(1) Ways to prevent fatal crashes - my two favorites are how to prevent wrong-way incursions onto all sorts of divided highways (including freeways and expressways) and fatal crashes caused by smaller vehicles rear-ending larger vehicles (especially semi-trailers) at high speed.
(2) More emphasis on deterring drunk/drugged driving (including more and longer jail sentences for such crimes).
(3) More emphasis on preventing people from driving while suspended/revoked or without liability insurance.
(4) Straight talk from elected officials about how much it really costs to maintain transportation infrastructure (that which is funded out of highway user fees and taxes).
Your thoughts?
More emphasis on getting shitty drivers off the road even if they're not impaired.
More emphasis on enforcement of pedestrian crossings.
More Alanland.
The list below is more of an inclusive transportation-related things I would like to see...
- More focus on operational transit improvements like improved frequency or service span, instead of capital projects like new rail lines.
- FRA reform, allowing US agencies to use lighter weight vehicles found in Europe or Japan.
- A serious look at implementing electronic tolling methods on the Interstate system instead of a punitive gas tax increase.
- An increased use of alternative left turn methods instead of the typical turn lane approach.
Quote from: NE2 on December 28, 2012, 01:09:58 PM
More emphasis on getting shitty drivers off the road even if they're not impaired.
That would definitely clear up the congestion on the roads :-D
Rebuilding some of these crappy roads in rural Kentucky, or at least making progress toward that goal.
Reconnecting CA-39 to CA-2, making the trip to Wrightwood much shorter.
The repaving of several local streets near my house that are full of potholes.
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 28, 2012, 01:49:09 PM
Quote from: NE2 on December 28, 2012, 01:09:58 PM
More emphasis on getting shitty drivers off the road even if they're not impaired.
That would definitely clear up the congestion on the roads :-D
In some places, I think it would.
There are
a lot of drivers out there that don't have licenses or insurance coverage or are driving vehicles that are unsafe or cannot pass an emissions test.
Removing them from the roads would free up capacity.
Less of a certain toll road blog.
Dedicated revenue sources in each state and on the Federal level that are not cannibalized for other funding.
Increased emphasis on planning, even as we continue other projects. If we don't plan now, we'll be sorry later.
More button copy and embossed signs. Put them back out where we can see them.
Focus on one law, and exactly one law:
Slower traffic must keep right and allow faster traffic to pass in the left lanes.
That would solve so many problems.
Greater safety by banning complex screen interfaces in cars. Driver's eyes should be looking out the windows and at the mirrors, not looking down at the menu-driven heating, radio, or telephone controls.
More online construction plan archives.
Interstate 285 from Lexington NC to Winston NC a reality!!
As long as it is wishes and dreams and fantasies...
Plans to rebuild IL-59, North Avenue, and 75th Street as Michigan-style boulevards with Michigan Lefts and Superstreet ideas.
An announcement that the Illiana Tollway will be built, preferably by ISTHA.
An announcement that the Prairie Parkway will be built and connected to the Illiana Tollway.
More cowbell, less SPUI. :-P
I would like to see the acceleration of the widening of highly-traveled interstates in Alabama to six lanes. I would think these are:
- I-65 from the Jemison exit (Exit 219) to AL 157 in Cullman, AL (Exit 310). Eight lanes minimum from AL 25 in Calera (Exit 228) north to Mount Olive Road in Gardendale (Exit 272)
- I-65 from Hartselle (Exit 328) north to I-565 (Exit 340)
- I-20/59 from the Black Warrior Pkwy (Exit 68) in Tuscaloosa east to the current end of the six lane east of US 11 (Exit 79)
- I-20 east from Pell City to the Georgia State Line
- I-565 from its beginning at I-65 to Wall-Triana Highway (Exit 9)
- All of I-10 in Alabama
- Maybe I-85 from Auburn to the Georgia State Line
I would also like to see more developments on US 280 access management in Birmingham. A toll-road proposal (or even a freeway, but that's more of a pipe dream) between Montgomery, Dothan, and I-10 north of Panama City, FL
I would also love to see I-24 between Nashville and Chattanooga widened to six lanes as well as I-65 from Nashville north to the Kentucky state line. I would also like to see the widening of I-65 in Kentucky completed or all sections being worked on.
Your posts seem to be more directed at politics than actual highway engineering.
Drunk driving penalties are strong enough. In fact, the enforcement is sort of shady. You can technically be charged with a DUI if you're parked in a car intoxicated, even if you never drive and are just crashed in your vehicle.
Giving incentives to bars and clubs to moderate drunk driving may be the better alternative.
---
What I want to see in 2013 is more effecient LED street lighting. Arrayed LEDs pointing down at the road is a terrabad idea, as it only lights up directly underneath the fixture. Retrofitting existing cobraheads and using semi-cutoff lenses to diffuse the light will be the best way to handle that.
-Speed limit 70 for the Pennsylvania Turnpike
-State named interstate shields being brought back in some more states
-Clearview eradication
-Completion of the I-95/DE 1 interchange in Delaware
Quote from: PennDOTFan on December 29, 2012, 08:52:34 PM
-State named interstate shields being brought back in some more states
-Clearview eradication
These. (Virginia seems to be going the opposite way, however; state-name interstate shields are banned by the 2011 MUTCD supplement and the Clearview infestation is getting worse.)
I'd like to see US 311's extension to US 58 Business be signed in a timely manner. I've read the extension to Eden took several years to be signed after it was approved.
I swear, better pedestrian enforcement is needed everywhere. Every time I walk around any intersection, some asswipe decides to rush things through. I nearly got mowed down by one this past summer and I'm not gonna let that happen.
I wish ODOT would stop making ugly signs...
Quote from: Billy F 1988 on December 29, 2012, 09:38:57 PM
I swear, better pedestrian enforcement is needed everywhere. Every time I walk around any intersection, some asswipe decides to rush things through. I nearly got mowed down by one this past summer and I'm not gonna let that happen.
Also, jay-walking pedestrians and idiotic pedestrians should be enforced.
Quote from: KEK Inc. on December 29, 2012, 08:45:33 PM
Drunk driving penalties are strong enough. In fact, the enforcement is sort of shady. You can technically be charged with a DUI if you're parked in a car intoxicated, even if you never drive and are just crashed in your vehicle.
On the other hand, most of the time when there's a death due to drunk driving, it's discovered that the driver had multiple drunk driving convictions before. That suggests the penalties are
not strong enough.
Quote from: KEK Inc. on December 30, 2012, 12:12:10 AM
Also, jay-walking pedestrians and idiotic pedestrians should be enforced.
So should speed limits. Fair's fair.
Quote from: NE2 on December 30, 2012, 07:21:49 AM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on December 30, 2012, 12:12:10 AM
Also, jay-walking pedestrians and idiotic pedestrians should be enforced.
So should speed limits. Fair's fair.
They usually are, but I would like to see licensing of bicyclists locally (Chicago area, especially the city) to crack down on the red light running and sidewalk riding that endangers pedestrians.
yawn
On pedestrians: I'm willing to accept more stuff, but in return the ped advocates need to accept that peds share the road too and lose the holier-than-though "I own the road and you can suck it" attitude that is often displayed. Peds and cars co-existing is fine; cars becoming second class citizens is not.
Quote from: kkt on December 30, 2012, 01:46:43 AM
Quote from: KEK Inc. on December 29, 2012, 08:45:33 PM
Drunk driving penalties are strong enough. In fact, the enforcement is sort of shady. You can technically be charged with a DUI if you're parked in a car intoxicated, even if you never drive and are just crashed in your vehicle.
On the other hand, most of the time when there's a death due to drunk driving, it's discovered that the driver had multiple drunk driving convictions before. That suggests the penalties are not strong enough.
I don't think that's the reason. I think most of those repeat offenders just don't care; in their minds, there is nothing wrong with driving drunk (in fact, 40 years ago, not only was drunk driving viewed as OK, but it was something for drinkers to brag about!). The only way you're going to be able to deal with that is to say "after X drunk driving convictions, you lose your licence permanently, with no possibility of getting it back, ever", with jail time (minimum 5 years) if one then proceeds to drive after this. While the culture related to DUIs has largely changed, there are people who will never change with the culture. These people are stuck in the past, still view driving drunk as something to brag about, and think cops who enforce DUI laws are just jerks out to ruin their lives.
What is also needed is more sensible enforcement. It should not be possible to get a DUI without driving, and it shouldn't be an exemption to the 4th amendment either.
Quote from: deanej on December 30, 2012, 12:14:10 PM
The only way you're going to be able to deal with that is to say "after X drunk driving convictions, you lose your licence permanently, with no possibility of getting it back, ever", with jail time (minimum 5 years) if one then proceeds to drive after this.
That's exactly what we should do. Two drunk driving convictions = license revoked, driving (intoxicated or not) after that = prison.
Quote
What is also needed is more sensible enforcement. It should not be possible to get a DUI without driving,
I'll agree with this. Going to your car to pass out isn't driving.
Quote
and it shouldn't be an exemption to the 4th amendment either.
But not this. If a drunk driver could simply refuse any intoxication tests, how would anybody ever be convicted? There is no right to drive, and the implied consent law doesn't violate the 4th amendment.
Quote from: deanej on December 30, 2012, 12:14:10 PM
cars becoming second class citizens is not.
Cars should no more be citizens than corporations. :bigass:
Better enforcement of LLB laws. And I-49 between Alma and Texarkana (like that's going to happen in the next 30 years.)
Quote from: bugo on December 30, 2012, 02:36:01 PM
I-49 between Alma and Texarkana (like that's going to happen in the next 30 years.)
In Arkansas, I'll settle for an I-540 redesignation as I-49 from I-40 northward, and AR 549 as I-49 from I-30 southward (might as well go for north of I-30 to Texas state line, too).
Quote from: NE2 on December 30, 2012, 11:52:48 AM
yawn
Yawn yourself, SPUI. You seem to give that as your answer when it's something you don't like.
They are as much a danger to pedestrians as any other vehicle on the sidewalk and any other vehicle that ignores stop signs, signals, etc. Obviously, you've never had the pleasure of being run off the sidewalk and darn near run over by them in downtown Chicago. A vehicle is a vehicle whether it has 2 wheels and is human powered, or has four wheels and an internal combustion engine.
Quote from: Grzrd on December 30, 2012, 02:41:49 PM
Quote from: bugo on December 30, 2012, 02:36:01 PM
I-49 between Alma and Texarkana (like that's going to happen in the next 30 years.)
In Arkansas, I'll settle for an I-540 redesignation as I-49 from I-40 northward, and AR 549 as I-49 from I-30 southward (might as well go for north of I-30 to Texas state line, too).
That wouldn't help me. I want a quicker, more relaxed trip between Tulsa and Mena.
yawn
Quote from: NE2 on December 30, 2012, 04:16:38 PM
yawn
Well, as I saw I have the ability, Dan, you earned a *plonk*.
"Yawn." "Plonk." What is this, the best of MTR?
Quote from: J N Winkler on December 30, 2012, 08:45:04 PM
"Yawn." "Plonk." What is this, the best of MTR?
We're dealing with it.
Quote from: J N Winkler on December 30, 2012, 08:45:04 PM
"Yawn." "Plonk." What is this, the best of MTR?
No, just sick of a one-word non-answer when someone doesn't like something. I decided to use an option the mods put in place to keep my comments sane and blood pressure lower.
Illinois
Possible
* IDOT and ISTHA begin using the butterfly distance signs found in several other states
* ISTHA adds exit numbers to all tollway interchanges
* IDOT and ISTHA agree to add a NB to WB flyover at the I-90/I-290/IL 53 cloverleaf when I-90 is reconstructed through the interchange
Very Unlikely
* IDOT and ISTHA agree to a full rebuild of the I-90/I-290/IL 53 cloverleaf into a four-level stack
* McHenry County starts its own toll authority to build the Richmond Bypass and the FAP 420 corridor down to IL 31 at McHenry instead of waiting for ISTHA to build the corridor some decade after the IL 53 extension is completed
* The lousy boulevard/parkway version of the IL 53 Extension is abandoned and either a regular tollway is constructed or IL 83 and US 12 are widened to six lanes with high type intersections (jughandles, Michigan lefts, CFI's) or interchanges at major intersections.
* A public/private partnership is announced to build part of the Crosstown Expressway
* Something goes wrong with the lease on the Chicago Skyway that results in the tolls being lowered to $3 or less
Missouri
Very Unlikely
* MoDOT does an about-face and makes plans to add ramps to and from the south to the Great Lemon Bridge before closing the I-55 ramps to/from the PSB as part of redoing the PSB interchange.
* A super-2 on 4-Lane ROW version of the US 61 Hannibal Bypass advances to the design phase with constructed funded a year or two down the road.
Quote from: PennDOTFan on December 29, 2012, 08:52:34 PM
-Completion of the I-95/DE 1 interchange in Delaware
Well, this is pretty much guaranteed not to happen, but at least it's moving along...
Short of a flying DeLorean where "we don't need roads," I'd like to see state legislatures wise up, hike the gas tax by a nickel and stop this pell-mell race to toll every new alleyway and side street.
Quote from: kkt on December 30, 2012, 02:03:39 PM
But not this. If a drunk driver could simply refuse any intoxication tests, how would anybody ever be convicted? There is no right to drive, and the implied consent law doesn't violate the 4th amendment.
I was thinking about the roadblocks there. I would consider a breathalyzer test for someone driving erratically at night to be in the same league as asking for licence and registration in any traffic stop.
Quote from: deanej on December 31, 2012, 11:30:47 AM
Quote from: kkt on December 30, 2012, 02:03:39 PM
But not this. If a drunk driver could simply refuse any intoxication tests, how would anybody ever be convicted? There is no right to drive, and the implied consent law doesn't violate the 4th amendment.
I was thinking about the roadblocks there. I would consider a breathalyzer test for someone driving erratically at night to be in the same league as asking for licence and registration in any traffic stop.
Driving erratically would fall under probable cause for a breath test.
Quote from: cpzilliacus on December 28, 2012, 12:43:09 PM
(1) Ways to prevent fatal crashes - my two favorites are how to prevent wrong-way incursions onto all sorts of divided highways (including freeways and expressways) and fatal crashes caused by smaller vehicles rear-ending larger vehicles (especially semi-trailers) at high speed.
(2) More emphasis on deterring drunk/drugged driving (including more and longer jail sentences for such crimes).
(3) More emphasis on preventing people from driving while suspended/revoked or without liability insurance.
(4) Straight talk from elected officials about how much it really costs to maintain transportation infrastructure (that which is funded out of highway user fees and taxes).
Your thoughts?
2 would take care of 1 very well. I know in Florida wrong way drivers are usually SMASHED. And here in Florida driving the wrong way at night would be met with red lane reflectors galore. I think that puts a stop to more sober drivers going the wrong way.
I'd like to see a change in attitudes. We need to recognize that roads, even non-toll roads, are assets, not liabilities. Money spent on maintaining and improving the road network is an investment in economic development and better quality of life. Some people have a tendency to think of any spending by government as wasteful.
I'd like to see a dedicated revenue stream from a user fee, like a fuel or mileage tax, without diversions for other purposes. And that tax needs to be kept at an adequate rate. How is it that we can raise tolls so easily - in some places, every year, but just can't figure out how to raise the fuel tax? What I don't want to see is more toll roads, where a few people pay more so that others elsewhere can pay less for the same thing.
Quote from: wxfree on December 31, 2012, 06:19:50 PM
is it that we can raise tolls so easily - in some places, every year, but just can't figure out how to raise the fuel tax?
Toll road rate increases are often set by local governments or, in a lot of cases, private companies while gasoline tax increases are often set at the local, state, or federal level.
Quote from: wxfree on December 31, 2012, 06:19:50 PM
I'd like to see a change in attitudes. We need to recognize that roads, even non-toll roads, are assets, not liabilities. Money spent on maintaining and improving the road network is an investment in economic development and better quality of life. Some people have a tendency to think of any spending by government as wasteful.
I'd like to see a dedicated revenue stream from a user fee, like a fuel or mileage tax, without diversions for other purposes. And that tax needs to be kept at an adequate rate. How is it that we can raise tolls so easily - in some places, every year, but just can't figure out how to raise the fuel tax? What I don't want to see is more toll roads, where a few people pay more so that others elsewhere can pay less for the same thing.
Well, government spending on unnecessary programs is wasteful. I don't think many people consider infrastructure unnecessary.
Quote from: KEK Inc. on December 31, 2012, 11:56:18 PM
Quote from: wxfree on December 31, 2012, 06:19:50 PM
I'd like to see a change in attitudes. We need to recognize that roads, even non-toll roads, are assets, not liabilities. Money spent on maintaining and improving the road network is an investment in economic development and better quality of life. Some people have a tendency to think of any spending by government as wasteful.
I'd like to see a dedicated revenue stream from a user fee, like a fuel or mileage tax, without diversions for other purposes. And that tax needs to be kept at an adequate rate. How is it that we can raise tolls so easily - in some places, every year, but just can't figure out how to raise the fuel tax? What I don't want to see is more toll roads, where a few people pay more so that others elsewhere can pay less for the same thing.
Well, government spending on unnecessary programs is wasteful. I don't think many people consider infrastructure unnecessary.
As a whole, perhaps not. Though when you look at individual projects, there certainly are those that have shaky justification. Remember the "Bridge to Nowhere"? As a nation, are we really better off with I-15 as a full interstate through Northern Montana, with just a measly 2000 trips daily?
Quote from: Zmapper on January 01, 2013, 12:00:56 AM
As a whole, perhaps not. Though when you look at individual projects, there certainly are those that have shaky justification. Remember the "Bridge to Nowhere"? As a nation, are we really better off with I-15 as a full interstate through Northern Montana, with just a measly 2000 trips daily?
It's supposed to be considered an important CANAMEX route, and it was built during a time when our economy was still growing. Now, the Virgin River Gorge could have been rerouted...
I-15 also points towards a couple of very sizable metro areas and, IMHO, would be carrying much more traffic if those obnoxious border checkpoints weren't in the way.
:banghead:
Mike
My list is pretty straightforward.
For SCDOT:
1. Lowering the Speed Limit on the Orangeburg County portions of SC 3, SC 4, and SC 70 from 55 mph to 50 mph.
2. Either keeping the word "County" in all uppercase or making the words "Town Limit" and "City Limit" on Destination signs in proper case. MUST pick ONE option.
3. Increased usage of Advance Street Name Warning BYS (big yellow sign) plaques.
4. Decreased usage of 48 × 48 STOP signs when there is no primary highway (US or SC highway) as part of the intersection.
For the 46 counties:
1. Proper Case Street Name signs over every square inch of the counties.
2. Better timing of the RYGs in urban areas.
3. Installation of overhead Street Name signs at RYGs if possible.
4. Increased use of stand alone rectangle signs for private roads: either NO OUTLET or PRIVATE ROAD.
Quote from: mjb2002 on January 01, 2013, 08:31:59 PM
My list is pretty straightforward.
For SCDOT:
1. Lowering the Speed Limit on the Orangeburg County portions of SC 3, SC 4, and SC 70 from 55 mph to 50 mph.
Why the hell would you ever want to lower a speed limit!?!
Oregon Interstate Speed Limits raised from 65mph to 75mph in rural areas and 60mph in urban areas.
I wouldn't mind seeing US-26 from Gresham to the OR-35 interchange become a four lane divided expressway.
Quote from: drummer_evans_aki on January 01, 2013, 10:16:31 PM
Oregon Interstate Speed Limits raised from 65mph to 75mph in rural areas and 60mph in urban areas.
I would love to see the Maryland and Virginia General Assemblies raise the statutory maximum speed limits to 75 MPH (leaving the actual setting of speed limits to the engineering judgement of SHA and MdTA; and VDOT respectively).
Quote from: drummer_evans_aki on January 01, 2013, 10:16:31 PM
Oregon Interstate Speed Limits raised from 65mph to 75mph in rural areas and 60mph in urban areas.
I wouldn't mind seeing US-26 from Gresham to the OR-35 interchange become a four lane divided expressway.
Talking to the ODOT spokesman, there's politics behind the speed limit. Oregon passed legislature a few years back forcing auto traffic to be no more than 10 MPH over the truck speed limits. Since Oregon allowes extra long semi trucks, they decided to keep it capped at 55 MPH (therefore 65). He agrees it's BS, but it's apparently something that is beyond ODOT's control.
Quote from: KEK Inc. on January 02, 2013, 01:53:51 AM
Quote from: drummer_evans_aki on January 01, 2013, 10:16:31 PM
Oregon Interstate Speed Limits raised from 65mph to 75mph in rural areas and 60mph in urban areas.
I wouldn't mind seeing US-26 from Gresham to the OR-35 interchange become a four lane divided expressway.
Talking to the ODOT spokesman, there's politics behind the speed limit. Oregon passed legislature a few years back forcing auto traffic to be no more than 10 MPH over the truck speed limits. Since Oregon allowes extra long semi trucks, they decided to keep it capped at 55 MPH (therefore 65). He agrees it's BS, but it's apparently something that is beyond ODOT's control.
It is absolutely about politics. This is a way for some elected officials to pander to anti-auto and anti-highway special interest groups at low (political) cost.
what's next, the legislature will be allowed to set the length of the lane stripes?
The easiest solution would be to ban the "road trains", which have issues in and of themselves. I wonder if Oregon allows them solely to justify low speed limits.
Quote from: deanej on January 02, 2013, 01:57:15 PM
The easiest solution would be to ban the "road trains", which have issues in and of themselves. I wonder if Oregon allows them solely to justify low speed limits.
I'm pretty sure California and Washington doesn't allow them. So if Idaho bans them, I wonder what Oregon will do.
Quote from: KEK Inc. on January 02, 2013, 04:06:12 PMSo if Idaho bans them, I wonder what Oregon will do.
keep allowing them, to continue to justify their speed limits.
or get rid of them, and continue to justify their speed limits.
legislatures aren't under any obligation to make sense.
Getting Interstate 70 in Pennsylvania from New Stanton to Washington, PA up to snuff with the rest of the Interstates in the country by widening it, removing the barrier dividing eastbound and westbound traffic and replacing it with (gasp!) an actual median, and thus increasing the speed limit to 65 mph since that is the speed most people drive on it anyways, and those who actually drive 55 mph through there are a tremendous hazard. Also, the on ramps need to be redesigned so that there aren't stop signs at the bottoms of them. This would be key, but I realize it's PA we're talking about and that it will never happen. But it is a highway-related thing I would like to see started in 2013.
Quote from: CrossCountryRoads on January 29, 2013, 01:34:38 PM
Getting Interstate 70 in Pennsylvania from New Stanton to Washington, PA up to snuff with the rest of the Interstates in the country by widening it, removing the barrier dividing eastbound and westbound traffic and replacing it with (gasp!) an actual median, and thus increasing the speed limit to 65 mph since that is the speed most people drive on it anyways, and those who actually drive 55 mph through there are a tremendous hazard. Also, the on ramps need to be redesigned so that there aren't stop signs at the bottoms of them. This would be key, but I realize it's PA we're talking about and that it will never happen. But it is a highway-related thing I would like to see started in 2013.
Actually, PA is doing
something along I-70 in the area over the next bunch of years:
http://www.i-70projects.com/I70Project_index_menu.html (http://www.i-70projects.com/I70Project_index_menu.html)
However, it's certainly not as drastic as you "would like to see for 2013". It should fix a lot of the interchange ramps, and the shoulder space should increase. There will still be a concrete barrier separating directions (which doesn't make it "NOT" an actual median). I can't say if this will result in an increase in the speed limit or not.
Quote from: sp_redelectric on December 28, 2012, 06:04:50 PM
Focus on one law, and exactly one law:
Slower traffic must keep right and allow faster traffic to pass in the left lanes.
That would solve so many problems.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Please, please, PLEASE.
Also, though impossible, I'd like to see the expressway-style improvements to US 19 in Pinellas County completed this year. Since Pinellas killed most of the freeways planned there in the 1970s, the least they can do is accelerate construction to make US 19 limited access from 49th Street to the Pasco County line. Currently, funding is secured and construction is scheduled, ongoing, or complete for about half of that. These improvements will definitely lower the fatality count on a road that was once considered "America's Deadliest". US 19 goes between being limited access to having traffic lights and business-access driveways every ten feet, so it really is a dangerous drive considering that upwards of 90,000 vehicles use it daily.
I'd also like to see the southeast's rural interstate speed increased to 75mph. I-75 and I-95 through a majority of Florida/Georgia is six lanes with pavement in great condition and excellent sight lines, there is no reason why the speed limit can't be pushed up a bit.
Finally, un-toll all of Orlando's freeways.
Quote from: PHX06 on January 29, 2013, 03:59:36 PM
Finally, un-toll all of Orlando's freeways.
Not likely to happen.
As I understand it, those roads are there
only because they are toll roads.
True, it's just frustrating that a metropolitan area can have all but one of its freeways tolled.
Quote from: PHX06 on January 29, 2013, 04:08:36 PM
True, it's just frustrating that a metropolitan area can have all but one of its freeways tolled.
Ever been to Chicago? If we didn't have ISTHA, we'd have two-lane surface streets everywhere in DuPage County.
OK, I'm exaggerating a bit, but IDOT is not known for building controlled-access roads much outside Cook County.
My big wish is for the various electronic tolling systems to become compatible.
Quote from: CrossCountryRoads on January 29, 2013, 01:34:38 PM
removing the barrier dividing eastbound and westbound traffic and replacing it with (gasp!) an actual median
Since when a is a concrete barrier not a median? I can think of many other interstates you wouldn't like, including every single freeway in the Rochester, NY area (including parts of the Thruway).
ConnDOT raising the speed limit on I-84 to 65 MPH from exit 25A to just before exit 33 (it's all 6 lanes now). Also, replacement of the ugly reflective button copy signage from the 80's and early 90's on all roadways.
(1) States to follow Texas' lead and assess speed limits on a section-by-section basis (preferably at something smaller than the county level). This would foster greater respect for the number that ends up on the sign.
(2) Opening up the cross-border trucking program for the Mexican border to the same extent it is for the Canadian border, and for Hoffa to just suck it up. This is a requirement under NAFTA (maybe not the sucking it up part).
(3) Exemptions granted by law to police officers (such as speeding, lane use, etc.) be changed in wording from "while engaged in official duties" to "while in pursuit or responding to an emergency, and only when sirens and lights in use" or something similar. Daddy shouldn't spank the kids for swearing if he can't control his own tongue.
(4) Widening I-35 to six lanes between Denton and Gainesville, TX; Liberty and Cameron, MO; and Ankeny and Ames, IA. Or maybe 38 lanes between Des Moines and Ames.
Quote from: deanej on January 29, 2013, 04:59:53 PM
Quote from: CrossCountryRoads on January 29, 2013, 01:34:38 PM
removing the barrier dividing eastbound and westbound traffic and replacing it with (gasp!) an actual median
Since when a is a concrete barrier not a median? I can think of many other interstates you wouldn't like, including every single freeway in the Rochester, NY area (including parts of the Thruway).
What I prefer is a wide, paved median with a barrier in the middle. Look at the Kansas Turnpike (http://goo.gl/maps/CHPoa) for a good example of this.
Quote from: kphoger on January 29, 2013, 06:07:34 PM
What I prefer is a wide, paved median with a barrier in the middle. Look at the Kansas Turnpike (http://goo.gl/maps/CHPoa) for a good example of this.
Does not look that different from the four-lane section of the New Jersey Turnpike (between Interchanges 1 and 4, example in Salem County near Interchange 1 here (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=salem+county,+nj&hl=en&ll=39.700781,-75.383892&spn=0.037179,0.077162&safe=off&hnear=Salem,+New+Jersey&gl=us&t=h&z=14&layer=c&cbll=39.700627,-75.38435&panoid=rSjgAHAl-uW3Dln_o2Kq7w&cbp=12,249.38,,0,9.21)).
Yes, very similar. I like that, even with a wall separating directions of travel, there's still some wiggle room for emergency avoidance maneuvers.
Quote from: Mr_Northside on January 29, 2013, 03:30:30 PM
Quote from: CrossCountryRoads on January 29, 2013, 01:34:38 PM
Getting Interstate 70 in Pennsylvania from New Stanton to Washington, PA up to snuff with the rest of the Interstates in the country by widening it, removing the barrier dividing eastbound and westbound traffic and replacing it with (gasp!) an actual median, and thus increasing the speed limit to 65 mph since that is the speed most people drive on it anyways, and those who actually drive 55 mph through there are a tremendous hazard. Also, the on ramps need to be redesigned so that there aren't stop signs at the bottoms of them. This would be key, but I realize it's PA we're talking about and that it will never happen. But it is a highway-related thing I would like to see started in 2013.
Actually, PA is doing something along I-70 in the area over the next bunch of years:
http://www.i-70projects.com/I70Project_index_menu.html (http://www.i-70projects.com/I70Project_index_menu.html)
However, it's certainly not as drastic as you "would like to see for 2013". It should fix a lot of the interchange ramps, and the shoulder space should increase. There will still be a concrete barrier separating directions (which doesn't make it "NOT" an actual median). I can't say if this will result in an increase in the speed limit or not.
I have seen they've made progress on the new I-79 North to I-70 West interchange. That will certainly be a vast improvement from what it was before, with a 25 mph curve at the bottom of a steep hill and constant congestion at the merge point with I-70 Westbound. They have been working on a part near Smithton for quite a while now as well, and although they might be "widening" it a bit, it still isn't anywhere near acceptable compared to most other Interstates in the country I don't think. One can only hope that stretch gets an overhaul sometime in the next 50 years or so.
Quote from: CrossCountryRoads on January 29, 2013, 01:34:38 PM
Getting Interstate 70 in Pennsylvania from New Stanton to Washington, PA up to snuff with the rest of the Interstates in the country by widening it, removing the barrier dividing eastbound and westbound traffic and replacing it with (gasp!) an actual median, and thus increasing the speed limit to 65 mph since that is the speed most people drive on it anyways, and those who actually drive 55 mph through there are a tremendous hazard. Also, the on ramps need to be redesigned so that there aren't stop signs at the bottoms of them. This would be key, but I realize it's PA we're talking about and that it will never happen. But it is a highway-related thing I would like to see started in 2013.
I love that stretch of Interstate 70. Driving from Illinois to my home state of New Jersey, I-70 in PA is the best part of the trip, though it is nerve racking with the nonexistent shoulders. To make it even scarier, I normally travel along there the day before Thanksgiving, when traffic is packed and everyone is going 80 mph.
Quote from: Mamba205 on January 29, 2013, 08:55:44 PM
I love that stretch of Interstate 70. Driving from Illinois to my home state of New Jersey, I-70 in PA is the best part of the trip, though it is nerve racking with the nonexistent shoulders. To make it even scarier, I normally travel along there the day before Thanksgiving, when traffic is packed and everyone is going 80 mph.
Interesting. What is it you like about that particular stretch Mamba?
Quote from: CrossCountryRoads on January 29, 2013, 09:00:24 PM
Quote from: Mamba205 on January 29, 2013, 08:55:44 PM
I love that stretch of Interstate 70. Driving from Illinois to my home state of New Jersey, I-70 in PA is the best part of the trip, though it is nerve racking with the nonexistent shoulders. To make it even scarier, I normally travel along there the day before Thanksgiving, when traffic is packed and everyone is going 80 mph.
Interesting. What is it you like about that particular stretch Mamba?
It's a breath of fresh air compared to the typical grass median. I think I might like PA's I-70 because it reminds me of Route 22 in New Jersey, with its Jersey barriers. I grew up traveling along that stretch of road, and roads that remind me of Rt 22 bring back good memories.
In addition, I'm very much into the aesthetics of highways. The ratio of roadway width to median width, even the pavement color, has an effect on the way I view roads. Ironically, I prefer a four lane divided highway with a 50 ft median and high-tension cable barriers, instead of a narrow four lane divided highway with a Jersey barrier.
But, I'm all for improvement. For example, I-270 in Illinois really needs to be widened to three lanes, hopefully with the third lane being trucks-only.
I like roads when the pavement is black, the barrier (if it exists) is white, and the guardrails and gantries are shiny. :)
Are they going to widen I-70 through Washington to six lanes along the 79 multiplex?
Something I didn't think would be possible, but latest documents have shown, is the official signing of I-74 in Forsyth County NC.
2013 will be an awesome year for the presence of I-73/74 in North Carolina.
Quote from: jcarte29 on January 30, 2013, 09:37:52 AM
Something I didn't think would be possible, but latest documents have shown, is the official signing of I-74 in Forsyth County NC.
2013 will be an awesome year for the presence of I-73/74 in North Carolina.
Do they actually have any clear plans as of yet regarding if and how NC will connect the portions of I-74? Since the one parallels US 52 near Mt. Airy and the other parallels US 74, they are quite far apart and I just wondered if you knew of how or if at all they ever plan to connect the two portions any time in the future.
Quote from: CrossCountryRoads on January 30, 2013, 11:27:40 AM
Quote from: jcarte29 on January 30, 2013, 09:37:52 AM
Something I didn't think would be possible, but latest documents have shown, is the official signing of I-74 in Forsyth County NC.
2013 will be an awesome year for the presence of I-73/74 in North Carolina.
Do they actually have any clear plans as of yet regarding if and how NC will connect the portions of I-74? Since the one parallels US 52 near Mt. Airy and the other parallels US 74, they are quite far apart and I just wondered if you knew of how or if at all they ever plan to connect the two portions any time in the future.
Yes, but before I answer, I want to cite Robert Malme for the information I share, and his website for these new interstates, link below.
http://web.simmons.edu/~malme/prog74.html
Ok, so by this summer, I-74 will exist in 3, not 4 sections of North Carolina because of completed construction projects. The first is unchanged, call it the "Mt Airy section" if you will, almost 17 miles. The second section is where it sees new road, connecting "broken up" sections. It will exist (officially) from I-40 in Winston-Salem, to south of Ellerbe in Richmond County, continuous 95 miles. The third segment is the Maxton bypass, 19 miles in SouthEast NC.
To answer your question about connecting these segments, it will not happen in the near future. US 52 between the first two segments I mentioned above will need substantial improvements and the Winston-Salem Northern Belt (East side) will be new road for I-74. This is also the case in S.E. NC, 2 areas, the Rockingham Bypass (carrying I-73 and I-74), will be new road, and US 74 from Rockingham to Laurinburg needs substantial improvements.
Hope this helps, check out that link I posted for more details.
Quote from: Roadsguy on January 30, 2013, 08:49:18 AM
Are they going to widen I-70 through Washington to six lanes along the 79 multiplex?
Yeah. And last I heard they're planning on converting the US-19 cloverleaf into a DDI.
Tis all still a couple of years off though.
Quote from: kphoger on January 29, 2013, 07:23:48 PM
I like that, even with a wall separating directions of travel, there's still some wiggle room for emergency avoidance maneuvers.
That's sort of become my attitude toward medians... A wide grassy median is nice, aesthetically - and it provides room for expansion..... Though a situation with a barrier tall enough to deal with most oncoming headlight glare, and enough left shoulder space for a disabled / emergency vehicle has advantages too. An out of control car can't get too "perpendicular" with the barrier (or other direction of travel), and you don't have to worry about landscaping, and requires less ROW.
Quote from: CrossCountryRoads on January 29, 2013, 08:31:09 PM
They have been working on a part near Smithton for quite a while now as well, and although they might be "widening" it a bit, it still isn't anywhere near acceptable compared to most other Interstates in the country I don't think. One can only hope that stretch gets an overhaul sometime in the next 50 years or so.
I'm guessing with the type of rebuild projects they're doing there (and elsewhere on this stretch of I-70), they're planning on it lasting
at least 50 years. Somewhere there is a page that talks about plans, decades ago, that PennDOT was considering for a new, "modern" alignment of I-70 between Washington & New Stanton that were abandoned....
Also, more "on-topic":
I'd like to see earth turning for the US-219 project(s) south of Somerset... In reality, I probably wouldn't use it more than once every three years on average, but still.
And I'd like to see the PTC have a news release saying that the Irwin <-> Monroeville widening/rebuilding will be one of the next sections they start working on.
I think I'm in the minority on this, but I'd actually like to see more toll roads--either new freeways being built as toll roads or existing ones being converted where it makes financial sense (or both). When transportation funds are relatively scarce, and people are reluctant to raise fuel taxes, tolling offers the opportunity to raise funds and spend them where the demand is highest. And if roads are to be a sustainable form of transportation infrastructure, they should be able to pay for themselves and not need to divert tax revenue from other services or increase governmental debt.**
I'd like to see new toll roads have service areas, too, even in metropolitan areas. They tend to provide a greater convenience to drivers, even if a convenience charge is included in the price of gas, food, convenience store items, etc., and the concession funds can help offset the need for toll increases (even if only by a small amount).
Another trait of toll roads is that, at least in every state in which I've driven that has them, the toll roads are always better maintained than the non-toll roads. The reason for this is pretty self-evident. Toll road operators have an incentive to maintain their roads to a higher standard; otherwise, people would be less willing to pay to use them and would be more inclined to use non-toll alternatives (shunpike).
Furthermore, increased development of toll facilities would speed up the demand for national E-ZPass interoperability in the U.S. (we all know it's coming sooner or later, barring some sort of apocalypse). This would eventually make toll roads more convenient for most people who use them.
Other things I'd like to see:
*Removal of unnecessary left turns on major arterials and replacement with jughandles or Michigan lefts, where feasible (I'm don't think I'm alone on this, and I'm sure most of us can think of local examples).
*Faster replacement of circular reds (or "red balls," if you prefer) with red arrows on left turn signals.
*More advance guide signs for intersecting streets on arterial roads (these were mentioned in a recent thread).
**In retrospect, I have mixed feelings about toll roads. They raise issues of social equity (tolls are easier to afford for wealthier people), and the issue of infrastructure as part of the public commons (all of society generally benefits from infrastructure, not just its direct users).
Quote from: stridentweasel on February 02, 2013, 07:50:55 PM
I think I'm in the minority on this, but I'd actually like to see more toll roads--either new freeways being built as toll roads or existing ones being converted where it makes financial sense (or both). When transportation funds are relatively scarce, and people are reluctant to raise fuel taxes, tolling offers the opportunity to raise funds and spend them where the demand is highest. And if roads are to be a sustainable form of transportation infrastructure, they should be able to pay for themselves and not need to divert tax revenue from other services or increase governmental debt.
I'd rather see gas taxes raised. Having toll roads creates a disincentive for drivers to use the safest and fastest alternative, just to save the toll. The process of collecting the toll itself costs a lot of money which goes to the fast pass contractor. All of the gas tax can be used on roads.
Quote
I'd like to see new toll roads have service areas, too, even in metropolitan areas. They tend to provide a greater convenience to drivers, even if a convenience charge is included in the price of gas, food, convenience store items, etc., and the concession funds can help offset the need for toll increases (even if only by a small amount).
Another trait of toll roads is that, at least in every state in which I've driven that has them, the toll roads are always better maintained than the non-toll roads. The reason for this is pretty self-evident. Toll road operators have an incentive to maintain their roads to a higher standard; otherwise, people would be less willing to pay to use them and would be more inclined to use non-toll alternatives (shunpike).
I think what you're seeing is a problem with tolls: they create an incentive for the DOT to skimp on maintenance of roads that parallel a toll road.
Quote
Furthermore, increased development of toll facilities would speed up the demand for national E-ZPass interoperability in the U.S. (we all know it's coming sooner or later, barring some sort of apocalypse). This would eventually make toll roads more convenient for most people who use them.
I'm still unhappy about anyone having a database of who was where when. First it'll be used only in terrorism cases, then for deadbeat dads, then for targeted ads...
I tend to agree with kkt. Having too many toll roads is a bad idea in my opinion. It definitely does cause DOT to skimp on maintaining the secondary roads that parallel the toll road, that can be seen quite a bit in PA. I would actually say one of the things I would like to see proposed in 2013 is more funds toward improving secondary roads that parallel toll roads to make them safer and more efficient routes. Possibly a few planned bypasses around small towns would be a good start.