaurant by 1:30, that should allow us to pay our checks, migrate over to the office, and be in place and ready to start with the PTC at 2 p.m. Of course anyone coming from a longer distance or pressed for time could just meet us at the field office at 2. Does that schedule sound reasonable to all of you?
We still have to firm up the after-PTC plan (drive the "new" I-295, dinner–possibly near Princeton/Lawrence Twp. area?), but let's hash out the lunch restaurant choice and start time first.
Quote from: briantroutman on August 21, 2018, 06:54:41 PM
I just sent out an email update to everyone who has registered. So far, we're up to 17 people registered and planning to attend (not including me). If we get a few more registrations and most of the registered people show up, this should be a pretty decent turnout. My contact at the PTC would like to have a reasonably accurate headcount by the Monday prior to the meet (10 Sept.), so if you're currently on the fence and think you'll be able to make it, please register by then.
As mentioned previously, it seems almost traditional to start a meet with lunch, conversation, and map trading, so I was planning to do the same. The field office is right beside the interchange itself (2605 Durham Road), and to make the best use of our time, it might be best to try to meet at a restaurant very close to the office.
One location that looks promising is the Golden Eagle Diner at the intersection of US 13 and Bath Street. This diner has rooms for meetings and events, so it might be possible to get our own space out of the way of other customers. And it should be no more than a ten minute drive to the project office. But I'm certainly open to any other suggestions or ideas you might have.
Regarding a timeline: I had planned on getting to whatever restaurant we choose before noon, and then I assume people will likely be arriving between roughly noon and 1. If we begin to clear out of the restaurant by 1:30, that should allow us to pay our checks, migrate over to the office, and be in place and ready to start with the PTC at 2 p.m. Of course anyone coming from a longer distance or pressed for time could just meet us at the field office at 2. Does that schedule sound reasonable to all of you?
We still have to firm up the after-PTC plan (drive the "new" I-295, dinner–possibly near Princeton/Lawrence Twp. area?), but let's hash out the lunch restaurant choice and start time first.
Brian just got your email. The diner that you mention sounds like a great idea. Hope everybody else agrees. The timeline that you presented looks good to me too. This is my first road meet and Looking forward in meeting everybody.
iPhone
2 PM will definitely help me make it, and the dinner is a nice touch. I just won't know until I see what work has going on that week.
If you need something to kill time, we can always go 'Lincolning' betweeen NE Philly Airport and Trenton.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1818/43283083025_77d9a6bc88_o.jpg)
I'd suggest dinner at a place with good cheesesteaks, but I don't know how many nearby would support all the people.
Is anyone else planning to stay overnight for this one? It would be borderline day-trippable for me if it was a weekend, but during the week there will be rush-hour traffic getting between LI and NJ, so I'll probably stay over the two nights.
Quote from: Roadsguy on August 22, 2018, 11:31:25 AM
I'd suggest dinner at a place with good cheesesteaks, but I don't know how many nearby would support all the people.
Another option is Trenton pie - a local exclusive type of pizza.
Quote from: dgolub on August 22, 2018, 06:05:35 PM
Is anyone else planning to stay overnight for this one? It would be borderline day-trippable for me if it was a weekend, but during the week there will be rush-hour traffic getting between LI and NJ, so I'll probably stay over the two nights.
You shouldn't have to worry about getting there - leave around 9:30. As for getting back, if you stay for dinner, you should avoid most of the return traffic.
I'm a late joiner to this (life's been busy but I'm going to make time for this meet). I'm flexible on the meetup location and stuff afterwards (though may have to bail on dinner afterwards). I saw the Golden Eagle mentioned as a suggested meet point and as someone who used to live in Bristol, I think it's a great choice. I've been happy with the meals I've had there in the past, and being a diner, there's a little bit of everything available on the menu. As a bonus, it's also located on the recently reconstructed section of Bristol Pike (with newer median and wider shoulders -- along with the road diet section north of the Turnpike).
As if there was any possibility that I might attend, that got erased when my travel day (the 12th) became occupied with jury duty for me.
Cannot make it, much though I would love to.
Have a must-attend meeting at work that will run all afternoon on the 13th.
Quote from: hbelkins on August 30, 2018, 01:21:06 PM
As if there was any possibility that I might attend, that got erased when my travel day (the 12th) became occupied with jury duty for me.
Do you already know your going to Jury Duty? Up here, we call the night before to see if we have to go in.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 30, 2018, 02:52:26 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 30, 2018, 01:21:06 PM
As if there was any possibility that I might attend, that got erased when my travel day (the 12th) became occupied with jury duty for me.
Do you already know your going to Jury Duty? Up here, we call the night before to see if we have to go in.
I'm on the grand jury, so the sessions are scheduled in advance.
Has the diner been settled on? No one seems to have any objections.
I'm in. I got confirmation from my boss today that I can have the 13th off. I probably won't be staying for dinner since I have to work Friday the 14th and will want to be home at a decent hour on Thursday.
Quote from: Roadsguy on September 02, 2018, 08:26:28 PM
Has the diner been settled on? No one seems to have any objections.
Same question.
The few comments I've gotten in the thread and by email have been generally in favor of the diner (or indicated no preference). If no one has any objections, I'll get in touch with the Golden Eagle Diner today and reserve a private room. Once the restaurant arrangements have been confirmed, I'll send out another email update to everyone who has registered.
To date, over 20 people have RSVPed, and I know that at least a few more people are waiting until closer to the cut-off date before making a final decision. But all indications suggest that we'll have a good turnout and a very interesting event!
A few quick reminders...
- If you haven't already registered on the event page (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-95pa-turnpike-golden-spike-meet-september-2018-tickets-48967320574), please do so. The registration list is what I'm using to send updates to the attendees, create the name tags, and send a head count over to the PTC next Monday.
- If you've registered but haven't yet sent me your AARoads screen name or preferred name (for your name tag), please send it by next Monday. I plan to have the name tags printed next Tuesday.
- If you'd like to submit any questions for the PTC engineers to answer during the Q&A session, please email them to me by next Monday. Of course you'll be able to ask questions on the spot, too, but giving the engineers a little prep time might allow them to provide more thorough answers. Thanks to those who have submitted some great questions already; I'm looking forward to hearing the engineers' answers.
As always feel free to get in contact with me directly if you have any questions or thoughts. I'm looking forward to a terrific meet!
Back on the topic of the meet...
The Golden Eagle is, unfortunately, off the table as our lunch choice. I spoke with the manager late yesterday, and he said they're currently undergoing extensive renovations and none of their event rooms are available. And when I asked about putting tables together in the general dining room to accommodate a group of about 20-25, he said that it wouldn't really be possible on a weekday at noon.
I'll canvass the neighborhood to find some other options, and if anyone has any suggestions, feel free to chime in. I'm inclined to go for a diner-type place since the menus are generally broad, the prices fairly low, and the service pretty quick.
I just got off the phone with my contact at the PTC, and she confirmed that 2 p.m. as the start of the Q&A session will be fine. So as far as a schedule is concerned, I'll be at the restaurant (wherever that ends up being) by noon. Everyone is encouraged to come to the restaurant as close to noon as they're able, and we'll be wrapping up and departing the restaurant around 1:30. That should give us enough time to settle checks, migrate over to the field office, and be in the conference room by 2.
We also discussed the maximum number of attendees that could be accommodated. The number of RSVPs is currently 23, and the PTC rep said that they'd like to keep the total under 30 if possible (because of logistical issues involving their conference room and procuring vans for transportation to the interchange). If you're thinking about going but haven't yet registered, please do so as soon as possible so that we don't get into a bind at the last minute.
I know of a few diners that are a little more off the beaten path (Clubhouse Diner in Bensalem, Langhorne Speedway Diner in Langhorne, or Golden Dawn in Levittown) that I can check into . . . I live close enough to these places that I can walk in and inquire.
There is always Oxford Valley Mall Food Court, if it gets desperate. The mall is not that busy on a Thursday noon during the school year.
Likewise in a desperate move, there's a Wawa in the shadows of the interchange project where we can stand by our cars and eat!
I would recommend the Madison Diner in Levittown, but it's cash-only. There's also the Metro Diner in Bensalem.
^ Could all of the conversation not specifically related to the meet itself please go over to the general I-95/Turnpike thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=11707.0)?
Thanks for the additional diner suggestions, and I'll look into them.
I did see the New Madison Restaurant, and yes, I think going to a cash-only place would be problematic. But even so, the few photos I found make it look like a very small place, and seating for potentially 20+ people would probably be difficult. It's a shame, though, because New Madison is within walking distance of the project office.
The other diners may potentially work out, and some aren't much further from the project office than the Golden Eagle is. I'll do some checking to see which either have reservable rooms or would at least be willing to push tables together to accommodate a large group.
I'd like to apologize for intruding on this thread and getting it off topic (as well as turning the therad about the South into a Civil War discussion.) I utilize the "Show unread posts since last visit." link, so I often don't even look to see what subforum a thread is part of.
Further suggestions: Stadium and Bailey's Bars and Grills, both at Five Points just NE of the interchange in Levittown. Golden Dawn Diner is near there too.
^ Thanks for the suggestions, I can look into both. Have you been to either of these places, and do you know if either has a separate room we might be able to use?
I called a few diner-type places in the nearby area, and here's a quick update on some possible restaurant choices:
Golden Dawn (Google location page (https://goo.gl/maps/9o5eBqYbRs72)) and the Langhorne Speedway Diner (website (http://www.lsdiner.com) - Google location page (https://goo.gl/maps/panB2DiFshm)) would be able to put tables together for us to accommodate a crowd of about 20+, but we wouldn't have a private room. (Langhorne Speedway does have a banquet room, but it's intended for much larger parties.) Both places are fine with doing separate checks and don't have a mandatory gratuity for large groups. Both places also seem fairly flexible–only needing a few days' notice to reserve. So either looks like it might be a good option.
Another nearby place called Garden of Eatin (website (https://www.gardenofeatinrest.com) - Google location page (https://goo.gl/maps/D4T5PSUeaUM2)) may be able to reserve a separate room for us–I'm still awaiting a call back from the manager there. It's a little less a diner and more of general family restaurant.
Any opinions on the above dining options?
I just spoke with the PTC representative earlier today and am awaiting some additional details on a few questions I had for her. I'll send an email to everyone who has registered once I've heard back from her, so be looking for an email from me later this afternoon/evening.
Quote from: briantroutman on September 07, 2018, 01:47:25 PM
^ Thanks for the suggestions, I can look into both. Have you been to either of these places, and do you know if either has a separate room we might be able to use?
I'm unfamiliar with the places but at least one of them had a website that suggested a private room.
Jason having a "private room" for the Central Pa meet, back in the spring, was a first for me. It shouldn't be a deal breaker for finding someplace to eat beforehand.
We're now just three days out! I have some additional updates to share, and I'll be sending out an email to everyone who's registered as well.
First, to settle the issue of the lunch restaurant choice: If no one has any objections, I'll go ahead with Golden Dawn as the final selection. It seems like a good overall option, reviews were generally positive, and when I spoke to the manager on the phone, she seemed fairly easygoing and accommodating, which I think are important qualities when dealing with a large group.
I got an update from my contact at the PTC, and she had a request for me–she asked if the attendees had hard hats and reflective vests and could bring them for the tour. I told her that I doubted that most would have them, but I said I'd ask nonetheless. If you have a hard hat and reflective vest or could borrow one easily, please do. And if by chance you have access to multiple and could bring extras, that would be most appreciated. Whether you can bring either, both, or neither, I'd appreciate if you'd post to the thread or send me a quick email so I have some idea how many attendees will need them.
Perhaps you've looked at the week's weather forecast; I certainly have. The next few days will be rainy, but bt looks like we'll have a reprieve for the meet. As long as we don't have an all-day driving rainstorm Thursday (which doesn't appear to be in the cards), I don't foresee a problem.
So at this point, here's our agenda:
12:00 p.m. - Meet at Golden Dawn Diner - 7115 New Falls Road, Levittown, PA 19055
1:30 p.m. - Depart diner; head to PTC project office - 4605 Durham Road, Bristol, PA, 19007
2:00 p.m. - Meet project engineers; Q&A begins
3:30 p.m. - Board PTC vans; tour new interchange (stops for photo opportunities)
4:30 p.m. - Return to PTC project office; get back in our own vehicles
5:00 p.m. - Drive "new" I-295 from Bristol to US 1 north of Trenton
6:00 p.m. - Dinner
Regarding dinner, I'm open to almost anything, but I'm particularly intrigued by Steve's suggestion of having a Trenton tomato pie (which is something I've never had). I understand that DeLorenzo's (http://www.delorenzospizza.com) is the quintessential Trenton tomato pie shop, and their location just off I-295 on Sloan Avenue would probably be the most convenient to the end of the tour. They have another location in Yardley, although that would require some backtracking for people headed north at the end of the day. I'm fine with either location myself–and also happy to entertain other suggestions if anyone has one.
Sounds great Brian. I have two reflective vests. I just don't have any hard hats. Since this is my first meet with you guys. How will I pick you out when I get to the restaurant?
iPhone
I have both a hard hat and vest for myself. Can try to get others.
I have a reflective vest for myself, and two extras (one an el cheapo, better than nothing). No hard hats, alas.
I have the hard hat but not the reflective vest"
Quote from: JimmyI395 on September 10, 2018, 05:34:13 PMSince this is my first meet with you guys. How will I pick you out when I get to the restaurant?
Folks will congregate outside the diner prior to going in. Just look for the group standing around in the parking lot.
As for me, I have neither a hard hat nor a reflective vest.
I was able to borrow two hard hats that my dad had from his days in structural engineering. So my head is covered and I can cover one other person. I think my car's emergency kit actually has a reflective vest in it, but I see that Home Depot is selling what I assume are decent quality 3M vests for about $10, so I might pick one up there. It would be useful to me in the future, I'm sure.
Quote from: JimmyI395 on September 10, 2018, 05:34:13 PM
How will I pick you out when I get to the restaurant?
Well...we'll probably be at the only extra large table with seating for 20. But I'll make sure that all of the waitstaff know that anyone looking for the "road meet group" should be directed over to where I am. Here's a photo (http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz298/midamcrossrds/2016-04-11/100_6096_zpsqtrll6zb.jpg) from Jason Ilyes's 2016 Central PA road meet. I'm the one at the far left of the photo standing (not crouching). I'll also probably be wearing one of these buttons (https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1885/29666231087_56df1bbcb4_z.jpg) that each of the attendees will get.
Quote from: signalman on September 10, 2018, 06:33:23 PM
Quote from: JimmyI395 on September 10, 2018, 05:34:13 PMSince this is my first meet with you guys. How will I pick you out when I get to the restaurant?
Folks will congregate outside the diner prior to going in. Just look for the group standing around in the parking lot.
As for me, I have neither a hard hat nor a reflective vest.
Also, 02 Park Ave, please don't use purple. That tends to piss off the staff since they use that color to make points when members are breaking rules or similar situations.
Thanks.
iPhone
What about the De Lorenzo's location in Robbinsville? I suggested that location to my family once after missing out on a Trenton Thunder game due to a rain-out, but when we decided to check it out the line was already out the door and so we decided to eat at the Centro Grille instead.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on September 10, 2018, 06:58:59 PM
What about the De Lorenzo's location in Robbinsville?
OK...after looking a bit deeper, I'm a little confused. I see that the location on Sloan Avenue is "DeLorenzo's Pizza (http://www.delorenzospizza.com) - "Home of the Trenton Tomato Pie" , and then separately, there's "(The original and the only) De
Lorenzo's Tomato Pies (http://www.delorenzostomatopies.com)" which has locations in Robbinsville and Yardley. I'm guessing I've stumbled onto some kind of family feud that goes back a century or something of the sort.
Which location we go to doesn't matter a great deal to me–I'm basically ignorant when it comes to Trenton tomato pies, and I'm happy to go wherever the group would like to go. That said, the location on Sloan Avenue probably would be slightly more convenient for people headed back to Pennsylvania or south/west after the meet.
I just have a Phillies ball cap & a LSU ball cap.
Have fun guys, again I plan on making my own road trip out there in 2 weeks from this Wednesday, I may keep the diner in mind for my own lunch stop.
Quote from: briantroutman on September 10, 2018, 07:23:37 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on September 10, 2018, 06:58:59 PM
What about the De Lorenzo's location in Robbinsville?
OK...after looking a bit deeper, I'm a little confused. I see that the location on Sloan Avenue is "DeLorenzo's Pizza (http://www.delorenzospizza.com) - "Home of the Trenton Tomato Pie" , and then separately, there's "(The original and the only) De
Lorenzo's Tomato Pies (http://www.delorenzostomatopies.com)" which has locations in Robbinsville and Yardley. I'm guessing I've stumbled onto some kind of family feud that goes back a century or something of the sort.
Which location we go to doesn't matter a great deal to me–I'm basically ignorant when it comes to Trenton tomato pies, and I'm happy to go wherever the group would like to go. That said, the location on Sloan Avenue probably would be slightly more convenient for people headed back to Pennsylvania or south/west after the meet.
From reviews I would probably suggest not Sloan Ave. Robbinsville might not be terrible on a Thursday but I don't know. If I come I'll have my own PPE and will meet you guys by 2 at the talk.
Quote from: cpzilliacus on August 30, 2018, 02:49:06 PM
Cannot make it, much though I would love to.
Have a must-attend meeting at work that will run all afternoon on the 13th.
The must-attend meeting for the 13th was cancelled because many of the attendees will be dealing with the pending hurricane impacts in Virginia and Maryland. So I will be there.
Quote from: briantroutman on September 10, 2018, 05:20:54 PM
I got an update from my contact at the PTC, and she had a request for me–she asked if the attendees had hard hats and reflective vests and could bring them for the tour. I told her that I doubted that most would have them, but I said I'd ask nonetheless. If you have a hard hat and reflective vest or could borrow one easily, please do. And if by chance you have access to multiple and could bring extras, that would be most appreciated. Whether you can bring either, both, or neither, I'd appreciate if you'd post to the thread or send me a quick email so I have some idea how many attendees will need them.
I have my own hard hat and a few Virginia-standard vests that I can bring.
I have a hard hat but no reflective vest.
I have neither a hard hat nor a safety vest.
Re: Florence, I am kicking myself for not checking the backup battery on my sump pump before I left for work this week... but the pump itself was working fine this weekend and I bought a new backup battery in April, so I think I'm good. We don't tend to lose power that often anyway, which surprises me as we have overhead power lines.
Off-topic-ish... I got an email from my homeowner's insurance provider that Maryland has declared a State of Emergency. Has Pennsylvania? How will we find out if the meet is cancelled due to weather (which I'm not expecting)? I'll just stay at work anyway since I'm already worried about making up the hours I'm taking off for the meet.
My forecast only says mostly cloudy for Philadelphia, though for where I am it says thunderstorms that day.
Quote from: tckma on September 11, 2018, 01:09:56 PMOff-topic-ish... I got an email from my homeowner's insurance provider that Maryland has declared a State of Emergency. Has Pennsylvania?
To my knowledge & at present, Pennsylvania has
not issued such.
Quote from: cpzilliacus on September 10, 2018, 10:59:17 PM
The must-attend meeting for the 13th was cancelled because many of the attendees will be dealing with the pending hurricane impacts in Virginia and Maryland. So I will be there.
Glad to hear it!
Hi everyone-
I just sent out a final email to everyone who's registered; it includes my contact information, the location addresses, an itinerary, and some additional checklist items. If you could take a look through the email–and also make sure that your name tag is correct–I'd appreciate it. If you haven't yet responded to the question about hard hats and vests, please either post to the thread or send me a quick email.
This morning, I met with my PTC contact in person at the project field office, and everything is on track for Thursday. We'll have multiple engineers on hand from both the PTC and the lead contractor, and some of these people have been attached to the project for 20+ years. In addition to the wealth of probing questions (25+, some a paragraph long!) that have been submitted so far, it should be a terrific opportunity to ask whatever questions are on your mind and, hopefully, get insightful answers.
I also visited the Golden Dawn Diner thus morning and confirmed our reservation for Thursday. I'll arrive there before noon on the event date, probably will be waiting outside the front door until noon, then I'll head in with whoever has arrived by that point and get seated. I'd certainly encourage you to arrive as early as possible so that we can take a leisurely pace for lunch and conversation.
Regarding weather, it doesn't appear it will be an issue for Thursday. Florence will still be a hundred miles or more off the coast of the Carolinas by the time we have our meet, and if Pennsylvania experiences any significant effects from the storm, it won't be until the weekend. The current forecast for Thursday is much like today's: 70s, cloudy, with an occasional drip possible. It's perhaps not ideal, but we won't have a washout.
I'm glad to see everything coming together so nicely!
Quote from: tckma on September 11, 2018, 01:09:56 PM
Off-topic-ish... I got an email from my homeowner's insurance provider that Maryland has declared a State of Emergency. Has Pennsylvania? How will we find out if the meet is cancelled due to weather (which I'm not expecting)? I'll just stay at work anyway since I'm already worried about making up the hours I'm taking off for the meet.
At present time, the hurricane shouldn't hit the coastline off of the Carolinas until late Thursday night or early Friday morning. Thus, the storm won't have any affect on the meet in the afternoon other than some possible cloud cover (which the area is experiencing all week anyway).
Also, once the storm hits land, it's very unknown which way the storm will go. Turning North is a low percentage probability at this time. Current forecasts show it is more likely to stall out over NC or VA, or continue on a W or NW movement.
(Ha...also see Brian's response above!)
By the way–does anyone coming have a SEND HELP sign for the group photo?
I have two hard hats (one each for myself and my son, who registered us both) and one reflective vest.
I have a hard hat but no vest.
Also, are there any other dress code issues we need to be aware of? Like I assume no open-toed shoes, but I assume sneakers are okay? How about shorts or are jeans/long pants required? I'm aware this is still technically a construction zone, so I want to ensure we don't get caught by surprise.
Edit: Correction, I now have a hard hat *and* a vest.
When I met with the PTC representative this morning, she admitted that the hard hat and vest requirement was perhaps a touch of overkill. There won't be any active construction work going on in while we're there, but she said they just wanted to play it safe with regard to OSHA regulations for visitors, etc.
She didn't say anything about footwear, but just as a practical matter, I'd recommend wearing reasonably sturdy shoes–nothing open. I think sneakers would be OK. I don't think shorts would be expressly prohibited, but it might be a good idea to wear pants just in case. The temp should be in the upper 70s, so even though it wouldn't be too cool for shorts, I don't think it's going to be so warm that we'll really need them either.
Otherwise, I wasn't given any guidelines regarding a dress code, per se. But keep in mind that senior project engineers are taking half a day to meet with us, answer questions, and escort us on a tour, so as long as we look reasonably presentable, that should be fine. Considering the chance for some light rain, it would probably be a good idea to bring a lightweight rain jacket.
Quote from: briantroutman on September 11, 2018, 02:44:57 PM
By the way–does anyone coming have a SEND HELP sign for the group photo?
Okay... can someone tell me what the heck is up with roadgeek meetup photos ALWAYS having a SEND HELP sign? I don't get it. Then again, I've only been to one previous roadmeet -- this will be my second, ever, and the last one I went to was about two years ago.
Quote from: Compulov on September 11, 2018, 04:11:19 PM
I have a hard hat but no vest.
Also, are there any other dress code issues we need to be aware of? Like I assume no open-toed shoes, but I assume sneakers are okay? How about shorts or are jeans/long pants required? I'm aware this is still technically a construction zone, so I want to ensure we don't get caught by surprise.
I'll likely be coming straight from work in K of P, so I'll have on work clothes, i.e. Dockers-style pants and dress shoes. Not exactly "active construction site" wardrobe elements. If that's a problem, I can bring a pair of jeans and sneakers and change in a men's room, either at work before I leave, or at the diner shortly after I arrive.
^ The outfit you describe should be fine. Only possible issue would be if the shoes are particularly slick (as some dress shoes are) you might want to change into sneakers or something with a bit more tread. But otherwise, you should be alright.
Quote from: tckma on September 11, 2018, 05:14:45 PM
Quote from: briantroutman on September 11, 2018, 02:44:57 PM
By the way–does anyone coming have a SEND HELP sign for the group photo?
Okay... can someone tell me what the heck is up with roadgeek meetup photos ALWAYS having a SEND HELP sign?
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/Co67yX1H7X6AU/giphy.gif) :sombrero:
Quote from: tckma on September 11, 2018, 05:14:45 PM
Okay... can someone tell me what the heck is up with roadgeek meetup photos ALWAYS having a SEND HELP sign? I don't get it. Then again, I've only been to one previous roadmeet -- this will be my second, ever, and the last one I went to was about two years ago.
Some road meet group photos don't have SEND HELP signs, because either nobody brought one, or the meet host objected. I recall at least one meet where two versions of the group photo were done, one with the SEND HELP sign and the other without.
I've heard that at one road meet I didn't attend, a bystander mistakenly thought the SEND HELP sign meant that we actually needed help. That might explain why the SEND HELP tradition isn't universal.
I remember the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic contingent thought the tradition had run its course and were trying to phase it out, only for the Midwest contingent to revive it.
Controversy has crept into issues that now consider it as having overstayed its welcome.
I'm not committed to the idea of having the sign. I just suggested it since it's been a fixture at most of the meets I've attended (or seen photos of), so I just accepted it as customary. But if the consensus is that it's hackneyed, tired, played out...we can do without it.
Either way, we have a few surprises in store for tomorrow's group photo...
Quote from: Rothman on September 12, 2018, 01:43:58 PM
Controversy has crept into issues that now consider it as having overstayed its welcome.
Is there other controversy besides a few got tired of it?
(Not that I'll be attending tomorrow, but I've lost my sign again and have no idea where it went.)
Maybe someone should bring a "We're okay" sign. :spin:
Quote from: Roadsguy on September 11, 2018, 01:32:20 PM
My forecast only says mostly cloudy for Philadelphia, though for where I am it says thunderstorms that day.
Then the TV lied to us. It is not, in fact, always sunny in Philadelphia. :D
Quote from: Roadsguy on September 12, 2018, 09:42:36 PM
Maybe someone should bring a "We're okay" sign. :spin:
"We're okay -- We Promise!"
Thanks for hosting this meet, Brian. You did a great job putting everything together and I had a good time.
^ Thanks! I'm glad you had a good time–and happy that everybody else seemed to as well.
Thanks to everyone who turned out and made this event the success that it was! I had a terrific time hosting and look forward to the next time I get to put a meet together. Hope everyone is having safe travels either home or to wherever they're headed next.
I'll post a link to more photos later, but at least for now, here's the official group photo. (Special thanks to the PTC's lead engineer for this project, Mike Phillips, for climbing up on top of a water truck to take it for us!)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1846/43758610365_6002a190cd_o.jpg)
By the way, for anyone who's interested in the actual opening of the ramps, here's a recap of what we were told during the meet. Next Friday (the 21st) at 11 a.m., the PTC will be holding a press event and an official dedication ceremony at Bristol Plaza with Gov. Wolf in attendance. The following evening–overnight into Saturday morning–the PTC will uncover the signs and remove the concrete barriers currently blocking off the new I-95 through lanes so that as of roughly 6 a.m., the flyovers will be open to the public. This is dependent on weather conditions and barring any issues in the final inspection.
Really enjoyed this meet! Thanks Brian for the great job organizing. Also much appreciation to the PTC for permitting this meet to happen.
Great meet, Brian! Well planned, coordinated, and executed.
The Turnpike folks pulled out all the stops, truly setting the bar high for project tours. They lavished time and their own planning on us. Thorough yet concise, friendly, enthusiastic. For road geeks, by road geeks (by their own admission).
Also gotta make special mention of the custom buttons Brian had made for participants. I don't have time this morning to link to a photo--perhaps someone else can do that.
All around a superb meet. Top marks.
Nice group pic! :) In 2 weeks it will be my turn to check this out, I plan on getting pics but not as good as what you guys took ;-)
Glad you all had a great time! I told Brian earlier this week I was unfortunately asked to go to a meeting on Thursday at 3pm, a meeting that is normally 50/50 on being cancelled. Sure enough, about 1pm, it was cancelled, but I was unable to leave work at that point as well.
So my big question: Are they your cars on the ramp? Did they let you drive it???
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 14, 2018, 08:23:02 AMSo my big question: Are they your cars on the ramp? Did they let you drive it???
Short answer: yes. Apparently, vans weren't available to do the tour and busses would've been too big to navigate through the small barricade openings; so such was done via a convoy.
FYI, the tour part of the meet lasted longer than planned (such worked in my favor). I left work (in Philly) at/around 4:30 in anticipation to meet everyone for the post-meet dinner. It turned out that by the time I arrived in the Bristol area around 5:30; the meet was still along the unopened through I-95 northbound ramp. As a result, I was able to drive on the unopened ramp (there was a gap in the barriers at the base of the ramp) to meet everyone & attend the 'tail-end' of the meet & dinner.
Kudos again Brian for planning & hosting the meet. Although I would've loved to attend the entire meet (circumstances didn't allow for such) at least I got a
once in a lifetime opportunity to attend
part of it.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 14, 2018, 08:23:02 AM
So my big question: Are they your cars on the ramp? Did they let you drive it???
Yes. They had said that tour busses would be too big to get around the barricades, et cetera. We had a convoy of personal cars led by Mike Phillips driving an official PTC vehicle with amber flashing lights.
Hearing the description of how we'd have to back around the barricades, though, I decided to carpool with Brian. At the first stop (new exit 42, current exit 358, née exit 29), we parked in such a muddy area that I was immediately glad I wasn't driving. Normally I drive a Subaru, but it's in the mechanic's shop at the moment, so I was driving my wife's front-wheel drive Chevy which would not have made it through mud. Plus, watching Brian and others back around the barricade to the southbound flyover ramp was VERY harrowing. I'd have been scared driving my OWN car.
I echo the sentiments above -- well-organized meet, on Brian's part and PTC's part as well. The PTC folks gave us a lot of time to take us out onto the site. They seemed impressed that a group of road enthusiasts would have this much interest in the project to want to do this.
I got much better photos than from shoulders and on ride-throughs of the active roadways!
Thanks, Brian, for organizing all of this! It was very well done.
Glad to loan out my signs for the group photo -- added a nice touch.
Appreciated the chance to meet and talk to many folks I had previously recognized only by the forum names.
Those cars are our personal vehicles. I wanted to drive, but my Genesis would not have done well in the mud at the soon-to-be Exit 42 ramp construction area.
I want to add my thanks and congratulations to Brian for all he did to have made this a most successful meet. I also want to applaud his driving skill to go in reverse along the shoulder of the Turnpike.
I already sent Brian my congratulations but I will post my sentiments here as well.
It was a fantastic meet all around! I liked the name tags with our screen names and avatars to help identify everyone. The most I ever did for attendees to any of my meets was scrounge up some PennDOT or PTC maps to give away. :D Brian attended the 2004 Breezewood Meet I did that covered the abandoned Turnpike and tunnels, and I am glad that he picked up the baton and ran.
This was the first meet I've attended since my retirement from them following the 2011 Williamsport Meet, and I was glad to have been a participant.
For those who did not attend, I have pictures from various points of the interchange posted at http://www.instagram.com/pahighways.
I posted pics of the meet and project area in the I-95/Penna Turnpike Interchange thread of the Northeast regional board. I figured more members would be likely to find them there.