Lokay Lane by Jim Lokay

Updates!

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:33:14 GMT

By popular demand, here's a status report on some major arteries:

1. PARKWAY EAST - work continues during off-peak hours on rehab work from Churchill to Edgewood/Swissvale, although Churchill section looks to be resurfaced at long last. Work was suspended over the weekend, and I suspect it will be for Labor Day Weekend as well.

2. PARKWAY WEST - crews continue rehabbing Greentree Road overpass. Single lane closures happened during off-peak hours, and work will continue through the fall.

3. PARKWAY NORTH - inbound reconstruction continues. The big shift to the HOV lanes is expected to continue through mid-September. I'll believe it when I see it! However, there's still the issue of the HOV lanes being closed into downtown, starting at Venture Street. PennDOT seems to be content at keeping things status quo, although I'll keep you posted.

4. BOULEVARD OF THE ALLIES - bridge construction continues through November at the earliest. Forbes Avenue restrictions were lifted about a week ago, finally giving drivers an extra lane into Oakland. This change really did alleviate some spillover onto the Parkway East outbound lanes.

What else is vexing you? Let me know!

Oh, Boy! More Closures!

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:19:42 GMT

Route 88 south reopened over the weekend, to the collective relief of thousands of South Hills drivers.

However, some big changes are in store for city drivers, as well as people who use I-79.

McArdle Roadway

Starting today at 9 a.m., city crews are closing McArdle Roadway between South 9th Street and Windom. They'll be preparing for constructuon on that dilapidated McArdle Roadway bridge that's been a thorn in the sides of many for so long. It will remain closed until May 21st. Essentially, crews will do soil and rock borings under the bridge to get ready for the overhaul that's on the way -- but the drilling equipment will be blocking part of the main lanes. Arlington and Carson Street will be your alternates.

I-79 ramp at Mount Nebo Road

As the I-79 rehab work continues, the off-ramp at Mount Nebo Road on the southbound side is closed for roadwork through June. You'll just continue to the Glenfield interchange, exit the road, and re-join it northbound to Mount Nebo.

By the way, I saw a gas station over the weekend along Route 51 in Whitehall peddling the expensive stuff for about $4.15/gallon. It's coming, and I don't see any way we can avoid its inevitable arrival.

A Fresh Coat

Wed, 07 May 2008 15:29:11 GMT

You don't like yellow paint on your car, do you?

Good. Neither do I.

That being said, you'll have to watch out for the paint trucks. PennDOT says it will start repainting lines on many local roads, including the Parkways East and West, I-79, and the Crosstown (I-579.)

The work is slated to happen daily between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Here's what to expect, according to a PennDOT release:

PennDOT urges motorists to exercise caution and patience, and suggests allowing at least 250 feet (13 car lengths) behind line painting equipment to avoid damage. Motorists should avoid passing the paint vehicles unless directed by a paint crew member or flag person to do so. Passing too quickly can cause damage to fresh paint lines and may result in paint on the motorist’s vehicle. Line painting vehicles normally pull over every two and one-half miles or when safety permits. Recent technological advancements on the mix of formulas have produced fast dry paints that are dry to the touch within 2 to 3 minutes. It is crucial to stay off these lines during the curing period.

Motorists who accidentally get paint on their vehicles should immediately wash the paint off with a high-pressure water stream and detergent. Dried paint can be removed with de-natured alcohol and a soft cloth. Generally, PennDOT is not responsible for paint on vehicles.

I have a feeling we'll be running into some paint-related mishaps through the work period, which continues through June.