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Started by southshore720, April 21, 2015, 05:05:43 PM

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Alps

Quote from: southshore720 on June 16, 2020, 01:46:05 PM
In addition to the current signage upgrades, additional upgrades are coming to Route 146!  INCLUDING the elimination of the horrible stoplight at Sayles Hill Rd!  (We'll see if that actually comes to fruition!)
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/blackstone-valley/ri-lands-65m-federal-grant-to-fix-route-146/?fbclid=IwAR2mc50i5QclYtma8AM_2Y5WBKZ3B2gj1Rghx8SBrEnMHDwACKdAlsYePkE
What is the point of a diverging - excuse me, diversion 🙄 - diamond at 146A? That's a straight up fork in the road.


Ben114

Quote from: Alps on June 16, 2020, 08:53:30 PM
Quote from: southshore720 on June 16, 2020, 01:46:05 PM
In addition to the current signage upgrades, additional upgrades are coming to Route 146!  INCLUDING the elimination of the horrible stoplight at Sayles Hill Rd!  (We'll see if that actually comes to fruition!)
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/blackstone-valley/ri-lands-65m-federal-grant-to-fix-route-146/?fbclid=IwAR2mc50i5QclYtma8AM_2Y5WBKZ3B2gj1Rghx8SBrEnMHDwACKdAlsYePkE
What is the point of a diverging - excuse me, diversion 🙄 - diamond at 146A? That's a straight up fork in the road.
I don't see a point. Southbound traffic already has a u-turn ramp (except that they have to cut across two lanes of traffic to get to 146A, or take the prior exit for 104.)

Great Lakes Roads

THREAD BUMP!

Rhode Island's only "tolled" bridge, the Pell Bridge in Newport, will be going AET permanently starting in October. So, that means no more cash collection on this bridge.

Am I surprised that this is happening? No.

https://whatsupnewp.com/2021/07/pell-bridge-to-shift-to-electronic-only-tolling-in-october/
https://www.newportri.com/story/news/local/2021/07/08/pell-bridge-toll-no-longer-accept-cash-come-october/7902291002/

The Ghostbuster

Is there any chance that the Interstate 95 truck toll plazas might ultimately be converted from truck-only tolls to all-vehicle tolls? If such were to happen, I would not be surprised.

jp the roadgeek

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on July 09, 2021, 12:56:07 PM
Is there any chance that the Interstate 95 truck toll plazas might ultimately be converted from truck-only tolls to all-vehicle tolls? If such were to happen, I would not be surprised.

Of course there is.  That's why we fought tooth and nail against truck only tolls in CT: because we knew it would be all vehicles eventually.
Interstates I've clinched: 97, 290 (MA), 291 (CT), 291 (MA), 293, 295 (DE-NJ-PA), 295 (RI-MA), 384, 391, 395 (CT-MA), 395 (MD), 495 (DE), 610 (LA), 684, 691, 695 (MD), 695 (NY), 795 (MD)

vdeane

Wasn't the final proposal before it was cancelled for all-vehicle tolls in CT, rather than the initial truck tolls?  It didn't even get past the proposal state before they escalated.  So yeah, I can't help but wonder if RI will follow suit.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

PHLBOS

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on July 09, 2021, 12:56:07 PM
Is there any chance that the Interstate 95 truck toll plazas might ultimately be converted from truck-only tolls to all-vehicle tolls? If such were to happen, I would not be surprised.
It is my understanding that the Federal approval RI received for such was under the condition that the tolls could only be charged for commercial trucks.  If RI wants to expand the tolling beyond; they would still have to seek federal permission to do such.  Whether such would be granted or not is another story.

Quote from: vdeane on July 12, 2021, 12:57:24 PM
Wasn't the final proposal before it was cancelled for all-vehicle tolls in CT, rather than the initial truck tolls?  It didn't even get past the proposal state before they escalated.  So yeah, I can't help but wonder if RI will follow suit.
IIRC, the original plan proposed (i.e. campaign promise) by then-candidate for governor Ned Lamont was indeed to establish truck-only tolls in CT.  Once he became governor; his plan was expanded to toll all vehicles. 

The withdrawal/cancellation of that proposal came about when it was discovered that the plan included the short, 2-mile, piece of I-684 that runs through CT into the mix.  Protests from Westchester County, NY residents was what likely & ultimately sank that proposal.
GPS does NOT equal GOD

shadyjay

As a CT resident, I am all for tolls, under one condition:  the money collected must go towards transportation/upkeep of said highway, and NOT in the state's general fund.  I would gladly pay a toll if it meant... more lanes on a rebuilt I-95 in southeast CT, completion of Rt 11, Suicide Six bypass, get rid of the traffic lights on Rt 9 in Middletown, etc.  Many in CT just think tolls is another tax, and fear that it would go towards paying pensions, cities, and whatnot.  I can't necessarily argue with them.  I still think border tolls are a great idea, especially on I-95 in Greenwich, on I-395 at Exit 9 near the casinos, etc.  But again, that $$$ must go towards transportation and that alone. 

RI's tolls are strategically placed at locations where major bridge repairs/replacement are needed.  What better way to fund it than charging tractor trailers, who do a significant amount of wear and tear to said structures, a toll.  The bridge is rebuilt and replaced.  The big question is... when all is said and done, will the tolls remain in RI? 

And are they still crying poverty as the reason why they're not yet changing I-95's exit numbers in RI?

jp the roadgeek

Border tolls are prohibited by the Interstate Commerce Clause of the Constitution, which is why Lamont's hare-brained toll on I-684 in Greenwich would have never flown; 90% of those charged would be New Yorkers.  You could get away with the ones on I-395, but that would put quite a few shunpikers on CT 32.  In a perfect world, tolls would indeed go toward the highway they are collected on, but we all know that there will always be a secret tap that will funnel the funds toward something that has absolutely nothing to do with the maintenance of said highway, or even transportation in general (and that CT Lottery money has done soooo much to fund education like it was originally supposed to).  If they did go to their intended target, I would be a little less reluctant to pay them.  But they don't, and I'm sure RI has the same spending problem, which means they'll cry poverty and make the tolls on all vehicles (and by placing them on just trucks, we all know who subsidizes them in the end; the consumer of the goods carried on those trucks in the form of higher retail prices).  But as far as I-95 exit renumbering: how can RI cry poverty when that was supposed to be federally funded?  Guess someone has been dipping their hand in the cookie jar there. 
Interstates I've clinched: 97, 290 (MA), 291 (CT), 291 (MA), 293, 295 (DE-NJ-PA), 295 (RI-MA), 384, 391, 395 (CT-MA), 395 (MD), 495 (DE), 610 (LA), 684, 691, 695 (MD), 695 (NY), 795 (MD)

abqtraveler

Quote from: shadyjay on July 25, 2021, 10:03:09 PM

And are they still crying poverty as the reason why they're not yet changing I-95's exit numbers in RI?
I suspect that Rohde Island (and perhaps Connecticut also) are stalling on converting their remaining highways to mile-based exit numbering to see if the Biden-Harris Administration will entertain a request to retain sequential exit numbers on the highways that haven't been converted. Meanwhile the governor of New Hampshire has been a bit more blunt in his opposition to adopting mile-based exit numbers, pretty much telling the FHWA to "go pound sand" with its mandate for states to adopt mile-based exit numbering.
2-d Interstates traveled:  4, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29, 35, 39, 40, 41, 43, 45, 49, 55, 57, 64, 65, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 76(E), 77, 78, 81, 83, 84(W), 85, 87(N), 89, 90, 91, 93, 94, 95

2-d Interstates Clinched:  12, 22, 30, 37, 44, 59, 80, 84(E), 86(E), 238, H1, H2, H3, H201

jp the roadgeek

Quote from: abqtraveler on July 26, 2021, 11:00:32 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on July 25, 2021, 10:03:09 PM

And are they still crying poverty as the reason why they're not yet changing I-95's exit numbers in RI?
I suspect that Rohde Island (and perhaps Connecticut also) are stalling on converting their remaining highways to mile-based exit numbering to see if the Biden-Harris Administration will entertain a request to retain sequential exit numbers on the highways that haven't been converted. Meanwhile the governor of New Hampshire has been a bit more blunt in his opposition to adopting mile-based exit numbers, pretty much telling the FHWA to "go pound sand" with its mandate for states to adopt mile-based exit numbering.

CT's plan has always been to change the numbers only when a highway is completely re-signed.  The current signing projects on CT 9, CT 72 and a couple more small sections of CT 17, CT 82, and US 5/CT 15 are coming along s-l-o-w-l-y, but they are progressing, and there is a project that will begin next near on CT 2, CT 3, CT 11, and another small section of CT 17.  The heavy hitters (2di's) aren't planned to be converted till at least 2028.  Meanwhile, RI is all done except I-95; they've come so far, why not just finish it and be consistent? 
Interstates I've clinched: 97, 290 (MA), 291 (CT), 291 (MA), 293, 295 (DE-NJ-PA), 295 (RI-MA), 384, 391, 395 (CT-MA), 395 (MD), 495 (DE), 610 (LA), 684, 691, 695 (MD), 695 (NY), 795 (MD)

vdeane

Especially as I-95 is the road that would have the greatest benefit from mile-based numbers in RI, traversing the rural part of the state before entering the Providence area.

Quote from: jp the roadgeek on July 26, 2021, 02:13:45 AM
Border tolls are prohibited by the Interstate Commerce Clause of the Constitution, which is why Lamont's hare-brained toll on I-684 in Greenwich would have never flown; 90% of those charged would be New Yorkers.  You could get away with the ones on I-395, but that would put quite a few shunpikers on CT 32.  In a perfect world, tolls would indeed go toward the highway they are collected on, but we all know that there will always be a secret tap that will funnel the funds toward something that has absolutely nothing to do with the maintenance of said highway, or even transportation in general (and that CT Lottery money has done soooo much to fund education like it was originally supposed to).  If they did go to their intended target, I would be a little less reluctant to pay them.  But they don't, and I'm sure RI has the same spending problem, which means they'll cry poverty and make the tolls on all vehicles (and by placing them on just trucks, we all know who subsidizes them in the end; the consumer of the goods carried on those trucks in the form of higher retail prices).  But as far as I-95 exit renumbering: how can RI cry poverty when that was supposed to be federally funded?  Guess someone has been dipping their hand in the cookie jar there. 
Federal funds tend to be distributed in pots of money and not on a per-project basis.  Funding one project from that pot means less funding available for other eligible projects.  If something came up, or another project needed the funding, or even if the state match (presuming there is one) is no longer affordable, then the funds might get transferred elsewhere - especially as COVID probably hit their budget with lower tax revenue and people driving less last year.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

Rothman

Quote from: abqtraveler on July 26, 2021, 11:00:32 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on July 25, 2021, 10:03:09 PM

And are they still crying poverty as the reason why they're not yet changing I-95's exit numbers in RI?
I suspect that Rohde Island (and perhaps Connecticut also) are stalling on converting their remaining highways to mile-based exit numbering to see if the Biden-Harris Administration will entertain a request to retain sequential exit numbers on the highways that haven't been converted. Meanwhile the governor of New Hampshire has been a bit more blunt in his opposition to adopting mile-based exit numbers, pretty much telling the FHWA to "go pound sand" with its mandate for states to adopt mile-based exit numbering.
FHWA already "penalized" states who did not meet a bridge condition standard by forcing them to setaside a portion of NHPP funding to go towards bridge work (called, unimaginatively Bridge Penalty funding).

I could see them doing the same thing with NH.  I mean, all the other states have at least given it lipservice.  Seems to me NH is being less than wise given other recent FHWA "disciplinary" actions.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position(s) of NYSDOT.

vdeane

Doesn't NH already lose some funding due to not mandating seatbelts?  They might be willing to lose some over this, too - or at least, their current governor probably is.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

Mergingtraffic

Drove by Exit 3 on I-95 in RI recently.  Noticed new foundations for new signage just before the rest area and Exit 3 SB.  Also, looks like some consolidation work for Exit 3 as well.

Drove on the Henderson Bridge and noticed the WB lanes of the bridge are gone.  Two-way traffic on the EB lanes only.  All the button copy still in place as of now.
Pics from before work started:


I only take pics of good looking signs. Long live non-reflective button copy!
MergingTraffic https://www.flickr.com/photos/98731835@N05/

RobbieL2415

Quote from: Mergingtraffic on August 15, 2021, 07:29:31 PM
Drove by Exit 3 on I-95 in RI recently.  Noticed new foundations for new signage just before the rest area and Exit 3 SB.  Also, looks like some consolidation work for Exit 3 as well.

Drove on the Henderson Bridge and noticed the WB lanes of the bridge are gone.  Two-way traffic on the EB lanes only.  All the button copy still in place as of now.
Pics from before work started:



Someone at RIDOT saw the Niagra Scenic Parkway and got an idea...

chays

What is the latest on the I-95 exit renumbering project? From what I read, this project was supposed to start in late 2020, but I see no news about any progress let alone completion.

abqtraveler

Quote from: chays on August 24, 2021, 01:02:24 AM
What is the latest on the I-95 exit renumbering project? From what I read, this project was supposed to start in late 2020, but I see no news about any progress let alone completion.
Last update I got back in the spring is that RIDOT needs additional funding to complete the exit renumbering on I-95. There's no timetable at this time as to when that may happen.
2-d Interstates traveled:  4, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29, 35, 39, 40, 41, 43, 45, 49, 55, 57, 64, 65, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 76(E), 77, 78, 81, 83, 84(W), 85, 87(N), 89, 90, 91, 93, 94, 95

2-d Interstates Clinched:  12, 22, 30, 37, 44, 59, 80, 84(E), 86(E), 238, H1, H2, H3, H201

The Ghostbuster

Maybe one of us should start a GoFundMe page to raise the money to change the exit numbers along Interstate 95. I know that most people wouldn't contribute because they could care less, but it would be nice if there were GoFundMe pages for road improvements.

SectorZ

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on August 24, 2021, 10:16:21 PM
Maybe one of us should start a GoFundMe page to raise the money to change the exit numbers along Interstate 95. I know that most people wouldn't contribute because they could care less, but it would be nice if there were GoFundMe pages for road improvements.

Given the cost to do it in Massachusetts, I estimated the cost to do 95 in RI is around $500K. Given that the state only has to pay 10%, it's a mere $50K. I imagine there are many no-show jobs that could be slashed (all you need is one of them) to pay for that.

southshore720

Quote from: abqtraveler on August 24, 2021, 09:43:07 AM
Quote from: chays on August 24, 2021, 01:02:24 AM
What is the latest on the I-95 exit renumbering project? From what I read, this project was supposed to start in late 2020, but I see no news about any progress let alone completion.
Last update I got back in the spring is that RIDOT needs additional funding to complete the exit renumbering on I-95. There's no timetable at this time as to when that may happen.
I wonder if these funding woes are also delaying the Route 146 signage replacement project as well.  They finished the North Smithfield contract, but the Providence to Lincoln contract remains in limbo.  The last movement on the project was the supplemental exit number signs.

shadyjay

Its the end of an era....

The last mainline rest area that is not a rest area is finally being re-signed properly... as a "Parking Area".  The parking areas between Exits 3/4 & 5 on I-95 have been signed as "Rest Areas" for many many years.  And there hasn't been any "NO FACILITIES" tacked on, either, so the unsuspecting motorist could pull in and look for restrooms (or a building) and find.... nothing.    Today, I observed crews installing the new PARKING AREA signs. 

Massachusetts introduced us to the "Parking Area" signing first.  Prior to that, they were either signed as "Picnic Areas" or "Rest Area-No Facilities". 
Vermont came next.  Several of its rest areas were converted to "Parking Areas" when the facility building got removed.
And now, finally RI joins the pack.  (CT, NH, and ME haven't had any "Rest Area-No Facilities" in recent years, so never got the "Parking Area" treatment). 

RobbieL2415

Quote from: shadyjay on September 08, 2021, 10:07:51 PM
Its the end of an era....

The last mainline rest area that is not a rest area is finally being re-signed properly... as a "Parking Area".  The parking areas between Exits 3/4 & 5 on I-95 have been signed as "Rest Areas" for many many years.  And there hasn't been any "NO FACILITIES" tacked on, either, so the unsuspecting motorist could pull in and look for restrooms (or a building) and find.... nothing.    Today, I observed crews installing the new PARKING AREA signs. 

Massachusetts introduced us to the "Parking Area" signing first.  Prior to that, they were either signed as "Picnic Areas" or "Rest Area-No Facilities". 
Vermont came next.  Several of its rest areas were converted to "Parking Areas" when the facility building got removed.
And now, finally RI joins the pack.  (CT, NH, and ME haven't had any "Rest Area-No Facilities" in recent years, so never got the "Parking Area" treatment).
NYSTA changed their Parking Areas to "Text Stops" about five years back.

shadyjay

They added "TEXT STOP" to the top of "PARKING AREA" in New York.  They have pretty stiff fines for texting while driving, hence why the addition.
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6091034,-73.7836007,3a,15y,196.97h,87.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swxGXHlrokG8DrhfuwZRqOA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

vdeane

Quote from: shadyjay on September 09, 2021, 06:19:44 PM
They added "TEXT STOP" to the top of "PARKING AREA" in New York.  They have pretty stiff fines for texting while driving, hence why the addition.
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6091034,-73.7836007,3a,15y,196.97h,87.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swxGXHlrokG8DrhfuwZRqOA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Exactly.  They didn't "change" anything, just added additional nomenclature to emphasize not to text while driving.  I don't know why people keep insisting they were "changed".  Nobody removed "parking area" or "rest area" from the signs.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.



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