Philadelphia

[AMLNet49]

they will end up paging more money to fix 676 Aka Vine street expressway. I can see it took alot of money to build roads & parks & buildings on top of a highway but when you’re already halfway there you might as well keep it going. 3 full lanes & traffic probably wouldn’t be backing up till the 95 exit which backs up during rush hour.

As far as I know, there are no plans to widen the eastern portion of the Vine Expressway.  There has been back-on-forth talk about building direct ramps between the expressway and the Ben Franklin Bridge over the years but no serious plans to do such has yet materialized.  The older, western section recently underwent a rehab/overhaul.

Regarding I-676, it's probably possible to eliminate traffic lights without any reconstruction

Eastbound, easy solution, allow the 676 eastbound traffic to flow continuously along the weave, with 6th st southbound traffic merging down to one lane and a flashing red to control entrance to the "weave" portion of the road. At the other end of the weave, the continuation of 6th street southbound could be signed as an exit from surface-level 676 prior to curving sharply left and ascending the bridge.  I think continuous flow along the "6th street" portion of 676 is attainable, as long as the speed limit remains very low, like 25 mph along this entire stretch, to allow the merging and weaving from 6th street southbound traffic. Also the I-95 exit should be signed as a triple left exit only, as opposed to I-676 being signed as a "TOTSO" (turn off to stay on).

Westbound is much more tricky. The traffic lights along 676 west are mostly in a large open area of connected intersections in the middle of several freeway ramps. I still believe that it could be accomplished cheaply, although it would be more difficult, with a combination of orange dividers and jersey barriers. Again a very low speed limit of around 25mph would be required. Some movements would be eliminated, but the rest would be channelized. They would then be signed as exits.

Of all the many interstates with traffic lights, TOTSOs, and Breezewoods, this is by far one of the closest to being at least free-flowing with no traffic lights, even if speeds would remain slow.

[jeffandnicole]

they will end up paging more money to fix 676 Aka Vine street expressway. I can see it took alot of money to build roads & parks & buildings on top of a highway but when you're already halfway there you might as well keep it going. 3 full lanes & traffic probably wouldn't be backing up till the 95 exit which backs up during rush hour.

As far as I know, there are no plans to widen the eastern portion of the Vine Expressway.  There has been back-on-forth talk about building direct ramps between the expressway and the Ben Franklin Bridge over the years but no serious plans to do such has yet materialized.  The older, western section recently underwent a rehab/overhaul.

Regarding I-676, it's probably possible to eliminate traffic lights without any reconstruction

Eastbound, easy solution, allow the 676 eastbound traffic to flow continuously along the weave, with 6th st southbound traffic merging down to one lane and a flashing red to control entrance to the "weave" portion of the road. At the other end of the weave, the continuation of 6th street southbound could be signed as an exit from surface-level 676 prior to curving sharply left and ascending the bridge.  I think continuous flow along the "6th street" portion of 676 is attainable, as long as the speed limit remains very low, like 25 mph along this entire stretch, to allow the merging and weaving from 6th street southbound traffic. Also the I-95 exit should be signed as a triple left exit only, as opposed to I-676 being signed as a "TOTSO" (turn off to stay on).

Westbound is much more tricky. The traffic lights along 676 west are mostly in a large open area of connected intersections in the middle of several freeway ramps. I still believe that it could be accomplished cheaply, although it would be more difficult, with a combination of orange dividers and jersey barriers. Again a very low speed limit of around 25mph would be required. Some movements would be eliminated, but the rest would be channelized. They would then be signed as exits.

Of all the many interstates with traffic lights, TOTSOs, and Breezewoods, this is by far one of the closest to being at least free-flowing with no traffic lights, even if speeds would remain slow.

The worst thing with these ideas will be the elimination of pedestrian/bicycle traffic, which is a very powerful group in this area.  Sure, the access can be made a few blocks down, but they will want to have as convenient of access as possible to all roads.  There's also bound to be issues with getting between Franklin Park and the Bolt of Lightning Statue, which is already a sore point for its lack of access despite being such a highly visible location!

Lots of questions and comments.

Lots of history and responses.

I-95 was a latecomer to the Interstate scene in Philly, especially near the Philly Airport, and was one of the last portions of I-95 built.  The Girard Point Bridge (the double decker bridge) originally opened as a 4 lane-per-direction bridge, before being narrows to 3 lanes to allow for shoulders.  The bridge, along with 95 itself, relieved a lot of traffic off of Rt. 291 and the Platt Bridge.

Pennsy in general built several highways prior to modern interstate guidelines were developed, and have been slower than slow in updating many of these early designs.  In most other areas of the country, they would've found the money to upgrade the Schuylkill long ago, but here it's a battle most people just don't feel like dealing with.

I-676 was originally built as a 2 lane highway from 9th Street (where the Ben Franklin Bridge merges into the highway) to the Broad Street Exit (15th Street).  Many years ago the shoulder was restriped into a travel lane to assist moving traffic between these two points.  Just getting 676 built was a huge deal, and many people are still pissed about it how it cut off the points north and south of it.  I don't necessarily agree with that because there's bridges and sidewalks along each block over 676, but at the same time you can truly see the differences of the areas just north and south of 676.

Like almost anywhere, population, suburban areas, and commuting has absolutely increased from the 80's and 90's. 

I know you are definitely a go-big-or-go-home type of fellow, but time and time again major concessions are had by both sides just to get what we've gotten in Philly!

[Chris19001]

Yes I was referring to that Jersey Barrier, thank you. Is that a granite Jersey Barrier? Or is it just colored differently, I do think its Granite like the city curbs.

Such looks like a run-of-the-mill concrete barrier to me.  IMHO, it's colored that way just due to age.

It is an old barrier and darkened due to age, but at the top of the barrier, there is a section "lined" with a small stone treatment, as a scenic / aesthetic touch. It's not granite, but it is slightly more than just a regular concrete barrier. If you zoom in and travel up or down the road just a little, Streetview shows it a little better.

While I'm not going to pretend like I know what TonyTone is thinking with some of his questions, the Lincoln Drive StreetView is outdated from their recent reconstruction project for drainage.  The new barriers approaching Forbidden Drive (going towards Chestnut Hill) actually do look very much like granite, although I would find it hard to believe they would use it.  Someone probably chipped in a little extra out of the park's budget for a better looking barrier.  I suspect it will take about 3 years before they are all scuffed up and looking like we're all used to, but for the time being it looks nice.

[Alps]

Fixing 676 is actually trivial. EB traffic stays above grade and goes around the north side of the Bolt. WB traffic has a flyover on the north side that goes over empty land and comes in on the right. Adjust lane balances, build a couple of walls. Done.

[Tonytone]

I thought that the GSV looked outdated compared to what I saw. The barrier looks shiny in person or driving lol.

Im confused on why people are saying 676 disrupted the city, you have Vine street paralleling it & multiple crossovers like J&N said. Also as I've stated before, some areas you cannot tell that there is a highway below you. They did a good job even though it took 40 years & wasn't completed to the full plans.
I did not know it was 2 lanes all the way through, the traffic probably used to back up worse then it does today.

The Ben Frank can definitely be fixed, there is "plenty"  of room to fit some ramps in the way like alps said. Did anyone know that the big block structures that hold the bridge up were supposed to be Trolley stations?


Wow the Girard bridge was 2-2 lanes ? So was I-95 was widened ? Or it just went to three lanes after the bridge? Interesting design aswell, double decker instead of 2 bridges, that saved PA some money. One thing I did notice on 95 NB are these lights before the tunnel, when was the last time these were functional Google Earth Link
https://earth.app.goo.gl/?apn=com.google.earth&ibi=com.google.b612&isi=293622097&ius=googleearth&link=https%3a%2f%2fearth.google.com%2fweb%2f%4039.94323419,-75.14284212,4.4629612a,0d,42.51123928y,355.07960868h,92.21014718t,0r%2fdata%3dCgAiGgoWNXUtQ0VYeUNrSV8tUWl5U1piYk5lURAC #googleearth


Edit: for those who dont have google earth




iPhone

[jemacedo9]

Yes I was referring to that Jersey Barrier, thank you. Is that a granite Jersey Barrier? Or is it just colored differently, I do think its Granite like the city curbs.

Such looks like a run-of-the-mill concrete barrier to me.  IMHO, it's colored that way just due to age.

It is an old barrier and darkened due to age, but at the top of the barrier, there is a section "lined" with a small stone treatment, as a scenic / aesthetic touch. It's not granite, but it is slightly more than just a regular concrete barrier. If you zoom in and travel up or down the road just a little, Streetview shows it a little better.

While I'm not going to pretend like I know what TonyTone is thinking with some of his questions, the Lincoln Drive StreetView is outdated from their recent reconstruction project for drainage.  The new barriers approaching Forbidden Drive (going towards Chestnut Hill) actually do look very much like granite, although I would find it hard to believe they would use it.  Someone probably chipped in a little extra out of the park's budget for a better looking barrier.  I suspect it will take about 3 years before they are all scuffed up and looking like we're all used to, but for the time being it looks nice.

I haven't been up Lincoln Drive in a few years, so I'll have to check it out!

[PHLBOS]

I thought that the GSV looked outdated compared to what I saw. The barrier looks shiny in person or driving lol.

If such is the case with GSV being no longer current; posting of a photo (you posted some of other areas in the past) would help clarify what one's referring to.

I'm confused on why people are saying 676 disrupted the city, you have Vine street paralleling it & multiple crossovers like J&N said. Also as I've stated before, some areas you cannot tell that there is a highway below you. They did a good job even though it took 40 years & wasn''t completed to the full plans.

IMHO, many of those who protested that highway were likely those that don't like highways in cities in general.  So they embellish reasons/excuses against such.

I did not know it was 2 lanes all the way through, the traffic probably used to back up worse then it does today.

You may want to re-read J&N's post again; he was only referring to the stretch east of Broad St. which is the newer stretch.  It was originally striped as a conventional 4-laner w/shoulders.  It was later restriped as a 6-laner without shoulders and outer lanes were westbound exit/eastbound entrance lanes for the PA 611/Broad St. interchange.

Wow the Girard bridge was 2-2 lanes ?

No, the Girard Point Bridge was originally striped as 8-lanes without shoulders.  J&N was referring to each deck being striped as 4-lanes: 4 southbound upper-deck/4 northbound lower-deck.  If one looks closely; one can still see traces of the old lane configuration.

So was I-95 was widened ?

No.

Or it just went to three lanes after the bridge?

To a point, yes.  The 4th lanes likely were exit-only lanes for PA 611/Broad Street (exit 17) and Enterprise Ave. (Exit 15).

double decker instead of 2 bridges, that saved PA some money.

Such was out of necessity.  The take-off/approach paths to PHL's runways are in proximity to that bridge.

One thing I did notice on 95 NB are these lights before the tunnel, when was the last time these were functional Google Earth Link
https://earth.app.goo.gl/?apn=com.google.earth&ibi=com.google.b612&isi=293622097&ius=googleearth&link=https%3a%2f%2fearth.google.com%2fweb%2f%4039.94323419,-75.14284212,4.4629612a,0d,42.51123928y,355.07960868h,92.21014718t,0r%2fdata%3dCgAiGgoWNXUtQ0VYeUNrSV8tUWl5U1piYk5lURAC #googleearth


Edit: for those who dont have google earth

Within the last few months, PennDOT has installed/retrofitted LED lighting through those tunnels.  However, those installs/retrofits are spaced apart (i.e.not every fixture was used).

[Tonytone]

I thought that the GSV looked outdated compared to what I saw. The barrier looks shiny in person or driving lol.

If such is the case with GSV being no longer current; posting of a photo (you posted some of other areas in the past) would help clarify what one's referring to.

I'm confused on why people are saying 676 disrupted the city, you have Vine street paralleling it & multiple crossovers like J&N said. Also as I've stated before, some areas you cannot tell that there is a highway below you. They did a good job even though it took 40 years & wasn''t completed to the full plans.

IMHO, many of those who protested that highway were likely those that don't like highways in cities in general.  So they embellish reasons/excuses against such.

I did not know it was 2 lanes all the way through, the traffic probably used to back up worse then it does today.

You may want to re-read J&N's post again; he was only referring to the stretch east of Broad St. which is the newer stretch.  It was originally striped as a conventional 4-laner w/shoulders.  It was later restriped as a 6-laner without shoulders and outer lanes were westbound exit/eastbound entrance lanes for the PA 611/Broad St. interchange.

Wow the Girard bridge was 2-2 lanes ?

No, the Girard Point Bridge was originally striped as 8-lanes without shoulders.  J&N was referring to each deck being striped as 4-lanes: 4 southbound upper-deck/4 northbound lower-deck.  If one looks closely; one can still see traces of the old lane configuration.

So was I-95 was widened ?

No.

Or it just went to three lanes after the bridge?

To a point, yes.  The 4th lanes likely were exit-only lanes for PA 611/Broad Street (exit 17) and Enterprise Ave. (Exit 15).

double decker instead of 2 bridges, that saved PA some money.

Such was out of necessity.  The take-off/approach paths to PHL's runways are in proximity to that bridge.

One thing I did notice on 95 NB are these lights before the tunnel, when was the last time these were functional Google Earth Link
https://earth.app.goo.gl/?apn=com.google.earth&ibi=com.google.b612&isi=293622097&ius=googleearth&link=https%3a%2f%2fearth.google.com%2fweb%2f%4039.94323419,-75.14284212,4.4629612a,0d,42.51123928y,355.07960868h,92.21014718t,0r%2fdata%3dCgAiGgoWNXUtQ0VYeUNrSV8tUWl5U1piYk5lURAC #googleearth


Edit: for those who dont have google earth

Within the last few months, PennDOT has installed/retrofitted LED lighting through those tunnels.  However, those installs/retrofits are spaced apart (i.e.not every fixture was used).

Sorry PHLBOS, I saw those new fixtures, I meant the ones right under the BGS, the old LEDs probably originally from the 1960's in person they look like down arrows.

I'll take a picture for the people, It was my first time on that road & it was very very curvy, dangerous if you're not looking lmao.

I noticed I read that wrong, they should re strip it back to 4 lanes each way, but maybe they changed it because of the amount of traffic that comes off the exits.

A city without a highway? Thats like rural areas without farms. Luckily we have them, but it makes me wonder, will we ever see a day where roads dont get jampacked during rush hour or is that really not possible due to people complaining & "money"  not being enough.



iPhone

[jeffandnicole]

double decker instead of 2 bridges, that saved PA some money.

Not necessarily.  A single bridge holding 8 lanes of traffic (as originally designed) needs to be significantly stronger than a bridge holding 4 lanes of traffic.  Double decking also means approach roadways have to be configured and bridged as well.  And building roads isn't always about the cheapest design.  The cheapest may not always be the best for the community, surrounding areas, or as PHLBOS mentioned, other nearby issues.

That all said, I wished 95 North was on top.  That would have made for a beautiful view of the South Philly Navy Yard, Sports Complex, and Center City off in the distance.  Instead, you see a bunch of bridge beams.

Sorry PHLBOS, I saw those new fixtures, I meant the ones right under the BGS, the old LEDs probably originally from the 1960's in person they look like down arrows.

I never recall a time when they were lit.  They would essentially be useless for such a short distance without any other warnings.

I'll take a picture for the people, It was my first time on that road & it was very very curvy, dangerous if you're not looking lmao.

Going North, the road is laser straight.  Going South, there's a slight incline/decline, and maybe a slight shift due to the ramps, but otherwise no curve.

I'll grant you it's a dangerous area though, with people trying to find their proper lanes for upcoming exits and speed differences of 30+ mph between the slowest and fastest drivers!

[PHLBOS]

Sorry PHLBOS, I saw those new fixtures, I meant the ones right under the BGS, the old LEDs probably originally from the 1960's in person they look like down arrows.

If you're referring to those over each lane, such are indeed lane-arrows; I've never seen them lit either... but I've only lived in the Delaware Valley since mid-1990.  Those lights date back to the 1970s when that stretch of I-95 was built.

A city without a highway? Thats like rural areas without farms. Luckily we have them, but it makes me wonder, will we ever see a day where roads dont get jampacked during rush hour or is that really not possible due to people complaining & "money"  not being enough.

You're mostly preaching to the choir in this forum on that subject.  Many of those that complain about highways overlook their benefits and, in many instances are flat-out hypocrites IMHO.

Case-and-point: I wonder how many of those the whined in protest about the Blue Route (I-476) in the Swarthmore area prior to it being built not only use that road to get to/from points north but complain about its traffic.  It was their complaints that triggered the narrowing to 4-lanes south of PA 3 (Exit 9) despite the unrestrained development that was taking place along its feeder roads (MacDade Blvd., Baltimore Pike, West Chester Pike (PA 3)).  Such was the reason why the vehicles counts soared up to it 20-year projections within its first year open.

[Tonytone]

Sorry PHLBOS, I saw those new fixtures, I meant the ones right under the BGS, the old LEDs probably originally from the 1960's in person they look like down arrows.

If you're referring to those over each lane, such are indeed lane-arrows; I've never seen them lit either... but I've only lived in the Delaware Valley since mid-1990.  Those lights date back to the 1970s when that stretch of I-95 was built.

1990, thats over 30 years now, have said roads improved? Or still the same, Ive seen some roads in PA where potholes look like they have been there since the 90's. As far as those lights under the sign, I wonder what they look like lit up & J&N why would they not work? You would be able to clearly see them lit up.

A city without a highway? Thats like rural areas without farms. Luckily we have them, but it makes me wonder, will we ever see a day where roads dont get jampacked during rush hour or is that really not possible due to people complaining & "money"  not being enough.

You're mostly preaching to the choir in this forum on that subject.  Many of those that complain about highways overlook their benefits and, in many instances are flat-out hypocrites IMHO.

Case-and-point: I wonder how many of those the whined in protest about the Blue Route (I-476) in the Swarthmore area prior to it being built not only use that road to get to/from points north but complain about its traffic.  It was their complaints that triggered the narrowing to 4-lanes south of PA 3 (Exit 9) despite the unrestrained development that was taking place along its feeder roads (MacDade Blvd., Baltimore Pike, West Chester Pike (PA 3)).  Such was the reason why the vehicles counts soared up to it 20-year projections within its first year open.
[/quote] But, you would think people would learn from past mistakes, if their parents said no to the highway & it caused issues, wouldn't the children to them now adults say yes to the improvements to fix these roads?! No we have problems on top of problems in infrastructure because people dont wanna give up 2 feet of land for 20 years of improvements.




iPhone

[Tonytone]

double decker instead of 2 bridges, that saved PA some money.

Not necessarily.  A single bridge holding 8 lanes of traffic (as originally designed) needs to be significantly stronger than a bridge holding 4 lanes of traffic.  Double decking also means approach roadways have to be configured and bridged as well.  And building roads isn't always about the cheapest design.  The cheapest may not always be the best for the community, surrounding areas, or as PHLBOS mentioned, other nearby issues.

That all said, I wished 95 North was on top.  That would have made for a beautiful view of the South Philly Navy Yard, Sports Complex, and Center City off in the distance.  Instead, you see a bunch of bridge beams.

That explains why the bridge bows to the right & then the left like that! I agree if NB was on the top it would make a already kinda good view 100x better, Atleast at night you can see the PHL International, the Barry Bridge,NJ & alot of over things, I know many of you have seen alll the lights at night its really beautiful.

Sorry PHLBOS, I saw those new fixtures, I meant the ones right under the BGS, the old LEDs probably originally from the 1960's in person they look like down arrows.

I never recall a time when they were lit.  They would essentially be useless for such a short distance without any other warnings.[/Quote] why would they not work, you would be able to see them clearly if they were lit up.

I'll take a picture for the people, It was my first time on that road & it was very very curvy, dangerous if you're not looking lmao.

Going North, the road is laser straight.  Going South, there's a slight incline/decline, and maybe a slight shift due to the ramps, but otherwise no curve.

I'll grant you it's a dangerous area though, with people trying to find their proper lanes for upcoming exits and speed differences of 30+ mph between the slowest and fastest drivers!
[/quote]
The road with the barrier is very curvy J&N look at the GSV from above. I think you're talking about the part when it goes by I-76.


iPhone

[PHLBOS]

If you're referring to those over each lane, such are indeed lane-arrows; I've never seen them lit either... but I've only lived in the Delaware Valley since mid-1990.  Those lights date back to the 1970s when that stretch of I-95 was built.

1990, thats over 30 years now, have said roads improved? Or still the same, Ive seen some roads in PA where potholes look like they have been there since the 90's. As far as those lights under the sign, I wonder what they look like lit up & J&N why would they not work? You would be able to clearly see them lit up.

29 years, 2020 is next year.  I-95 from I-676 southward really hasn't really changed too much since the early 1990s.  When I first moved here: the I-95/676 connection ramps weren't yet open (such opened when the Vine Expressway was fully completed), two of the I-95 South entrance ramps (one at Market St. the other at Morris St.) and the Penns Landing interchange (Exit 21) ramps weren't open yet either.  At that time, those along I-95 northbound heading towards Penns Landing exited off a ramp that dumped traffic onto Morris St. (that ramp was replaced with the current Exit 21 ramp).  Those along I-95 southbound had used Exit 22 but such only connected to Callowhill St. back then.

The 1991 opening of the eastern portion of I-676 and those ramps along the Penns Landing stretch of I-95 were a big deal back then.

Side bar: the steel truss arch for Girard Point Bridge has only been painted blue for about a decade.  Prior to that, it was painted standard DOT green.

A city without a highway? 

Case-and-point: I wonder how many of those the whined in protest about the Blue Route (I-476) in the Swarthmore area prior to it being built not only use that road to get to/from points north but complain about its traffic.  It was their complaints that triggered the narrowing to 4-lanes south of PA 3 (Exit 9) despite the unrestrained development that was taking place along its feeder roads (MacDade Blvd., Baltimore Pike, West Chester Pike (PA 3)).  Such was the reason why the vehicles counts soared up to it 20-year projections within its first year open.

But, you would think people would learn from past mistakes, if their parents said no to the highway & it caused issues, wouldn't the children to them now adults say yes to the improvements to fix these roads?! No we have problems on top of problems in infrastructure because people dont wanna give up 2 feet of land for 20 years of improvements.

Sadly, a lot of people don't learn from their history, and as a result similar mistakes are repeated again later on.  I've been around long enough to witness manifestations of such and I'm not just referring to roads & transportation-related subjects.

There's an old saying that's been quoted by many people over the years but Sir Winston Churchill's variation of the quote I like best and is spot on IMHO, "Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it."

[Tonytone]

If you're referring to those over each lane, such are indeed lane-arrows; I've never seen them lit either... but I've only lived in the Delaware Valley since mid-1990.  Those lights date back to the 1970s when that stretch of I-95 was built.

1990, thats over 30 years now, have said roads improved? Or still the same, Ive seen some roads in PA where potholes look like they have been there since the 90's. As far as those lights under the sign, I wonder what they look like lit up & J&N why would they not work? You would be able to clearly see them lit up.

29 years, 2020 is next year.  I-95 from I-676 southward really hasn't really changed too much since the early 1990s.  When I first moved here: the I-95/676 connection ramps weren't yet open (such opened when the Vine Expressway was fully completed), two of the I-95 South entrance ramps (one at Market St. the other at Morris St.) and the Penns Landing interchange (Exit 21) ramps weren't open yet either.  At that time, those along I-95 northbound heading towards Penns Landing exited off a ramp that dumped traffic onto Morris St. (that ramp was replaced with the current Exit 21 ramp).  Those along I-95 southbound had used Exit 22 but such only connected to Callowhill St. back then.

The 1991 opening of the eastern portion of I-676 and those ramps along the Penns Landing stretch of I-95 were a big deal back then.

Side bar: the steel truss arch for Girard Point Bridge has only been painted blue for about a decade.  Prior to that, it was painted standard DOT green.

A city without a highway? 

Case-and-point: I wonder how many of those the whined in protest about the Blue Route (I-476) in the Swarthmore area prior to it being built not only use that road to get to/from points north but complain about its traffic.  It was their complaints that triggered the narrowing to 4-lanes south of PA 3 (Exit 9) despite the unrestrained development that was taking place along its feeder roads (MacDade Blvd., Baltimore Pike, West Chester Pike (PA 3)).  Such was the reason why the vehicles counts soared up to it 20-year projections within its first year open.

But, you would think people would learn from past mistakes, if their parents said no to the highway & it caused issues, wouldn't the children to them now adults say yes to the improvements to fix these roads?! No we have problems on top of problems in infrastructure because people dont wanna give up 2 feet of land for 20 years of improvements.

Sadly, a lot of people don't learn from their history, and as a result similar mistakes are repeated again later on.  I've been around long enough to witness manifestations of such and I'm not just referring to roads & transportation-related subjects.

There's an old saying that's been quoted by many people over the years but Sir Winston Churchill's variation of the quote I like best and is spot on IMHO, "Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it."

I like that quote, its a good one & I will now store it in my memory for generations to come.

I assume every road in PA will have to be revamped in the coming years, From Chester part of I-95 to I-295 there are problems, they are fixing them but sheesh, when you start looking at all of them the list adds on. & now im just now realizing that I-676 has only been open for 30 years, they wont redo that part for another 50!!  I also remember when the bridge was green, didnt they just repaint it a couple years ago?


iPhone

[jeffandnicole]

I never recall a time when they were lit.  They would essentially be useless for such a short distance without any other warnings.

why would they not work, you would be able to see them clearly if they were lit up.

Where did I say they don't work?  I simply said I've never seen them lit.  Usually with lane arrows, you need more notice than just a single arrow or X.

And they are vastly undersized, especially with today's standards.  Here's a view of them here:  https://goo.gl/maps/fCb8jEWXhet .  Here's a view of the lane status displays on the Walt Whitman Bridge: https://goo.gl/maps/YWGH9DpdS2Q2 .  You can see how much larger modern signals are.

I'll take a picture for the people, It was my first time on that road & it was very very curvy, dangerous if you're not looking lmao.

Going North, the road is laser straight.  Going South, there's a slight incline/decline, and maybe a slight shift due to the ramps, but otherwise no curve.

I'll grant you it's a dangerous area though, with people trying to find their proper lanes for upcoming exits and speed differences of 30+ mph between the slowest and fastest drivers!

The road with the barrier is very curvy J&N look at the GSV from above. I think you're talking about the part when it goes by I-76.

Are we still talking about I-95 or another highway?  Here's a shot, zoomed in, of the unused lane arrows.  Where is there a curve?  Feel free to zoom out and go further back from these cut-and-cover tunnel decks to try to find any hint of a curve.

95 North:  https://goo.gl/maps/Em748vnDmkF2

95 South: https://goo.gl/maps/NgGm228fKou

[Tonytone]

I never recall a time when they were lit.  They would essentially be useless for such a short distance without any other warnings.

why would they not work, you would be able to see them clearly if they were lit up.

Where did I say they don't work?  I simply said I've never seen them lit.  Usually with lane arrows, you need more notice than just a single arrow or X.

And they are vastly undersized, especially with today's standards.  Here's a view of them here:  https://goo.gl/maps/fCb8jEWXhet .  Here's a view of the lane status displays on the Walt Whitman Bridge: https://goo.gl/maps/YWGH9DpdS2Q2 .  You can see how much larger modern signals are.

I'll take a picture for the people, It was my first time on that road & it was very very curvy, dangerous if you're not looking lmao.

Going North, the road is laser straight.  Going South, there's a slight incline/decline, and maybe a slight shift due to the ramps, but otherwise no curve.

I'll grant you it's a dangerous area though, with people trying to find their proper lanes for upcoming exits and speed differences of 30+ mph between the slowest and fastest drivers!

The road with the barrier is very curvy J&N look at the GSV from above. I think you're talking about the part when it goes by I-76.

Are we still talking about I-95 or another highway?  Here's a shot, zoomed in, of the unused lane arrows.  Where is there a curve?  Feel free to zoom out and go further back from these cut-and-cover tunnel decks to try to find any hint of a curve.

95 North:  https://goo.gl/maps/Em748vnDmkF2

95 South: https://goo.gl/maps/NgGm228fKou

I was talking about Lincoln drive with the granite Jersey barrier.

Also yea those arrows are small, but I figure kit up green or red they will catch eyes, Im sure in there time of use they were bright dull. If you know what I mean by that.


iPhone

[storm2k]

Was on the western part of the Schuylkill Expwy this weekend, west of the Conshohocken curve and near the Blue Route, and noticed that PennDOT is installing variable speed limit signs there. Actually saw a work crew out there doing an install near the Blue Route interchange. Are these being put in for the entire length of the road, or just by the Curve and into the Valley Forge interchange? I know that whole area of the "Surekill" is generally a parking lot, and was wondering what the plan was there.

[MASTERNC]

Was on the western part of the Schuylkill Expwy this weekend, west of the Conshohocken curve and near the Blue Route, and noticed that PennDOT is installing variable speed limit signs there. Actually saw a work crew out there doing an install near the Blue Route interchange. Are these being put in for the entire length of the road, or just by the Curve and into the Valley Forge interchange? I know that whole area of the "Surekill" is generally a parking lot, and was wondering what the plan was there.

The signs are going up from the Turnpike to Roosevelt Blvd.  They are also installing warning signs around the Curve to alert motorists of stopped traffic, and might be adding ramp meters and lane control signals to permit easier merging around 202 and 476.

http://transform76.com/

[Tonytone]

Was on the western part of the Schuylkill Expwy this weekend, west of the Conshohocken curve and near the Blue Route, and noticed that PennDOT is installing variable speed limit signs there. Actually saw a work crew out there doing an install near the Blue Route interchange. Are these being put in for the entire length of the road, or just by the Curve and into the Valley Forge interchange? I know that whole area of the "Surekill" is generally a parking lot, and was wondering what the plan was there.

The signs are going up from the Turnpike to Roosevelt Blvd.  They are also installing warning signs around the Curve to alert motorists of stopped traffic, and might be adding ramp meters and lane control signals to permit easier merging around 202 and 476.

http://transform76.com/

Yayyyyy, more ramp meters. We all know how excellent they work on I-476!!! Now this road will be flowing nicely. Great job Penndot. They should put ramp meters on all the philly streets aswell, Red or green, traffic is promised to flow better at Broad & Walnut if they do that!


iPhone

[jeffandnicole]

Was on the western part of the Schuylkill Expwy this weekend, west of the Conshohocken curve and near the Blue Route, and noticed that PennDOT is installing variable speed limit signs there. Actually saw a work crew out there doing an install near the Blue Route interchange. Are these being put in for the entire length of the road, or just by the Curve and into the Valley Forge interchange? I know that whole area of the "Surekill" is generally a parking lot, and was wondering what the plan was there.

The signs are going up from the Turnpike to Roosevelt Blvd.  They are also installing warning signs around the Curve to alert motorists of stopped traffic, and might be adding ramp meters and lane control signals to permit easier merging around 202 and 476.

http://transform76.com/

Yayyyyy, more ramp meters. We all know how excellent they work on I-476!!! Now this road will be flowing nicely. Great job Penndot. They should put ramp meters on all the philly streets aswell, Red or green, traffic is promised to flow better at Broad & Walnut if they do that!


iPhone

Do I detect a hint of sarcasm there?   LOL

For the amount of traffic already on the highway, I do agree though.  Ramp meters can bottleneck up traffic prior to it getting on the highway allowing for the highway to keep moving, but for the amount of traffic already on 76 coming from Center City or King of Prussia and the miles of congestion that already exists, the ramp meters aren't going to have much effect on reducing congestion.

[Tonytone]

Was on the western part of the Schuylkill Expwy this weekend, west of the Conshohocken curve and near the Blue Route, and noticed that PennDOT is installing variable speed limit signs there. Actually saw a work crew out there doing an install near the Blue Route interchange. Are these being put in for the entire length of the road, or just by the Curve and into the Valley Forge interchange? I know that whole area of the "Surekill" is generally a parking lot, and was wondering what the plan was there.

The signs are going up from the Turnpike to Roosevelt Blvd.  They are also installing warning signs around the Curve to alert motorists of stopped traffic, and might be adding ramp meters and lane control signals to permit easier merging around 202 and 476.

http://transform76.com/

Yayyyyy, more ramp meters. We all know how excellent they work on I-476!!! Now this road will be flowing nicely. Great job Penndot. They should put ramp meters on all the philly streets aswell, Red or green, traffic is promised to flow better at Broad & Walnut if they do that!


iPhone

Do I detect a hint of sarcasm there?   LOL

For the amount of traffic already on the highway, I do agree though.  Ramp meters can bottleneck up traffic prior to it getting on the highway allowing for the highway to keep moving, but for the amount of traffic already on 76 coming from Center City or King of Prussia and the miles of congestion that already exists, the ramp meters aren't going to have much effect on reducing congestion.

Yes plenty of sarcasm to go around [emoji23].

But really, they should save that money for adding another lane or for studies on how to improve the highway. You would think Ramp meters are pretty outdated by now. Next thing you know we are going to see Traffic lights on the 76


iPhone

[Tonytone]

Evidence on the Trolley Stations that were supposed to be @ the Ben Frank Bridge

https://www.phillyvoice.com/art-museum-ben-franklin-bridge/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app


iPhone

[PHLBOS]

Was on the western part of the Schuylkill Expwy this weekend, west of the Conshohocken curve and near the Blue Route, and noticed that PennDOT is installing variable speed limit signs there. Actually saw a work crew out there doing an install near the Blue Route interchange. Are these being put in for the entire length of the road, or just by the Curve and into the Valley Forge interchange? I know that whole area of the "Surekill" is generally a parking lot, and was wondering what the plan was there.

The signs are going up from the Turnpike to Roosevelt Blvd.  They are also installing warning signs around the Curve to alert motorists of stopped traffic, and might be adding ramp meters and lane control signals to permit easier merging around 202 and 476.

http://transform76.com/

Another item I saw in the link... Flex Lanes; lanes that will only be open/used when the conditions demand for such.  Without actually stating it; such sounds like a plan to utilize the breakdown shoulder for traffic use.  Truth be told, the 4-lane portion of I-76/Schuylkill Expressway has been obsolete for decades.  It was sized under the premise/assumption that other highways would later be built.  That said, the Flex Lane plan would likely mean that those lanes would be open to traffic close to 24/7.

[Tonytone]

Speed Cameras on Roosevelt Blvd, will this help or hurt?

https://www.reddit.com/r/philadelphia/comments/b183v3/bill_introduced_in_city_council_to_allow_speed/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app


iPhone

[jeffandnicole]

Was on the western part of the Schuylkill Expwy this weekend, west of the Conshohocken curve and near the Blue Route, and noticed that PennDOT is installing variable speed limit signs there. Actually saw a work crew out there doing an install near the Blue Route interchange. Are these being put in for the entire length of the road, or just by the Curve and into the Valley Forge interchange? I know that whole area of the "Surekill" is generally a parking lot, and was wondering what the plan was there.

The signs are going up from the Turnpike to Roosevelt Blvd.  They are also installing warning signs around the Curve to alert motorists of stopped traffic, and might be adding ramp meters and lane control signals to permit easier merging around 202 and 476.

http://transform76.com/

Another item I saw in the link... Flex Lanes; lanes that will only be open/used when the conditions demand for such.  Without actually stating it; such sounds like a plan to utilize the breakdown shoulder for traffic use.  Truth be told, the 4-lane portion of I-76/Schuylkill Expressway has been obsolete for decades.  It was sized under the premise/assumption that other highways would later be built.  That said, the Flex Lane plan would likely mean that those lanes would be open to traffic close to 24/7.

Yeah, definitely mean the shoulders there.  Normally it would be rush hours only, but the amount of traffic on 76 would dictate they're going to be open much of the day.

Traffic does dramatically decrease at night though, especially when no big events are going on.  Heck - I found my favorite time to be on the Schuylkill is about 6am on a Sunday.  80 mph is easily attainable then!  But that said, it's also common to find people going 50 or 55 mph poking along in the left lane at that time of day too.  Add a few more hours to the day with that type of congestion-causing traffic, and suddenly you have a jammed highway that should be moving well otherwise if it wasn't for LLDs.

Here's the big downside: Once you install them, it's tough to keep people off the shoulder when the lane is closed, regardless of the overhead indicator.  And according to the map they're going to be permitted in two areas, which means they're going to have people riding the shoulder in-between the active-shoulder lane areas.

Speed Cameras on Roosevelt Blvd, will this help or hurt?

When the majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by jaywalking, it's not going to help.  This is a problem of Philly's own making - they've reduced the speed limit to appease those that want the limit reduced, but as is traditionally the case, reducing the limit in of itself doesn't tend to have much effect on actual speeds.  If over 90% of the traffic is going 10 mph or more over the limit, the city is going to bring in a whole slew of money...at least at first.  But even if you got everyone to go at or under the speed limit, and pedestrians are still jaywalking, the problem will continue.