Lokay Lane by Jim Lokay

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.

Good News, Bad News

Mon, 05 May 2008 10:34:10 GMT

The good news: Route 28 blasting went with nary a hitch this weekend, it appears. Traffic was moving minutes later after an 8am blast broke up rocks along the hillside.

The bad news: We're now at about 2 hours and 30 minutes away from the Route 88 southbound closure. Remember, it closes at McNeilly Road and will remain shut down through Saturday night at 11 p.m.

More on Route 88...

Fri, 02 May 2008 10:31:19 GMT

Here's the "official" detour that PennDOT is suggesting to get around the Route 88 closure. Keep in mind that they can typically only refer drivers to state-owned and maintained roads, not local roads. Therefore, there's really nothing stopping you from finding your own way via local roads. My advice? Use the weekend to map out your own detour if you think the official route is out of your way.

Port Authority Wants You On Board

Fri, 02 May 2008 10:04:48 GMT

When Route 88 southbound closes on Monday morning, the Port Authority thinks you should take the "T" instead of trying to negotiate that circuitous detour through the South Hills. According to spokesman Dave Whipkey, the agency is trying to convince drivers to use a park-and-ride lot and hopping the trolley into town.

A press release says the parking is plentiful, with about 2,200 spots alone at the South Hills Village garage (altough parking will cost you a few bucks) and a few hundred at some of the other free lots. However, the big question is, will they put enough cars on the tracks to support the anticipated influx of new, albeit temporary passengers?

Monday will be an interesting test, even though the closure doesn't start until 9am -- and here's why. If there are drivers that do intend on giving up the morning commute for a few days, there's a good chance they're just going to give it a dry run on Monday (and I'm guessing it's more cost-effective to just buy a weekly pass.) Perhaps that might provide a better idea as to what's in store. Then again, you do have a few drivers who may ignore the warnings until it's too late. Who knows?

Trouble On Route 88

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:03:12 GMT

There's a big change on the horizon for drivers in the South Hills. A stretch of Route 88 is closing next week for reconstruction.

Granted, it's only 5 days, but the effects are going to be wide ranging. John Shumway had the story last night (http://kdka.com/video/?id=40743@kdka.dayport.com), but here's the lowdown:

- Route 88 (Library Road) SOUTHBOUND ONLY closes Monday, May 5th at 9am until Saturday, May 10th at 11pm.

- Crews will finish intersection realignment, drainage, and some other related roadwork.

And you're wondering, "Well, how the heck will I get around it?" Here you go, from PennDOT:

- Turn right off of Route 88 onto McNeilly Road

- Take McNeilly to Pioneer Avenue

- Left onto Pioneer, left onto southbound Route 19 (West Liberty Avenue and Washington Road)

- Turn left off of Route 19 onto Connor Road

- Connor Road rejoins Route 88

Seems the consensus will be that it's going to be messy. We'll try to keep you updated on the morning show. If you travel this road and would like to help out your fellow commuters by being a Traffic Spotter, drop me an email at jlokay@kdka.com.