PennDOT is looking to improve a notoriously antiquated section of I-70, originally built as Alternate PA 71. The plan would cost $300 million to widen portions of the highway from four to six lanes, reconstruct four interchanges, and replace bridges.
State eyes $300M in work on I-70 (http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/08-02-2011-Transporation-plan) - Washington Observer-Reporter
It's about time! I've only been on that segment of I-70 once (going WB) and it's definitely needed. PennDOT really needs to get I-70 fully upgraded to at least 1990's Interstate standards. lol.
Now, the major question is, how are they going to deal with the US-19 (Exit #19) cloverleaf interchange with it being so close to Exit #20 (PA-136). Are they going to make the third lane in that area a "C/D lane", or are they going to make the mainline 3 lanes and add a 4th as a C/D?
Like most big highway projects PennDOT talks about, I'll believe it when I see it.
Not saying nothing will ever get done, but if they're talking this "big" while still just planning this far out, when it comes time to actually construct stuff (and pay for it), I wouldn't be surprised if the big plans get scaled back (I hope not, but figure that's how it will be)
The "The plan is expected to focus through 2017 on maintenance and forwarding projects listed in the current four-year transportation improvement plan in an era of cutbacks in spending." and ""It's a living, breathing document," Bugaile said." lines especially temper my optimism.
Kind of thinking about the PA-51/88 intersection here. For years there was talk about fixing it with an interchange, then a fly-over... and now they're about to start actual work on reconfiguring the intersection (everything "at-grade") with something that will certainly be better, but a ways from what was envisioned.
As for in between the south I-79 junction and the Washington County line, I suppose the replaced The McIlvaine Road bridge, @ the Kammerer interchange, will indicate just how wide the highway will eventually be in that area. I saw on the news, and read, that the replacement was open... but none of those sources had any pics/video of the new bridge.
I saw these on the Transportation plan site. It's about time.
On a related note, the I-79/I-70 South Junction plans are now online for review. Looks like the loop ramp will be replaced with a two-lane flyover that exits from the right when coming north on I-79.
The fun part will be when the speed limit on I-79 is reduced to 30 MPH during construction.
Bout d@mn time as that section of I-70 makes Missouri's seem like a lesirely summer stroll. At best 45-50 mph is the top safe speed. Now how are they going to pay for it?
Quote from: MASTERNC on August 04, 2011, 12:17:47 PM
I saw these on the Transportation plan site. It's about time.
On a related note, the I-79/I-70 South Junction plans are now online for review. Looks like the loop ramp will be replaced with a two-lane flyover that exits from the right when coming north on I-79.
Have some links that you are willing to share? :P
I think he's talking about ECMS.
http://www.dot14.state.pa.us/ECMS/
The South Junction Interchange contract, which indeed has been advertised, has ECMS project number 31182.
Quote from: ShawnP on August 05, 2011, 10:14:16 PMAt best 45-50 mph is the top safe speed.
As someone who used to drive it often, 60-70 was the range you needed to stay within. The only place 45-50 was acceptable was in Belle Vernon because the PSP and Belle Vernon PD liked to hide in that section.
Quote from: ShawnP on August 05, 2011, 10:14:16 PMNow how are they going to pay for it?
The next 12-Year transportation plan is being devised now, so currently it is a game of shifting around the money in the budget.
My question is, why is this being planned but still nothing is being done about the Belle Vernon - New Stanton stretch? Now my memory is a little fuzzy of the area, but it seems like an overhaul would be possible. I guess it's just a matter of feasibility.
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 06, 2011, 12:15:29 AM
I think he's talking about ECMS.
http://www.dot14.state.pa.us/ECMS/
The South Junction Interchange contract, which indeed has been advertised, has ECMS project number 31182.
Tried to access that as a "Guest". Got the following message: "You are not authorized to perform the operation you requested. Please contact your security administrator if you require the appropriate authorization." Grrrr. I just want to see the plans on how the interchange will look once completed.
Quote from: njroadhorse on August 06, 2011, 07:57:23 PM
My question is, why is this being planned but still nothing is being done about the Belle Vernon - New Stanton stretch? Now my memory is a little fuzzy of the area, but it seems like an overhaul would be possible. I guess it's just a matter of feasibility.
I think it might have something to do with the new expressway access to the Mon-Fayette Expressway that they are doing the segment West of Belle Vernon first. Also you have the crossing over the Monongahela River to deal with that has interchanges on each side of it. With them upgrading the West section first, if they need to, they could divert truck traffic that normally stays on I-70 to go Maryland down the Mon-Fayette Expressway to I-68. That way, it will make the PA Turnpike a little bit happier since they still will get some tolls from the trucks.
Quote from: njroadhorse on August 06, 2011, 07:57:23 PMMy question is, why is this being planned but still nothing is being done about the Belle Vernon - New Stanton stretch? Now my memory is a little fuzzy of the area, but it seems like an overhaul would be possible. I guess it's just a matter of feasibility.
It's also a matter of money and what gets approved for the 12-Year Plan, but even if it makes it there, it doesn't necessarily mean it will see construction (example: Susquehanna Beltway).
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on August 06, 2011, 11:32:22 PMTried to access that as a "Guest". Got the following message: "You are not authorized to perform the operation you requested. Please contact your security administrator if you require the appropriate authorization." Grrrr. I just want to see the plans on how the interchange will look once completed.
You do have access to the plans, but it can be a little tricky because in the contract listing view that comes up in most variants of the ECMS contract search results page, you have to click on the letting date (left-hand column) rather than the project number to access the bid package, which has the plans. ECMS also isn't really designed for use with any browser other than Internet Explorer, but no longer does user agent checks, so you can use Firefox or another browser of your preference if you are willing to put up with some limitations.
Bread crumb trail: Login as guest (dismiss disclaimer dialog) --> "Solicitation" in top menu bar --> "Contractors" --> "Bid Packages" (click) --> "Advanced Search" link on Bid Packages Portal page --> "31182" in "Project" field, then click "Search" (top menu) --> click on letting date (not project number) in results page --> you are now in the Bid Package page for project 31182.
The direct link is actually
http://www.dot14.state.pa.us/ECMS/SVBSLBidPackage?action=Show&ECMS_PROJECT_NUM=31,182&BID_PACKAGE_NUM=1
but in order to load this page, you need to be logged in to ECMS. Also, ECMS will automatically log you out if you have a browser window or tab which has been open to a page behind the ECMS login wall for more than 30 minutes.
Project documentation links on the Bid Package page come in two types. The arrow-on-paper links go to the Project Development Checklist, which allows you to drill down to individual plan sheets (or individual sections of the special provisions in the case of the bidding proposal). Personally I have found Project Development Checklist useful mainly for finding out what is actually covered in functional discipline groups identified only as "Other." (For the big projects, often the structural signing is identified as "Other" while "Signing and Pavement Marking" covers just pavement marking.) The file cabinet icons go to pages where you can download premerged PDF sheet sets, which are identified by functional discipline group. Each sheet set contains up to 17 sheets. (Older bid packages often have one sheet set per functional discipline, or up to 13 sheets per sheet set.)
In any case, I can absolutely promise the signing plans for 31182 are there for the viewing, since I have managed to get hold of them. ECMS is a cantankerous and unintuitive system, but it has a very good project archive and it beats the hell out of trying to get the information out of PennDOT through RTKL requests.
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 06, 2011, 12:15:29 AM
I think he's talking about ECMS.
http://www.dot14.state.pa.us/ECMS/
The South Junction Interchange contract, which indeed has been advertised, has ECMS project number 31182.
That is correct. Unfortunately it is a protected site so I could not directly link. However, there is a guest login ability.
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 07, 2011, 11:04:19 AM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on August 06, 2011, 11:32:22 PMTried to access that as a "Guest". Got the following message: "You are not authorized to perform the operation you requested. Please contact your security administrator if you require the appropriate authorization." Grrrr. I just want to see the plans on how the interchange will look once completed.
Bread crumb trail: Login as guest (dismiss disclaimer dialog) --> "Solicitation" in top menu bar --> "Contractors" --> "Bid Packages" (click) --> "Advanced Search" link on Bid Packages Portal page --> "31182" in "Project" field, then click "Search" (top menu) --> click on letting date (not project number) in results page --> you are now in the Bid Package page for project 31182.
That worked, thanks. :)
=====
On a side note, I downloaded the signing plans and noticed a few mistakes of what will be removed.
In CSM0013OF21.PDF, they mention a pair of "State" named I-70/I-79 shields will be removed. Too late, they've already "replaced (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=40.162739,-80.196446&spn=0.003087,0.006968&z=18&layer=c&cbll=40.162757,-80.196535&panoid=wfV6nFvzhyozepDIuJISsA&cbp=12,337.79,,1,4.36)" them. lol.
In CSM0014OF21.PDF, they mention the removal of the old "Gore" sign on I-79 NB for I-70's EB exit. They have the wrong exit number listed (33 instead of 34).
This shows that even DOT's screw up their own plans on what needs to be removed. :P
=
One more thing, I hope they do put the "LEFT" exit tab above the new Exit #34 signage for I-70 EB. I can easily see people who were use to the old configuration accidentally taking the left exit thinking the loop is still there. So that "LEFT" tab IMO is necessary here.
The project was supposedly bid on September 8 for $35 million.
And construction is beginning shortly
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/10-26-2011-south-junction (http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/10-26-2011-south-junction)
QuoteDrivers traveling at the south junction of Interstates 70 and 79 are now seeing signs that the long-promised updates to the interchange will become a reality.
Traffic on Vance Station Road between Lakeview Drive and the entrance to the KOA Campground will be detoured starting Nov. 7 so a bridge can be replaced with a longer and wider structure over I-79. Work is expected to be done by Jan. 31.
It is the first phase of a project that calls for the construction of a two-lane flyover ramp at the south junction that will take traffic from I-79 north to I-70 west. Golden Triangle Construction was awarded the $35.2 million contract.
Work also will include replacing the bridge in the westbound lanes over the Allegheny Valley Railroad and rehabilitating the eastbound span over the railroad. Work also will include refurbishing the spans carrying I-70 over I-79.
Work on Vance Station could have been done anytime during the three-year project, but it was decided to do it now because it could be done in the winter, said Roxanne Rossi, project manager for the state Department of Transportation. Site-clearing work also will be done over the winter.
Construction at the junction will begin in the spring.
"I do not anticipate there being an impact on the interstates," Rossi said. "Crossovers will be built to maintain traffic."
Some short-term closures may be needed during bridge demolition and placing of beams. Rossi said that work will be done at night.
An estimated 56,000 vehicles use I-70 in that area, and 33,000 use I-79.
A revamped interchange has been debated for decades. Local officials, particularly the late Washington County coroner Farrell Jackson, championed the elimination of the "killer curve," a 360-degree bend that takes vehicles from I-79 north to I-70 west.
Improvements such as a higher wall between the northbound and southbound lanes as well as rumble strips to alert drivers of the sharp bend have reduced the number of serious crashes.
ECMS is very clunky and hard to get around I do have access to ECMS(password and ID). Need anything let me know. J N Winkler is correct about getting around when you do not have a password.
PennDOT has created a website for current and future I-70 websites
http://www.i-70projects.com/default.html
Major Renovation Project Planned for I-70 around New Stanton (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/westmoreland/s_772324.html#ixzz1gjzkeJRw) - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Quote from: MASTERNC on September 20, 2011, 12:34:53 PM
The project was supposedly bid on September 8 for $35 million.
it was let on September 8th....but the contract wasn't signed until September 22, 2011
Quote from: MASTERNC on December 16, 2011, 05:09:47 PM
PennDOT has created a website for current and future I-70 websites
http://www.i-70projects.com/default.html
Thanks for the heads-up.
Ironically, for the one project that everyone has perhaps been waiting for the most–the reconfiguration of the I-70/79 south junction–neither the planned configuration nor the projected completion date is provided.
The "detailed mapping" is anything but. It's simply a scan of the PennDOT county map. And the construction is simply described as "in progress."
PennDOT's project websites are so hit-and-miss with the information they provide. Some are great, some are abysmal (which I guess is true for most state DOTs).
What I found while working for PennDOT is that for most non-roadgeek members of the traveling public, when people look at project information they want to know one thing: "How will it affect me?" This breaks down into the following pieces of information they want:
1. What will it look like when it's done? (Final configuation.)
2. When will it begin?
3. What kind of pain will I have to endure while it's under construction?
4. When will it finish? (When will the pain end?)
Qualitatively, people want pictures (diagrams, renderings, before-and-after comparisons, etc.), not just endless text.
It amazes me how often information is provided about a project without some or all of these four items. Or a site contains paragraphs of text describing in detail what the planned configuation will be, but doesn't contain a single diagram. As if the average viewer is supposed to reconstruct the thing in his or her head.
Worse still are the sites which provide little snippets that don't contain most of the necessary information, but do contain details like who the contractor is, who the DOT's project team members are, what legislative district the project is in, etc. In other words, some DOT employee is simply dumping the details of his or her world onto the screen without translating the information into the world of general public. It breaks one of the most basic rules of effective communication: always communicate in the language of the target audience, not your own language.
Don't get me wrong; providing all that additional information is OK, even great. But when they're included and the most basic of basics are not, it just frustrates the public, which presumably is the very opposite of what is intended.
Secondarily, in my experience people generally only care obliquely about things like cost, financing packages, and the like. More out of curiosity than anything else. Unless they are opposed to a project; then they care about the cost so they can use it as a weapon to defeat it.
Of course, I'm speaking generally here. There are always exceptions.
Thus endeth my rant for the day. As you were; carry on.
Quote from: MASTERNC on December 16, 2011, 05:09:47 PM
PennDOT has created a website for current and future I-70 websites
http://www.i-70projects.com/default.html
http://www.i-70projects.com/about.html
QuoteThis stretch of I-70 connects with three other Pennsylvania Interstate routes: I-79, I-43 (PA Turnpike Extension) and I-76 (PA Turnpike Mainline) and West Virginia's I-70.
I didn't know that we got approval to sign PA-Turnpike-43 as an Interstate. :P
As part of the rehabilitation and widening in Washington, PennDOT is proposing the diverging diamond interchange for US 19 at the I-70 junction. This is probably the first interchange of this type in PA
http://www.postgazette.com/pg/12005/1201397-55.stm
QuoteAn innovative design for highway interchanges that switches traffic to the left side of the road is being planned along Interstate 70 in Washington County.
A "diverging diamond interchange" will be built to replace the conventional cloverleaf at I-70 and Route 19 in South Strabane, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced this week.
In a diverging diamond, both directions of traffic on a main road (in this case, Route 19) are crossed over to the left side on the approach to the highway. That allows left turns onto highway entrance ramps without crossing oncoming traffic. Right turns to entrance ramps are made before the crossover.
The new design will eliminate the existing conflicts between vehicles trying to enter and exit I-70 and provide much longer acceleration and deceleration lanes.
As PennDOT planned a widening project for I-70 in that area, the Federal Highway Administration suggested that it consider the design. "The more we dug into it, the more it seemed like something that would work out there," project manager Barry Lyons said.
The plans will be on display for the public from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at South Strabane Fire Station No. 2, 172 Oak Spring Road.
As part of the same project, PennDOT plans to widen I-70 to three lanes between Beau Street and the north junction with I-79 and add a second exit lane from westbound I-70 to northbound I-79 at the north junction. The estimated project cost is $65 million and the tentative schedule calls for a contract award in 2014, Mr. Lyons said.
The first diverging diamond interchange in the U.S. opened in Springfield, Mo., in June 2009 and has received overwhelming support from the driving public, according to the Federal Highway Administration. It reduced crashes, improved traffic flow and cost less to build than a more traditional reconstruction.
In a survey by the Missouri Department of Transportation, 97 percent of respondents said they felt safer in the new interchange and a 60 percent reduction in crashes was reported.
Mr. Lyons said 10 more have been built in Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky and Utah and at least 40 are under design in 19 states and Canada. There are no diverging diamond interchanges in Pennsylvania.
Although having traffic drive on the left side of the road sounds scary, the design of the diverging diamond "makes it pretty much impossible for you to go the wrong way on it," he said.
Another benefit of the design is that the I-70 bridge over Route 19 can be preserved rather than replaced, at a substantial savings, he said.
The I-70 interchange at Route 19 was built in the 1960s. Its traditional cloverleaf design has fallen out of favor with traffic planners because it does not efficiently and safely move heavy traffic. The principal flaw is the conflict with exiting and entering vehicles -- those leaving the highway must merge left from the exit lane in the same area as traffic entering the highway has to merge right.
The on-ramps are very short, giving drivers entering I-70 almost no time to accelerate to the pace of vehicles already on the highway.
The project is one of several major improvements planned or under way on I-70 in Washington and Westmoreland counties. PennDOT District 12 has established a website with project information at www.I-70Projects.com.
I think a DDI would work perfectly for that interchange. It's that or a SPUI. But that cloverleaf needs to go! Very hard to get up to speed AND merge onto I-70 EB/I-79 SB from US-19 NB in that area.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on January 05, 2012, 08:53:57 AM
I think a DDI would work perfectly for that interchange. It's that or a SPUI. But that cloverleaf needs to go! Very hard to get up to speed AND merge onto I-70 EB/I-79 SB from US-19 NB in that area.
How well would 'dogbone' roundabouts work there as an option?
Mike
Public Plans Display for Interstate 70 Widening South Strabane Township, Washington County (http://www.dot.state.pa.us/penndot/districts/district12.nsf/b57a20b8dd4abd7d852572c200683d70/cee78294d881cbb78525797c0048a3e9?OpenDocument)
Quote from: mgk920 on January 05, 2012, 11:08:38 AM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on January 05, 2012, 08:53:57 AM
I think a DDI would work perfectly for that interchange. It's that or a SPUI. But that cloverleaf needs to go! Very hard to get up to speed AND merge onto I-70 EB/I-79 SB from US-19 NB in that area.
How well would 'dogbone' roundabouts work there as an option?
Mike
I don't think it would work because there is way too much traffic on US-19 there for it to work effectively. And when you add in the traffic coming off the ramps of I-70/I-79, it would make it just as bad as the current cloverleaf IMO.
With all the talk about improving I-70 west of the Turnpike, I thought they would do something with the cloverleaf. Prior to this news, my money would've been a SPUI.
Assuming they go thru with it, it should be interesting to see. Sometimes it really isn't your fathers' PennDOT (to paraphrase some other saying)
It would be nice if PennDOT posted a link to their meeting exhibits on line rather than only telling us about the meeting.
Quote from: PAHighways on January 05, 2012, 08:16:23 PM
Public Plans Display for Interstate 70 Widening South Strabane Township, Washington County (http://www.dot.state.pa.us/penndot/districts/district12.nsf/b57a20b8dd4abd7d852572c200683d70/cee78294d881cbb78525797c0048a3e9?OpenDocument)
Anybody else planning on going to this? I think I might go down and check it out.
Not surprising: Locals' Feelings Mixed on Interchange (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12016/1203812-147.stm) - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
PennDOT Announces Public Meeting/Plans Display for the New Stanton Interchange Improvement Project, S.R. 0070, Section Q10 (http://www.dot.state.pa.us/penndot/districts/district12.nsf/b57a20b8dd4abd7d852572c200683d70/406bf1904fe99f06852579890066f203?OpenDocument)
Westmoreland I-70 Plan Meets Mixed Reviews (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/westmoreland/s_778663.html) - Greensburg Tribune-Review
Unfortunately I couldn't attend the open house as I had a Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor Board meeting at the same time.
Looks like they put up the planned New Stanton improvements on their website....
http://www.i-70projects.com/docs/NSProposedPreliminaryStudies.pdf (http://www.i-70projects.com/docs/NSProposedPreliminaryStudies.pdf)
Quote from: Mr_Northside on February 02, 2012, 07:05:35 PM
Looks like they put up the planned New Stanton improvements on their website....
http://www.i-70projects.com/docs/NSProposedPreliminaryStudies.pdf (http://www.i-70projects.com/docs/NSProposedPreliminaryStudies.pdf)
I see that they are going to retain the Pennsylvania Median.
Less than the width of a traffic lane.
I'm amazed that they aren't building the new interchange bridge to handle 3 lanes in each direction for the future (well, the WB looks like it could be 3 lanes wide, but not EB).
In the current economic times, building for the future is not as common as it once was. Plus widening I-70 might not be on their list of priorities; I remember someone mentioning a major bridge that would need to be rebuilt.
The Mon River crossing and Smithton High-Level Bridge would both have to be replaced to accommodate a six lane roadway.
Anyone been around to check the progress of the I-79 interchange? I read somewhere it was already ahead of schedule.
Quote from: MASTERNC on April 22, 2012, 08:09:20 PM
Anyone been around to check the progress of the I-79 interchange? I read somewhere it was already ahead of schedule.
Sorry, haven't been South of Downtown Pittsburgh lately. If I go to Charlotte this year for any NASCAR related things, I'll be sure to take pictures and post an update here on progress. ;)
Quote from: MASTERNC on April 22, 2012, 08:09:20 PM
Anyone been around to check the progress of the I-79 interchange? I read somewhere it was already ahead of schedule.
Went thru there this last weekend... As far as earthwork goes, they've gotten a lot done north of I-70 (where I-79 NB will meet I-70), not so much south of I-70. Most of the structure work done so far is the replacement overpass of a local road (too lazy to look up it's name at the moment) over I-79, and they have the median dug up between the Laboratory interchange and the 70/79 JCT. (Speaking of the nearby Laboratory interchange, it looks as if they're just about done replacing the US-40 bridge that was damaged by some truck....)
http://triblive.com/home/2175933-74/curve-ramp-interchange-penndot-south-crews-junction-maggi-project-accidents (http://triblive.com/home/2175933-74/curve-ramp-interchange-penndot-south-crews-junction-maggi-project-accidents)
An article on the I-79/70 South Junction. Not very "meaty"....
Also, it has images, but they're from the I-79 Medowlands "missing ramps" project a couple miles north of the I-79/70 North junction. Not sure why it's attached to this article.
Guess they weren't paying attention to what images they were attaching to the article. Wouldn't be the first time. lol.
I have been on a road trip from Boston to southern Indiana. While on this trip, I used I-70 in SW Pennsylvania between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the West Virginia border yesterday. This is the first time I have traveled this stretch of highway.
I would have to say that this section of I-70 sucks, especially the first 30 miles or so east from the Turnpike. There are high traffic volumes with lots of trucks. There is no median to speak of, only a Jersey barrier with no buffer from the left lanes, no clear zone to speak of on the right, mostly tiny or non-existent ramp tapers. A nice touch are the STOP signs for entering traffic. This road looks like it was originally constructed in the early 50's or so, and not updated in any meaningful way since then. In a way I enjoyed driving it, it was a musieum of how limited access roadways were designed and constructed 60 or more years ago, but it is not comfortable or safe to drive. Are there plans to upgrade this section of I-70 in the near future? If not, is it lack of money?
The turnpike was a much better driving experience, but I almost needed another loan on my house to pay the toll. 10 cents a mile is not cheap, especially for people who drive the road frequently!!!! The EZ Pass only saves 25%, still leaving a slightly less expensive toll.
Definitely a pre-Interstate design. Portions were already around in 1956:
http://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~212148~5500250:Shell-Map-of-Pennsylvania--cover-ti
If you don't mind a slightly longer drive (adds about 40 miles Boston-southern Indiana) you can use I-68 and go via Charleston.
I had thought about that route, but I wanted to experience the Pennsylvania Turnpike, due to its history, etc. I had the tolls budgeted, hahaha. I just didn't realize that I-70 was so bad. BTW, I entered the state in the extreme NE, I-84 had good geometrics unlike I-70, but the I-84 pavement was in terrible shape.
There was talk of improving the substandard section that you speak of. But there are more pressing issues for PennDOT, and of course funding (or lack thereof) is a contributing factor.
I actually looked it up on Wikipedia and found that there is indeed a long term project to fix I-70 between the turnpike and the WV line. Maybe that inflated toll I paid is helping to pay for it.
It indeed is, thanks to Act 44.
I-70 will be under (re)construction (http://www.i-70projects.com/I70Project_index_menu.html) through the remainder of this decade, and all of it except for the segment between the Speers-Belle Vernon and Smithton High-Level Bridges will be reconstructed to current Interstate standards.
The two aforementioned bridges are bound to be replaced eventually, and upgrading the segment between them will more than likely happen in conjunction.
Fixed URL - rmf67
Quote from: DBR96A on August 14, 2013, 05:28:35 AM
I-70 will be under (re)construction (http://www.i-70projects.com/I70Project_index_menu.html) through the remainder of this decade, and all of it except for the segment between the Speers-Belle Vernon and Smithton High-Level Bridges will be reconstructed to current Interstate standards.
The two aforementioned bridges are bound to be replaced eventually, and upgrading the segment between them will more than likely happen in conjunction.
Does that also mean that the annoying breezewood gap will be fixed?
Fixed URL - rmf67
Breezewood would more than likely require a federal ultimatum because anytime the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission proposes doing anything about it, the local business owners pitch a fit.
I seem to recall we already had a thread about I-70 in this area. I'll look around for it and merge them in a bit.
EDIT: Done.
Quote from: silverback1065 on August 14, 2013, 08:41:15 AM
Does that also mean that the annoying breezewood gap will be fixed?
The Breezewood interchange isn't included in any of the work areas described by those project pages. Those work areas cover the portion of I-70
west of the PA Turnpike interchange in New Stanton. Breezewood is about 100 miles east of there.
If you're unfamiliar with that area, I-70 between New Stanton and Washington is about as outdated and under-designed as PA "expressways" get. Despite the mess caused by the lack of a direct connection in Breezewood, both the Turnpike itself and the I-70 from US 30 south to the Maryland line are respectably modern by comparison.
Quote from: DBR96A on August 14, 2013, 05:28:35 AM
I-70 will be under (re)construction (http://www.i-70projects.com/I70Project_index_menu.html) through the remainder of this decade, and all of it except for the segment between the Speers-Belle Vernon and Smithton High-Level Bridges will be reconstructed to current Interstate standards.
The two aforementioned bridges are bound to be replaced eventually, and upgrading the segment between them will more than likely happen in conjunction.
I don't know if the reconstruction will result in it conforming totally to interstate standards. The median will still be really narrow. They've already reconstructed the road from the Smithton Bridge to just east of the Smithton exit (So RoadWarrior56 has already experienced some of it, though it is a short stretch.).
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Smithton,+PA&hl=en&ll=40.168228,-79.732735&spn=0.001263,0.002792&sll=37.364564,-79.135036&sspn=0.083498,0.178699&t=h&gl=us&hnear=Smithton,+Westmoreland,+Pennsylvania&z=19 (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Smithton,+PA&hl=en&ll=40.168228,-79.732735&spn=0.001263,0.002792&sll=37.364564,-79.135036&sspn=0.083498,0.178699&t=h&gl=us&hnear=Smithton,+Westmoreland,+Pennsylvania&z=19)
Google Satellite view is new enough that you can see it done. And - as of now- the StreetView of the EB lanes is pre-construction (and you can get a feel for the original interchange configuration; twas mostly a diamond.), and the WB lanes are with construction mostly done. The Left Lane line isn't right against the barrier anymore, but it's not that much room. (enough for drainage grates).
The major improvements are/will be the interchanges themselves, and the acceleration/deceleration lanes.
Quote from: Mr_Northside on August 15, 2013, 04:32:21 PM
Quote from: DBR96A on August 14, 2013, 05:28:35 AM
I-70 will be under (re)construction (http://www.i-70projects.com/I70Project_index_menu.html) through the remainder of this decade, and all of it except for the segment between the Speers-Belle Vernon and Smithton High-Level Bridges will be reconstructed to current Interstate standards.
The two aforementioned bridges are bound to be replaced eventually, and upgrading the segment between them will more than likely happen in conjunction.
I don't know if the reconstruction will result in it conforming totally to interstate standards. The median will still be really narrow. They've already reconstructed the road from the Smithton Bridge to just east of the Smithton exit (So RoadWarrior56 has already experienced some of it, though it is a short stretch.).
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Smithton,+PA&hl=en&ll=40.168228,-79.732735&spn=0.001263,0.002792&sll=37.364564,-79.135036&sspn=0.083498,0.178699&t=h&gl=us&hnear=Smithton,+Westmoreland,+Pennsylvania&z=19 (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Smithton,+PA&hl=en&ll=40.168228,-79.732735&spn=0.001263,0.002792&sll=37.364564,-79.135036&sspn=0.083498,0.178699&t=h&gl=us&hnear=Smithton,+Westmoreland,+Pennsylvania&z=19)
Google Satellite view is new enough that you can see it done. And - as of now- the StreetView of the EB lanes is pre-construction (and you can get a feel for the original interchange configuration; twas mostly a diamond.), and the WB lanes are with construction mostly done. The Left Lane line isn't right against the barrier anymore, but it's not that much room. (enough for drainage grates).
The major improvements are/will be the interchanges themselves, and the acceleration/deceleration lanes.
Why is pennsylvania allowed to get away with this? having essentially fake interstates, if it isn't up to code, it isn't an interstate!
You'll have to go back in time and kill it, because it was approved in the 1950s.
Quote from: Mr_Northside on August 15, 2013, 04:32:21 PMI don't know if the reconstruction will result in it conforming totally to interstate standards. The median will still be really narrow. They've already reconstructed the road from the Smithton Bridge to just east of the Smithton exit (So RoadWarrior56 has already experienced some of it, though it is a short stretch.).
That segment you've highlighted
does conform to Interstate standards. Four-lane Interstates are only required to have 4' paved shoulders between the inner lanes and the median, whether it's a grass strip or a concrete barrier. It's when Interstates are six lanes or more that they're required to have 12' paved interior shoulders.
Quote from: silverback1065 on August 15, 2013, 09:03:43 PMWhy is pennsylvania allowed to get away with this? having essentially fake interstates, if it isn't up to code, it isn't an interstate!
They're "getting away" with nothing; the segment illustrated conforms to Interstate standards. And the reason Pennsylvania has some functionally obsolete highways signed as Interstates is because the federal government grandfathered them in. Pennsylvania started building many of its highways before Dwight Eisenhower even became president, let alone enacted the Interstate Highway System.
Sometimes it just doesn't pay to be a pioneer.
The I-70 construction project website (http://www.i-70projects.com/) was updated about a month ago, and it appears that a reconstruction and widening project (http://www.i-70projects.com/I-70andI-79NorthJunction.html) on the I-70/I-79 multiplex between the "north junction" (Exit 18) and Beau Street (Exit 20) is imminent. This is part of a more comprehensive list of improvements to I-70 in western Pennsylvania.
Right of way acquisition and final design are underway, and it seems they're expecting construction to commence later this year (2014). It involves a total reconstruction of the highway, widening it to six lanes in the process. It also involves widening the north junction ramp for I-79 northbound to two lanes.
Already, work is underway on converting the Murtland Avenue interchange (Exit 19) to the first "diverging diamond" in Pennsylvania, and a new flyover for I-79 northbound at the "south junction" is now open. Widening for I-70/I-79 between Beau Street and the south junction is expected to begin in 2016.
Glad that US-19 is finally getting resurfaced in the North Hills, it's greatly needed.
The traffic between I-79 and PA-136 on I-70 is pretty bogged at times, so this reconstruction is welcomed.
The resurfacing of the Parkway West and PA-50 are also nice (Seriously, PA-50 is atrocious in South Fayette).
I'm pleased that they're adding more lanes to US-19 in Cranberry, but PA-228 is the road that really needs widening in Butler County (Mostly in Seven Fields and Adams Township, the Cranberry portion is being widened and so is the Mars portion).
We do have a thread already on the I-70 'upgrades', so let's try to keep that part in that thread since it's already 3 pages long. :wave:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=5062.0
I saw the map and illustrations of the new Murtland Ave exit, I was surprised at how they really spread out the ramps to occupy the whole ROW along 19.
LOL, PennDOT thinks that PA Turnpike 43 is an Interstate. Too bad I-43 is in WI.
http://www.i-70projects.com/about.html
QuoteThis stretch of I-70 connects with three other Pennsylvania Interstate routes: I-79, I-43 (PA Turnpike Extension) and I-76 (PA Turnpike Mainline) and West Virginia's I-70.
New video is out talking about the DDI @ US-19.
Bit of a change of subject, but the latest installment of I-70 reconstruction in District 12 (ECMS 87236) includes a DDI at US 19/Murtland Avenue. Is this Pennsylvania's first DDI?
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 09, 2014, 04:58:55 PM
Bit of a change of subject, but the latest installment of I-70 reconstruction in District 12 (ECMS 87236) includes a DDI at US 19/Murtland Avenue. Is this Pennsylvania's first DDI?
It is. http://www.observer-reporter.com/article/20140410/NEWS01/140419933#.U-aVZmOZD5c
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 09, 2014, 04:58:55 PM
Bit of a change of subject, but the latest installment of I-70 reconstruction in District 12 (ECMS 87236) includes a DDI at US 19/Murtland Avenue. Is this Pennsylvania's first DDI?
So I take it that bids were opened as scheduled on Thursday?
Yup--Thursday, August 7. ECMS quotes a low bid amount of about $54 million (estimate range was given as $45 million-$50 million). The contract includes 8,620 square feet of sign panel, but unfortunately none of the signing plans are pattern-accurate.
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 09, 2014, 07:36:59 PM
Yup--Thursday, August 7. ECMS quotes a low bid amount of about $54 million (estimate range was given as $45 million-$50 million). The contract includes 8,620 square feet of sign panel, but unfortunately none of the signing plans are pattern-accurate.
It's been a long time since I lived in PA and for months I thought this was to rebuild 70 for 79N WEST to PA 18, as opposed to EAST to PA 136, I was quite confused. Now is their a contract on the horizon that will connect this work to at least the new 79N to 70W flyover? I could not really tell form the PennDOT dist 12 website.
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on August 09, 2014, 08:07:15 PM
It's been a long time since I lived in PA and for months I thought this was to rebuild 70 for 79N WEST to PA 18, as opposed to EAST to PA 136, I was quite confused. Now is their a contract on the horizon that will connect this work to at least the new 79N to 70W flyover? I could not really tell form the PennDOT dist 12 website.
The I-79 NB > I-70 WB flyover is already built and now open to traffic. ;)
I am aware the ramp is open, I was wondering about upgrading 70 between the new flyovers merge onto 70 and the contract just awarded on Thursday so that all of the 70/79 concurrency would have 6 lanes.
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on August 09, 2014, 08:29:33 PM
I am aware the ramp is open, I was wondering about upgrading 70 between the new flyovers merge onto 70 and the contract just awarded on Thursday so that all of the 70/79 concurrency would have 6 lanes.
I can't read tonight. lol. Just ignore my post above. lol.
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on August 09, 2014, 08:07:15 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 09, 2014, 07:36:59 PM
Yup--Thursday, August 7. ECMS quotes a low bid amount of about $54 million (estimate range was given as $45 million-$50 million). The contract includes 8,620 square feet of sign panel, but unfortunately none of the signing plans are pattern-accurate.
It's been a long time since I lived in PA and for months I thought this was to rebuild 70 for 79N WEST to PA 18, as opposed to EAST to PA 136, I was quite confused. Now is their a contract on the horizon that will connect this work to at least the new 79N to 70W flyover? I could not really tell form the PennDOT dist 12 website.
Likely. There's a project schedule (http://www.i-70projects.com/docs/projectinfo_website.pdf) giving a projected start date of 2016-17 for the widening. Contract is not on their page.
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 09, 2014, 07:36:59 PM
Yup--Thursday, August 7. ECMS quotes a low bid amount of about $54 million (estimate range was given as $45 million-$50 million). The contract includes 8,620 square feet of sign panel, but unfortunately none of the signing plans are pattern-accurate.
When I was in Pittsburgh back in June, I noticed that District 11 is indeed better than District 12 when it comes to pattern-accurate signs. Honestly, I think District 11 is probably the best in Pennsylvania at signage.
One thing District 12 does that I'm a big fan of, though, is posting small extended-panel signs for every city, borough and township a highway passes through, instead of just the counties. I think this should become statewide practice, honestly.
By the way, where can I look up the sign patterns for this project and others? Just curious.
I am looking at the few examples I can find of the reconstructed cross section of 70 after the full rebuild. It looks like the inside shoulders will still be below I standard and if so, I wondered why when we are only talking about an additional 16-18 feet in a rural area.
Quote from: Gnutella on August 13, 2014, 01:13:31 AMBy the way, where can I look up the sign patterns for this project and others? Just curious.
They are available through ECMS:
http://www.dot14.state.pa.us/ECMS/
Use the guest login, go to Bid Packages, and then go to Advanced Search. There is a box where you can key in the ECMS number if you have it (it is 87236 for the project under discussion), or you can search by district, county, route, type of work, etc. From memory, most of the contracts associated with the I-70 reconstruction have section identifiers ending in 20 (so SR 0070 Section T20, SR 0070 Section Y20, SR 0070 Section W20, etc.).
If you key in an ECMS number, you will be taken directly to the Bid Package page for that project. If you get a search results page instead, you just click on the bid opening date (not the project number) to go to the Bid Package page for a particular project. Once you are on the Bid Package page, there will be links where you can download plans, proposals, etc. The file cabinet icons are for premerged sheet sets; the other links generally lead to single-sheet files.
In regard to signing plans, District 11 does indeed have the tastiest ones. Even the temporary guide signing sheets are usually pattern-accurate.
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on August 13, 2014, 04:46:26 PM
I am looking at the few examples I can find of the reconstructed cross section of 70 after the full rebuild. It looks like the inside shoulders will still be below I standard and if so, I wondered why when we are only talking about an additional 16-18 feet in a rural area.
I've heard more than one person claim that the interior shoulders on the newly reconstructed portions of I-70 are still substandard even though that's not true. Behold, at the newly-reconfigured Smithton interchange:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv437%2FDBR96%2FPittsburgh%2520PA%2FAdequateinteriorshoulders_zps992af4e9.png&hash=75fbe77ad62899e6d5f1e9e58a28e24574c42fe6)
Four feet between the median barrier and the yellow line, just like AASHTO specifies.
Thanks, That explains it, I thought 12" was required. Allthough, why did they not go for the extra EOW and get 12" inside shoulders, ROW would have/should have ben cheap enough. Maybe keeping it in the existing Row keep EIR preparation to a minimum?
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on August 15, 2014, 01:48:57 PMThanks, that explains it, I thought 12' was required. Allthough, why did they not go for the extra ROW and get 12' inside shoulders, ROW would have/should have ben cheap enough. Maybe keeping it in the existing Row keep EIR preparation to a minimum?
AIUI, the shoulder width minima for Interstates are 4' inside and 10' outside, but 12' for both is recommended when the route carries heavy truck volumes. I suspect PennDOT has chosen to reconstruct in place rather than rebuilding with a wide median not because of the cost of additional right-of-way as such, but rather because the terrain is hilly and heavily undermined.
Edit: Changed " to '.
Do you guys mean inches or feet? For what it's worth, " in this context denotes inches and ' denotes feet. You might recall the Stonehenge scene from the Spinal Tap movie where that became an issue because they wanted an 18-foot monolith but wrote 18" on the diagram.
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on August 15, 2014, 01:48:57 PM
Maybe keeping it in the existing Row keep EIR preparation to a minimum?
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 15, 2014, 02:07:30 PM
I suspect PennDOT has chosen to reconstruct in place rather than rebuilding with a wide median not because of the cost of additional right-of-way as such, but rather because the terrain is hilly and heavily undermined.
I wouldn't be surprised if it was both.
It seems the lion's share of the money is going into interchange redesign/reconstruction.
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 15, 2014, 02:28:34 PMDo you guys mean inches or feet? For what it's worth, " in this context denotes inches and ' denotes feet. You might recall the Stonehenge scene from the Spinal Tap movie where that became an issue because they wanted an 18-foot monolith but wrote 18" on the diagram.
Sorry--yes, we were talking about feet. I've revised my post accordingly.
Quote from: Mr_Northside on August 15, 2014, 02:49:35 PMQuote from: ARMOURERERIC on August 15, 2014, 01:48:57 PM
Maybe keeping it in the existing Row keep EIR preparation to a minimum?
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 15, 2014, 02:07:30 PM
I suspect PennDOT has chosen to reconstruct in place rather than rebuilding with a wide median not because of the cost of additional right-of-way as such, but rather because the terrain is hilly and heavily undermined.
I wouldn't be surprised if it was both.
It seems the lion's share of the money is going into interchange redesign/reconstruction.
Thinking about it some more, there are a couple of options PennDOT could have chosen:
* Build a new carriageway on a new alignment, with a wide vegetated median (60' minimum would be ideal): this would require significant amounts of new ROW, and would be especially difficult in this terrain because of the hills and undermining, but is the preferred solution for other lengths of I-70 which also pass through rolling country and are overburdened with trucks (e.g., rural Missouri between Kansas City and St. Louis).
* Rebuild on existing alignment, but with 12' shoulders: this might not require any new ROW at all if the existing ROW is wide enough to accommodate a clear zone expanded 8' on each side, but might cause difficulties with drainage and force regrading or shoulder narrowing at overbridges.
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 15, 2014, 02:28:34 PM
Do you guys mean inches or feet? For what it's worth, " in this context denotes inches and ' denotes feet. You might recall the Stonehenge scene from the Spinal Tap movie where that became an issue because they wanted an 18-foot monolith but wrote 18" on the diagram.
According to PennDOT's new 12-year plan (http://www.talkpatransportation.com/docs/2015TYP_FullReport8_7_14_interactive_webV1.pdf) for 2015, there will be lots of work done on several interchanges on I-70 during the next eight years. Here's the run-down...
EXIT 25 (PA 519: Eighty Four/Glyde) - Currently under construction
EXIT 27 (Dunningsville) - No plans
EXIT 31 (Kammerer) - No plans
EXITS 32A-B (PA 917: Ginger Hill/Bentleyville) - Construction begins in 2015; Exit 32A to be eliminated
EXIT 35 (PA 481: Monongahela/Centerville) - Construction begins in 2016
EXIT 36 (Lover) - No plans
EXITS 37A-B (PA 43: California/Pittsburgh) - No plans
EXIT 39 (Speers) - No plans
EXIT 40 (PA 88: Charleroi/Allenport) - No plans
EXIT 41 (PA 906: Belle Vernon/Monessen) - No plans
EXIT 42 (Monessen) - No plans
EXIT 43 (PA 201/PA 837: Donora, Fayette City) - No plans
EXIT 44 (Arnold) - Construction begins in 2019
EXITS 46A-B (PA 51: Uniontown/Pittsburgh) - Construction begins in 2019
EXIT 49 (Smithton) - Completed
EXITS 51A-B (PA 31: Mount Pleasant, West Newton) - Construction begins in 2016
EXIT 53 (Yukon) - Construction begins in 2016
EXIT 54 (Madison) - No plans
EXITS 57A-B (Hunker/New Stanton) - Construction begins in 2015; Exit 57A to be eliminated
It wouldn't surprise me if they eliminate Exits 36, 42 and 54 since they're redundant. It'll be interesting to see what they do with Exits 27, 31 and 39. Reconstructing the highway and interchanges between the Speers-Belle Vernon and Smithton Hi-Level Bridges will be a chore due to development right up to the edges of the highway, and no place to put new bridges other than the footprint of the existing bridges. There's actually a few houses located in the middle of a loop ramp (http://old.wikimapia.org/#lat=40.1355844&lon=-79.8619237&z=18&l=0&m=b) in North Belle Vernon. :-|
Surprisingly, the only mainline reconstruction work planned that's not in the vicinity of the interchanges is between the I-79 "north" junction and PA 519, and between the New Stanton interchange and the Turnpike.
^^
Yet another reason why I prefer meters to 'quotes and apostrophes'.
:rolleyes:
:spin:
Anyways, how do these design standards compare with those of the newest built and rebuilt European motorways?
:hmmm:
Mike
Any visible action at 70 & Murtland yet?
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on October 28, 2014, 11:38:43 PM
Any visible action at 70 & Murtland yet?
Some earth moving when I was through a couple weeks ago.
Article on the planned rehab of the Speers Bridge (over the Mon)
Belle Vernon-Speers Bridge work set for next summer (http://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/7066805-74/bridge-penndot-project#axzz3JLIpNMvn)
One would figure that eventually they're gonna have to actually replace it. A project I'd imagine would be a huge pain in the ass.
The Speers-Belle Vernon Bridge replacement will probably be the last project on I-70 south of Pittsburgh.
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on October 28, 2014, 11:38:43 PM
Any visible action at 70 & Murtland yet?
Here's an article talking about the work being done there right now.
Motorists urged to drive carefully in I-70 construction zone (http://www.observer-reporter.com/article/20141219/NEWS01/141219391)
PennDOT has to complete acquisition of 4 parcels, take down trees for New Stanton interchange on I-70 (http://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/7603424-74/lyons-penndot-interchange#axzz3Pwx6p2k5)
Sounds like things are still on track for construction to begin this summer.
Some notes on I-70 past:
Appears that parts of the road really didn't have a tru center divider until around 1970. Here's an article about the Speers Bridge and the numerous deaths from 1967 that shows how the center median was just a concrete curb.
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19670805&id=ob0bAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hk8EAAAAIBAJ&pg=4767%2C1417448
Also it appears that the 45 MPH speed limit through Speers was first put in place in 1977
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19771024&id=puZdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Fl8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=3803,3120164
Clearing out more old articles - September 1975 - announcing the relocated Interstate 70 that never was. A plan was in place to widen I-70 from four to six lanes from Washington to New Stanton. The biggest piece was a relocation of I-70 from Lover to Arnold City south of the current I-70 alignment. A new bridge crossing the Mon River would be built around Fayette City. Obviously - that never came to be. Earlier a push was made to have the then under construction Donora-Monessen bridge to be part of a possible realignment of I-70. Supposedly, this was known as the "Corridor Project".
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19750908&id=t-xdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Wl8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=3615,1045570
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19730726&id=beRdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BV8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=4897,4419856
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19751212&id=n-VdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FV8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=3173,2153560
The revamped New Stanton interchange opened on November 12, 1964. This allowed a direct freeway to freeway connection for I-70 and the PA Turnpike.
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19641111&id=HL0bAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SE8EAAAAIBAJ&pg=7175,4213411
Studies to upgrade I-70 to Interstate standards date back to 1963:
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19630613&id=qH1IAAAAIBAJ&sjid=JmwDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1350,2026654
Quote from: Mr_Northside on January 26, 2015, 01:15:15 PM
PennDOT has to complete acquisition of 4 parcels, take down trees for New Stanton interchange on I-70 (http://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/7603424-74/lyons-penndot-interchange#axzz3Pwx6p2k5)
Sounds like things are still on track for construction to begin this summer.
It will be a big next 6 months for I-70:
PA 481 Bid opening on 3/26
New Stanton in June
Bentleyville in July
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on February 27, 2015, 10:02:02 PM
Quote from: Mr_Northside on January 26, 2015, 01:15:15 PM
PennDOT has to complete acquisition of 4 parcels, take down trees for New Stanton interchange on I-70 (http://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/7603424-74/lyons-penndot-interchange#axzz3Pwx6p2k5)
Sounds like things are still on track for construction to begin this summer.
It will be a big next 6 months for I-70:
PA 481 Bid opening on 3/26
New Stanton in June
Bentleyville in July
Once PennDOT upgrades the substandard segments of I-70, I-78, I-80 and I-83, I hope they start putting the screws to any NIMBYs in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia who try to prevent I-76 and I-376 from being properly upgraded.
Quote from: Gnutella on February 28, 2015, 11:45:15 AM
Once PennDOT upgrades the substandard segments of I-70, I-78, I-80 and I-83, I hope they start putting the screws to any NIMBYs in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia who try to prevent I-76 and I-376 from being properly upgraded.
I'm not sure anyone on the forum will live long enough to see PennDOT fix all their substandard interstate segments and interchanges.
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 15, 2014, 02:28:34 PM
Do you guys mean inches or feet? For what it's worth, " in this context denotes inches and ' denotes feet. You might recall the Stonehenge scene from the Spinal Tap movie where that became an issue because they wanted an 18-foot monolith but wrote 18" on the diagram.
Or the World's Littlest Skyscraper (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_littlest_skyscraper), standing tall at 480".
Quote from: signalman on February 28, 2015, 11:57:13 AM
Quote from: Gnutella on February 28, 2015, 11:45:15 AM
Once PennDOT upgrades the substandard segments of I-70, I-78, I-80 and I-83, I hope they start putting the screws to any NIMBYs in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia who try to prevent I-76 and I-376 from being properly upgraded.
I'm not sure anyone on the forum will live long enough to see PennDOT fix all their substandard interstate segments and interchanges.
They've done preliminary design work on I-80 through Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg, and are currently doing preliminary design work on I-83 past the north side of York. Major construction is ongoing on I-70 south of Pittsburgh. There's only 10 miles left of I-78 that needs to be upgraded.
Pennsylvania has only 195 miles of substandard Interstate, believe it or not, and the projects I mentioned will put a decent dent in that number, reducing it to about 150 or so.
I know about all of those projects. I-80 and 83 are only in their infancy and PennDOT is not known for their speed. They are especially slow right now, due in large part to financial constraints. However, even when they were in better financial condition, projects moved at a snail's pace.
According to the PennDOT District 12 website, it appears the contract for the PA 481 interchange has been awarded and the contract bids for New Stanton were to be opened yesterday.
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on June 19, 2015, 03:21:31 PM
According to the PennDOT District 12 website, it appears the contract for the PA 481 interchange has been awarded and the contract bids for New Stanton were to be opened yesterday.
How long typically does it take after a contract is awarded for the work to begin? Is it relatively quick?
Quote from: Gnutella on June 20, 2015, 10:32:58 PM
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on June 19, 2015, 03:21:31 PM
According to the PennDOT District 12 website, it appears the contract for the PA 481 interchange has been awarded and the contract bids for New Stanton were to be opened yesterday.
How long typically does it take after a contract is awarded for the work to begin? Is it relatively quick?
At least in NY for projects considered to be on the "state system" (like these would be), the time between actual award and construction work beginning
can be relatively quick.
What's more of a mystery -- at least in NY -- are time periods between when funding is
authorized and when expenditures actually start hitting the books -- especially for design/engineering phases and local projects. Typically, for construction, the practice for federal funding is to get it authorized before
advertisement -- this includes setting up a project identification number (PIN) that can start being charged so it's ready to go when the project is actually awarded (i.e., after the contract letting and the low bid is approved).
Anyway, I'd bet NYSDOT isn't the only state DOT that is never satisfied with the quality of its programming estimates when reality actually catches up!
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on June 19, 2015, 03:21:31 PM
According to the PennDOT District 12 website, it appears the contract for the PA 481 interchange has been awarded and the contract bids for New Stanton were to be opened yesterday.
Last I saw, bids for the Bentleyville interchange are to open in mid-July. That'll be four construction projects in a ~40 mile stretch.
Took a quick look at the PennDOT District 12 website and have noted that the contracts for the Bentleyville and New Stanton interchanges have been awarded.
Also noting that the upgrade work on 70 from 79 south to 136 is scheduled to be let in mid April of 2016
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on August 16, 2015, 06:06:21 PM
Also noting that the upgrade work on 70 from 79 south to 136 is scheduled to be let in mid April of 2016
I failed to note that on the same date in mid April 16, a contract to upgrade and rebuild 70 from 79S to 519 will be let as well.
PennDOT prefers keeping Yukon, Madison interchanges; project to require at least 3 new bridges (http://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/9023486-74/yukon-interchanges-madison#axzz3ki1Kn0ZD)
The fun moves west once they're done with New Stanton.
The bit about it being built on a new alignment 60 feet to the north was very interesting.
My impression isn't that the ROW would move. I think it was just bad wording. Since the road is going from 4 lanes without shoulders to 6 lane interstate standards, it sounds like the ROW will be growing by 60 feet.
Some aerial footage of the progress of the New Stanton interchange (apparently from yesterday) by a drone enthusiast.
https://youtu.be/9gw0_UKN1eE (https://youtu.be/9gw0_UKN1eE)
Oh, for crying out loud!
:eyebrow: (http://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/12070302-74/suv-driver-gets-into-a-jam-crossing-new-stanton-pedestrian-bridge)
:pan: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_8pKe0PT58)
Click on the smileys for more information.
^^ How the fuck did the SUV driver manage that!!?
Quote from: Brandon on March 15, 2017, 03:03:03 PM
^^ How the fuck did the SUV driver manage that!!?
He was probably like, "K PENCILVANIA HIGHWEIGHS IS ALL NARROW SO DIS MUST BEE A HIGHWEIGH LOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11"
Simple solution: Place a couple of bollards at the end of the bridge that the driver approached from.
http://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/12209975-74/i-70-bridge-work-in-new-stanton-that-led-to-traffic-delays-nearly (http://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/12209975-74/i-70-bridge-work-in-new-stanton-that-led-to-traffic-delays-nearly)
A couple of pics from the New Stanton construction area with an article about setting beams for the Center Ave. bridge.
Quote from: Hoss6884 on October 12, 2017, 08:26:26 AM
It looks like work is beginning on the section between the southern/eastern end of the I-79 concurrency and Washington. One curious thing I noticed on my drive through there on Saturday is the replacement of at least one BGS heading eastbound on I-70 that removes Waynesburg as a control city for I-79 south (only showing Morgantown).
Has there ever been a time when I-70 in and around Little Washington
hasn't been under some type of construction/reconstruction/"improvement"?
Bruce in Blacksburg -- but a native of the 'Burgh
Quote from: VTGoose on October 12, 2017, 11:09:45 AM
Quote from: Hoss6884 on October 12, 2017, 08:26:26 AM
It looks like work is beginning on the section between the southern/eastern end of the I-79 concurrency and Washington. One curious thing I noticed on my drive through there on Saturday is the replacement of at least one BGS heading eastbound on I-70 that removes Waynesburg as a control city for I-79 south (only showing Morgantown).
Has there ever been a time when I-70 in and around Little Washington hasn't been under some type of construction/reconstruction/"improvement"?
Bruce in Blacksburg -- but a native of the 'Burgh
At least this time it's modern and 6 lanes between 79N and Murtland. From what I understand this new work will make it 6 lanes to 519.
Quote from: VTGoose on October 12, 2017, 11:09:45 AM
Quote from: Hoss6884 on October 12, 2017, 08:26:26 AM
It looks like work is beginning on the section between the southern/eastern end of the I-79 concurrency and Washington. One curious thing I noticed on my drive through there on Saturday is the replacement of at least one BGS heading eastbound on I-70 that removes Waynesburg as a control city for I-79 south (only showing Morgantown).
Has there ever been a time when I-70 in and around Little Washington hasn't been under some type of construction/reconstruction/"improvement"?
Bruce in Blacksburg -- but a native of the 'Burgh
Yes. 1982& 83. 1999-2001.
Quote from: Hoss6884 on October 12, 2017, 08:26:26 AM
It looks like work is beginning on the section between the southern/eastern end of the I-79 concurrency and Washington. One curious thing I noticed on my drive through there on Saturday is the replacement of at least one BGS heading eastbound on I-70 that removes Waynesburg as a control city for I-79 south (only showing Morgantown).
The work has been going on for a couple months already. There was only one sign that listed Waynesburg in the sequence; the rest only said Morgantown which is the actual control city.
By the way, Pittsburgh really should be the control city for I-79 northbound from Morgantown onward. Having "Washington PA" as the control city would be like having Kankakee as the control city for I-57 northbound from Champaign/Urbana.
Quote from: Gnutella on October 28, 2017, 09:15:07 PM
By the way, Pittsburgh really should be the control city for I-79 northbound from Morgantown onward. Having "Washington PA" as the control city would be like having Kankakee as the control city for I-57 northbound from Champaign/Urbana.
While I agree Pittsburgh would be the better control city for I-79, I do not agree Washington is equivalent to Kankakee. Washington, PA at least is a junction with another interstate. There's probably some traffic that uses I-79 to get to I-70 from I-68 and then proceeds west on I-70. Kankakee does not have another interstate which traffic may be getting onto from I-57.
http://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/12976782-74/redesigned-i-70-interchange-in-new-stanton-to-open-for-thanksgiving-commuters (http://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/12976782-74/redesigned-i-70-interchange-in-new-stanton-to-open-for-thanksgiving-commuters)
The New Stanton project was declared completed on Tuesday.
I'll probably check it out tomorrow on my way to my parents, since I'll be hopping off the Turnpike there anyway.
PennDot looking to convert I-70 and SR 51 interchange into a DDI, while widening 51 and moving Finley Rd.
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2017/12/10/Interstate-70-Route-51-interchange-PennDOT-display-plans-Westmoreland-county-Belle-Vernon-Rostraver-South-Huntingdon/stories/201712100035 (http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2017/12/10/Interstate-70-Route-51-interchange-PennDOT-display-plans-Westmoreland-county-Belle-Vernon-Rostraver-South-Huntingdon/stories/201712100035)
They've got new Street View from a few months ago along I-70 showing the New Stanton reconstruction completed.
Interestingly, I notice that the eastbound exit (https://goo.gl/maps/fvkdSTt4y6N2) to continue on I-70 onto the Turnpike is now numbered Exit 58. Previously both it and the "through" movement to 119/66 were unnumbered. They also forgot the "INTERSTATE" for the I-76 shield and didn't put a yellow "TOLL" banner over the Turnpike 66 shield. I don't think any of the signs approaching the trumpet from the 119/66 cloverleaf were replaced or changed besides the advance sign for the new local Exit 57.
They also used an... interesting (https://goo.gl/maps/K8q1k66cHSF2) method of indicating that roundabout traffic doesn't yield. You could say it isn't a full roundabout, but the one on the other side is and it also has these signs below the yield signs.
All the signage is in Clearview, though it's been completed for about a year. I suppose holdovers from older designs were more likely at that point.
Quote from: Roadsguy on October 09, 2018, 11:45:26 AM
Interestingly, I notice that the eastbound exit (https://goo.gl/maps/fvkdSTt4y6N2) to continue on I-70 onto the Turnpike is now numbered Exit 58. Previously both it and the "through" movement to 119/66 were unnumbered. They also forgot the "INTERSTATE" for the I-76 shield and didn't put a yellow "TOLL" banner over the Turnpike 66 shield. I don't think any of the signs approaching the trumpet from the 119/66 cloverleaf were replaced or changed besides the advance sign for the new local Exit 57.
It seems like the through movement should really be signed with the exit number there. I can see not using the "Toll" banner because this stretch isn't tolled - Turnpike 43 and the "free" sections of the WV Turnpike similarly omit Toll banners on free stretches. This really should be To 119 and To 66, though.
Quote from: Roadsguy on October 09, 2018, 11:45:26 AM
They also used an... interesting (https://goo.gl/maps/K8q1k66cHSF2) method of indicating that roundabout traffic doesn't yield. You could say it isn't a full roundabout, but the one on the other side is and it also has these signs below the yield signs.
PennDOT commonly uses this plaque on multiway stops. Can't say I've seen it used on a roundabout before, but roundabouts are rare in western Pennsylvania.
Fix your quote!Quote from: Bitmapped on October 10, 2018, 11:27:39 PM
Quote from: Roadsguy on October 09, 2018, 11:45:26 AM
Interestingly, I notice that the eastbound exit (https://goo.gl/maps/fvkdSTt4y6N2) to continue on I-70 onto the Turnpike is now numbered Exit 58. Previously both it and the "through" movement to 119/66 were unnumbered. They also forgot the "INTERSTATE" for the I-76 shield and didn't put a yellow "TOLL" banner over the Turnpike 66 shield. I don't think any of the signs approaching the trumpet from the 119/66 cloverleaf were replaced or changed besides the advance sign for the new local Exit 57.
It seems like the through movement should really be signed with the exit number there. I can see not using the "Toll" banner because this stretch isn't tolled - Turnpike 43 and the "free" sections of the WV Turnpike similarly omit Toll banners on free stretches. This really should be To 119 and To 66, though.
Oh yeah, I did forget that 66 isn't tolled until after the first exit.
I suppose they could pull an NCDOT and sign it as "North PA Turnpike 66 To Toll PA Turnpike 66" :pan:
Quote from: Bitmapped on October 10, 2018, 11:27:39 PM
Quote from: Roadsguy on October 09, 2018, 11:45:26 AM
They also used an... interesting (https://goo.gl/maps/K8q1k66cHSF2) method of indicating that roundabout traffic doesn't yield. You could say it isn't a full roundabout, but the one on the other side is and it also has these signs below the yield signs.
PennDOT commonly uses this plaque on multiway stops. Can't say I've seen it used on a roundabout before, but roundabouts are rare in western Pennsylvania.
It's a newer MUTCD thing, though I'm not sure if all the states have been quick to implement it.
Some pictures I took of current and past work in Westmoreland County:
PA 31 Cloverleaf (https://www.instagram.com/p/BwxSu4GHSIF/)
New Stanton Interchange (https://www.instagram.com/p/BwxbbOYnqF9/)