http://gvftma.com/news/news_stories_list.aspx Check back often for the latest news and events. 0 http://gvftma.com/News/NIGHTTIME-LANE-RESTRICTIONS-ON-I-76-IN-PHILADELPHIA-FOR-OVERHEAD-BRIDGE-WORK-nwMFT_80.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/NIGHTTIME-LANE-RESTRICTIONS-ON-I-76-IN-PHILADELPHIA-FOR-OVERHEAD-BRIDGE-WORK-nwMFT_80.aspx Overnight lane closures are scheduled next week (Oct. 13-17) on Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) between the South Street and Interstate 676 interchanges in Philadelphia for overhead bridge construction, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) said today. Westbound I-76 will be reduced from two lanes to one on Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 13-14) from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning. Eastbound I-76 will be reduced from two lanes to one on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (Oct. 15-16-17) from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning. The lane closure will be in place for the removal of protective shielding from the overhead Schuylkill Avenue structure and the installation of new downspouts. The work schedule is dependent on the weather. This operation is part of PennDOT's $17.9 million project to rehabilitate the JFK Boulevard Bridge over the Schuylkill River and to make structural repairs to the deck carrying Schuylkill Avenue over I-76. Construction began in early April and is scheduled to finish in February 2009. 10/10/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/WB-I-76-DOWN-TO-ONE-LANE-THIS-WEEKEND-nwMFT_79.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/WB-I-76-DOWN-TO-ONE-LANE-THIS-WEEKEND-nwMFT_79.aspx Westbound Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) will be reduced to one lane at the University Avenue/Grays Ferry Avenue Interchange (Exit 346B) in Philadelphia from 10 p.m. Friday (Oct. 10) to 5 a.m. Monday (Oct. 13) for the placement of a new concrete surface on the adjoining nine-span and 16-span bridges carrying the expressway over the Schuylkill River, CSX railroad tracks, Grays Ferry Avenue and 34th Street, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) said today. PennDOT is urging motorists to use SEPTA or take alternate routes this weekend instead of traveling west on I-76 between the Walt Whitman Bridge and University Avenue to avoid lengthy backups and delays. Instead of using this stretch of westbound I-76, PennDOT advises drivers to follow Interstate 95 North to Interstate 676 West to reach I-76 in Philadelphia, or take I-95 South to Interstate 476 North to arrive at I-76 in Montgomery County. In conjunction with the bridge operation, the Vare Avenue ramp to westbound I-76 will be closed from 10 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 9) to 5 a.m. Monday (Oct. 13) because the ramp enters the expressway on the structure over Grays Ferry Avenue. A posted detour will take motorists over University Avenue, 38th Street, Market Street and Schuylkill Avenue to reach I-76 West. This coming weekend is the first of three weekends this year when westbound I-76 will be down to one lane for the placement of a new concrete overlay on the two bridges. The single-lane westbound pattern also is scheduled to be in place the weekends of October 31-November 3 and November 7-10. In 2009, I-76 will be down to one lane on nine weekends. "Motorists need to find another way to travel through the city on the selected weekends when I-76 is reduced to one lane at University Avenue to avoid lengthy delays," PennDOT District Executive Lester Toaso said. "We will utilize our message boards and coordinate with our transportation partners to notify drivers of the single-lane condition so they can choose to take an alternate route." Toaso added that the work weekends are being scheduled as best as possible to avoid major events in the city and at the sports complex in South Philadelphia. "We plan to begin work Friday at 10 p.m. since the Phillies' playoff game starts in the late afternoon, but we'll be sensitive to traffic flow in case the game goes into extra innings and finishes later than expected," he said. PennDOT will have a tow truck on site throughout the weekend to assist stranded motorists and to quickly remove disabled vehicles from the I-76 construction area. Weather permitting, crews will work weekends to replace expansion joints, remove one inch of old concrete pavement from the bridges and place a new one-inch concrete overlay on the structures. The concrete resurfacing and joint replacements will make the bridge decks water tight and extend the life of the decks 25 years. The concrete resurfacing operation is part of PennDOT's $24 million project to rehabilitate and repair the two bridges. Construction began last March and is scheduled to finish in October 2009. The improvements consist of structural steel repair and painting; bridge wall replacement; and bridge deck repair and resurfacing. Toaso said both bridges were in serious need of attention due to the deteriorated condition of their bridge decks, steel beams and related structural components that support the roadway. Both bridges were categorized as structurally deficient. Built in the mid-1950s, the I-76 Bridge over Schuylkill River is 1,750 feet long and the I-76 Bridge over Grays Ferry Avenue is 1,630 feet long. Both bridges are 64 feet wide. The bridges carry two lanes of eastbound and westbound traffic. I-76 carries 129,000 vehicles a day in the area of the University Avenue/Grays Ferry Avenue Interchange. The expressway's posted advisory speed in the construction zone is 40 miles per hour. Buckley and Company of Philadelphia is the general contractor on the $23,949,427 million project that is financed with 90 percent federal and 10 state funds. 10/8/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/LOCAL-GOVERNMENTS-ENCOURAGED-TO-TAKE-ADVANTAGE-OF-ROADWAY-MAINTENANCE-TRAINING-nwMFT_77.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/LOCAL-GOVERNMENTS-ENCOURAGED-TO-TAKE-ADVANTAGE-OF-ROADWAY-MAINTENANCE-TRAINING-nwMFT_77.aspx Municipalities across Pennsylvania are encouraged to take full advantage of the technical transportation expertise, road maintenance training courses and other services offered through PennDOT's local technical assistance program, or LTAP, said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. "PennDOT has been in the road maintenance business a long time and, because we're a state agency, we often have access to new technologies, methods and procedures that many municipalities do not," Biehler said. "Through LTAP, we're able to share the knowledge gained through years of experience as well as resources garnered from other states - and even other countries with local governments." Since 1983, the PennDOT LTAP has been providing a knowledge base for local governments. One of the most popular services is training courses that discuss topics that range from winter maintenance, to work zone traffic control, to managing roadside vegetation. In addition to regularly scheduled courses held around the state, municipalities can also request to have courses taught at their own sites. Local governments requesting their own course must guarantee at least 10 participants from either their own municipality or from surrounding communities. Most courses offered through the program are free. However, a per-person fee is charged if specialized training materials must be purchased or if equipment or space must be leased. LTAP also gives local governments free access to engineers and other technical specialists to help troubleshoot specific roadway or highway safety maintenance concerns. Through this service, local governments have access to professionals who will help them solve specific issues that their communities may be struggling with, such as drainage or traffic control. All courses and other materials offered though LTAP are approved by PennDOT and courses are taught by knowledgeable and experienced instructors through a contract with the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors. LTAP was started in 1982 by the Federal Highway Administration to provide local agencies with information and training programs to address the maintenance of local roadways and bridges. Pennsylvania was one of the first 10 LTAP programs to be launched. To learn more about LTAP, visit www.ltap.state.pa.usor call 1-800-FOR-LTAP (1-800-367-5827). Local government staff can e-mail LTAP at ltap@state.pa.us@state.pa.us>.@state.pa.us> 10/7/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/I-76-Night-Work-nwMFT_78.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/I-76-Night-Work-nwMFT_78.aspx Overnight lane closures are scheduled this week on Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) between the South Street and Interstate 676 interchanges in Philadelphia for overhead bridge construction, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) said today. Westbound I-76 will be reduced from two lanes to one tonight and Wednesday (Oct. 7-8) from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning. On Thursday and Friday (Oct. 9-10), eastbound I-76 will be down to one lane from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning. The restriction will be in place while crews remove protective shielding from the overhead Schuylkill Avenue structure. The contractor's schedule has been adjusted so it does not impact traffic flow following the Phillies' playoff game Thursday night. The work schedule is dependent on the weather. This operation is part of PennDOT's $17.9 million project to rehabilitate the JFK Boulevard Bridge over the Schuylkill River and to make structural repairs to the deck carrying Schuylkill Avenue over I-76. Construction began in early April and is scheduled to finish in February 2009. 10/7/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/KING-OF-PRUSSIA-EXPLORES-POSSIBILITY-OF-BUSINESS-IMPROVEMENT-DISTRICT-nwMFT_76.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/KING-OF-PRUSSIA-EXPLORES-POSSIBILITY-OF-BUSINESS-IMPROVEMENT-DISTRICT-nwMFT_76.aspx A group of business property owners have gathered to investigate the feasibility of establishing a business improvement district in Upper Merion Township. A new Web site has been created that details information of creating a Business Improvement District in King of Prussia – www.kingofprussiadistrict.com. A business improvement district, which has been implemented in such local communities as Ardmore, City Avenue, Center City, Jenkintown and West Chester, is an organizing and financing organization established to provide services to a business district that extend beyond the level of services provided by the local government. These services include capital improvements, enhanced maintenance, street lighting or beautification, or business promotion and special events. “Business Improvement Districts have been very successful throughout the United States and our region. There focus is different depending upon the area in which they serve, however what they all work on is to make the area in which they serve thrive and remain competitive in our ever changing global economy. We are happy to assist Upper Merion Township with the development of this website so that it provides the business owners and residents up to date information on BID’s and updated meeting information,” said Rob Henry, Executive Director of GVF Transportation. There are a number of benefits that residents of a business improvement district will see. Areas that have implemented them often see an increase in property values, increase in modes of public transportation and improved signage and streetscaping. For more information about the proposed King of Prussia Business Improvement District, log onto www.kingofprussiadistrict.com. GVF Transportation is a not not-for-profit membership organization that works to enhance mobility and safety through the reduction of congestion and pollution. GVF Transportation helps to promote the area's orderly growth, sustain its quality of life and ensure its continued economic vitality. 10/6/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/DEER-STARTING-TO-MAKE-UNWELCOME-APPEARANCES-ON-PENNSYLVANIA-ROADS-nwMFT_75.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/DEER-STARTING-TO-MAKE-UNWELCOME-APPEARANCES-ON-PENNSYLVANIA-ROADS-nwMFT_75.aspx As daylight hours shrink, drivers are reminded to be on the lookout for white-tailed deer darting onto roads across Pennsylvania, said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. “We typically see an increase in the number of deer-related crashes at this time of year,” Biehler said. “Deer are very unpredictable, but motorists can reduce their risk of being involved in a crash with a deer by driving defensively and staying alert, especially when driving between dusk and dawn.” Deer are most active during the fall, particularly between sunset and sunrise. According to statistics, 46 percent of all reportable crashes involving a deer in the past five years have occurred in the months of October and November, with 90 percent occurring in clear weather. Last year, there were 2,482 crashes statewide involving deer, resulting in 596 injuries and eight fatalities. During the fall, deer move around more, travel longer distances and are less wary of their surroundings, increasing the potential for collisions with vehicles. The possibility of a deer-related crash further increases in October as thousands of hunters take to the woods for the opening of archery and small game seasons. Motorists and hunters can help increase their safety by following a few safety tips: • Be on the alert for hunters entering the woods early in the morning and leaving in the late evening hours; • Slow down and use caution, particularly where deer crossing signs are posted; • Hunters should be certain that their vehicles are pulled as far off the roadway as possible and remember that parking along limited access highways is prohibited except for emergencies; • If you are walking along the roadway, wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight or a glow stick to help increase your visibility; • Since deer often travel in small herds, one deer crossing a roadway will usually be followed by others; • Increase following distance between vehicles; • Morning and late evening hours are the most active for wildlife; • Be sure to make young drivers aware of the increased deer movement; • Seek permission before parking on private property; • Always wear your seatbelt; • Never drink and drive; and • If your wipers are on, your headlights must be on. This is required by state law. To report a dead deer on state roads, motorists can call 1-800-FIX-ROAD. 10/3/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/PENNDOT-ENCOURAGES-MOTORISTS-TO--STEER-CLEAR--nwMFT_73.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/PENNDOT-ENCOURAGES-MOTORISTS-TO--STEER-CLEAR--nwMFT_73.aspx To improve safety during roadside incidents, PennDOT is reminding motorists to move over. The "steer clear" law requires drivers to move over or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop or disabled vehicle. If drivers cannot move over because of traffic or other conditions, they must reduce their speed. "This is a very important law because it can save lives," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. "While it may seem like common sense, many motorists speed by these incidents. We need all drivers to remember to move over since this law is designed to provide added safety for those people responding to situations along our roadways." Motorists must move over or reduce their speed when they see emergency responders, including law enforcement, fire officials, emergency medical technicians, tow truck operators or highway workers. The law applies any time an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing or where road crews or emergency personnel have lighted flares, posted signs or other traffic control devices. Failure to move over or slow down can result in a summary offense that carries a fine of up to $250. In addition, fines will be doubled for traffic violations occurring in these areas. If that violation leads to a worker being injured, a 90-day license suspension could result. In cases where law enforcement may not be present, the law allows road workers and emergency responders to report violations by motorists. Law enforcement can issue citations based on these reports. More than 1,800 citations have been issued since the law went into effect in 2006. For more information regarding the "steer clear" law, visit: www.dot.state.pa.us. 10/2/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/I-476-Night-Lane-Closures-nwMFT_74.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/I-476-Night-Lane-Closures-nwMFT_74.aspx Overnight lane closures will occur next week on Interstate 476 in Delaware and Montgomery counties for conduit installation and construction of crossover lanes in the median, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) said today. PennDOT advises motorists to allow additional time to travel through the work areas. Weather permitting, the contractor's schedule is: * Sunday through Wednesday (Oct. 5-8) from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., I-476's northbound and southbound left lanes will be closed between the Interstate 76 and Ridge Pike interchanges in Montgomery County to build cross-over lanes in the median. * Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 6-7) from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., I-476's northbound and southbound right lanes will be closed just north of the MacDade Boulevard Interchange in Delaware County for conduit installation. * Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct. 7-8) from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., I-476's northbound and southbound right lanes will be closed just south of the I-76 Interchange in Montgomery County for conduit installation. * Thursday and Friday (Oct. 9-10) from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., I-476's northbound and southbound right lanes will be closed at the Ridge Pike Interchange in Montgomery County for conduit installation. The night work is part of PennDOT's $47,438,576 project to rehabilitate the I-476 Bridge over the Schuylkill River in West Conshohocken Borough and Plymouth Township, and to install new Intelligent Transportation System equipment along the highway. Construction on the bridge will start in early 2009 and finish in late 2010. 10/2/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/TURNPIKE-LANE-CLOSURES-AND-15-MINUTE-STOPPAGES--EASTBOUND-AND-WESTBOUND--IN-THE-VICINITY-OF-THE-VALLEY-FORGE-INTERCHANGE---326----nwMFT_69.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/TURNPIKE-LANE-CLOSURES-AND-15-MINUTE-STOPPAGES--EASTBOUND-AND-WESTBOUND--IN-THE-VICINITY-OF-THE-VALLEY-FORGE-INTERCHANGE---326----nwMFT_69.aspx The Pennsylvania Turnpike is advising motorists that from Tuesday, September 30, through Thursday, October 2, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. and Friday, October 3, between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. there will be varying lane closures eastbound and westbound when approaching the Valley Forge Interchange (Exit #326) while construction crews remove temporary barriers and continue milling and paving operations. In addition to the lane closures, there is one 15-minute stoppage scheduled for tonight (westbound), Thursday (eastbound and westbound), Friday (eastbound) and two 15-minutes stoppages on Wednesday (eastbound and westbound) between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Motorists should be prepared for stop and go traffic during the roadwork. Motorists are urged to use extra caution when approaching and entering construction zones and obey posted speed limits. Speed limits will be enforced and fines doubled. Motorists are well advised to take extra care and not speed through road work sites. Under state law: Fines for driving violations in active work zones, marked by flashing lights, are doubled. Motorists traveling 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit can lose their driver's licenses for 15 days. Points assessed to motorists' driving records are doubled for work zone infractions. Some work zones have signs requiring motorists to turn on headlights. 10/1/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/SEPTA-to-Display-Mock-Up-of-New-Silverliner-V--nwMFT_70.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/SEPTA-to-Display-Mock-Up-of-New-Silverliner-V--nwMFT_70.aspx Event: SEPTA GM Offers the Public to “Steel” a Peek into the Future with New Silverliner Mock-Up Display at Suburban Station Date: October 2, 2008 Time: noon Place: SEPTA Suburban Station-“Track O” 16th and JFK Boulevard Phila., PA Details: SEPTA General Manager Joseph Casey will personally welcome the public to get a glimpse of SEPTA’s future regional rail cars with a display of a mock-up version of the new Silverliner V car at Suburban Station on Thursday, October 2 during a special ceremony beginning at noon. The mock-up of the Silverliner V car will remain on display at Suburban Station from October 2 through October 16 (weekdays only ) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to provide an extended opportunity for everyone to “steel” a peek into the future of SEPTA. The mock-up was built to help engineers in the design and manufacturing process for the fleet of commuter rail cars ordered by SEPTA from United Transit Systems, a consortium of Hyundai Rotem of South Korea and Sojitz Corporation of America. Scheduled to begin delivery next year, the new rail cars will help SEPTA provide an improved, more comfortable experience for riders by incorporating advanced elements into the design and adding much-needed capacity to accommodate SEPTA’s ever-growing ridership. In addition, while the mock-up itself will not carry passengers, it plays a critical role in development of the pilot car, a working rail car that will undergo extensive testing to ensure the safest, most comfortable ride for SEPTA passengers possible. The fleet of 120 Silverliner V rail cars is being specially designed to meet the needs of the SEPTA system and its ridership, so careful planning, analysis and testing are essential to the success of the project. SEPTA expects the Silverliner V pilot car to arrive in Philadelphia in the spring, when SEPTA engineers will thoroughly inspect and test the car before approving final production of the full fleet. 10/1/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/I-76-Weekend-Long-Lane-Closure-nwMFT_71.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/I-76-Weekend-Long-Lane-Closure-nwMFT_71.aspx FIRST OF 12 WEEKEND-LONG LANE CLOSURES ON I-76 AT UNIVERSITY AVENUE SCHEDULED OCT. 10-13 MOTORISTS URGED TO USE ALTERNATE ROUTES TO AVOID MAJOR DELAYS DUE TO SINGLE-LANE TRAFFIC PATTERN VARE AVENUE RAMP TO I-76 WEST TO CLOSE FIRST WEEKEND PHILADELPHIA - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that westbound Interstate 76 in Philadelphia will be restricted to one lane at the University Avenue/Grays Ferry Avenue Interchange (Exit 346B) from 10 p.m. Friday, October 10 to 5 a.m. Monday, October 13 for the placement of a new concrete surface on the adjoining nine-span and 16-span bridges carrying the expressway over the Schuylkill River, CSX railroad tracks, Grays Ferry Avenue and 34th Street. The second weekend in October marks the first of three weekends this year when westbound I-76 will be down to one lane for the placement of a new concrete overlay on the two bridges. The single-lane westbound pattern also will occur the weekends of October 31-November 3 and November 7-10. In 2009, I-76 will be down to one lane on nine weekends. Weather permitting, crews will work weekends to replace expansion joints, remove one inch of old concrete pavement from the bridges and place a new one-inch concrete overlay on the structures. The concrete resurfacing and joint replacements will make the bridge decks water tight and extend the life of the decks 25 years. "Closing a lane on the Schuylkill Expressway for an entire weekend is certainly out of the ordinary, but there isn't enough room on the bridges to resurface the decks safely without closing a travel lane," PennDOT District Executive Lester C. Toaso said. Toaso urged motorists to use SEPTA or take alternate routes instead of traveling on I-76 in this part of the city to avoid lengthy backups and delays during the work weekends. He recommended that drivers, especially those coming from the sports complex in South Philadelphia, follow Interstate 95 North to Interstate 676 West to reach I-76 in Philadelphia, or take I-95 South to Interstate 476 North to arrive at I-76 in Montgomery County. "Motorists need to find another way to travel through the city on the selected weekends when I-76 is down to one lane at University Avenue," Toaso said. "We will utilize our message boards and coordinate with our transportation partners to notify drivers of the single-lane condition so they can choose to take an alternate route. "We are scheduling the work weekends as best as possible to avoid major events in the city and at the sports complex in South Philadelphia," he added. "With the Phillies playoff run starting this afternoon, we'll be monitoring the Phillies' home dates to determine if work schedule adjustments need to be made." PennDOT will have a tow truck on site throughout the work weekends to assist stranded motorists and to quickly remove disabled vehicles from the I-76 construction area. In conjunction with the bridge operation, the Vare Avenue ramp to westbound I-76 will close from 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9 to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13 because the ramp enters the expressway on the structure over Grays Ferry Avenue. A posted detour will take motorists over University Avenue, 38th Street, Market Street and Schuylkill Avenue to reach I-76 West. In 2009, I-76 will be down to one lane in one direction at the University Avenue/Grays Ferry Avenue Interchange on nine weekends to complete the concrete resurfacing of the bridges. Eastbound I-76 will be reduced to one lane on three weekends in the spring and three weekends in the fall; westbound I-76 will be down to one lane on three weekends in the fall. The concrete resurfacing operation is part of PennDOT's $24 million project to rehabilitate and repair the two bridges. Construction began last March and is scheduled to finish in October 2009. The improvements consist of structural steel repair and painting; bridge wall replacement; and bridge deck repair and resurfacing. Toaso said both bridges were in serious need of attention due to the deteriorated condition of their bridge decks, steel beams and related structural components that support the roadway. Both bridges were categorized as structurally deficient. Built in the mid-1950s, the I-76 Bridge over Schuylkill River is 1,750 feet long and the I-76 Bridge over Grays Ferry Avenue is 1,630 feet long. Both bridges are 64 feet wide. The bridges carry two lanes of eastbound and westbound traffic. I-76 carries 129,000 vehicles a day in the area of the University Avenue/Grays Ferry Avenue Interchange. The expressway's posted advisory speed in the construction zone is 40 miles per hour. Buckley and Company of Philadelphia is the general contractor on the $23,949,427 million project that is financed with 90 percent federal and 10 state funds. 10/1/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/PENNDOT-REMINDS-DRIVERS-OF-FALL-HAZARDS-nwMFT_72.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/PENNDOT-REMINDS-DRIVERS-OF-FALL-HAZARDS-nwMFT_72.aspx PennDOT reminds motorists that the change in season warrants cautious driving. As fair weather fades, road hazards such as wet leaves, frost, and glare from sunlight during morning and evening rush hours can make driving more hazardous. “As we transition into fall, nature presents drivers with some unique seasonal challenges,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. “Motorists need to slow down and pay closer attention to their surroundings. Increasing following distances and allowing extra room for stopping helps to decrease your chances of being involved in a crash.” Some fall hazards are predictable, such as the times for sunrise and sunset more closely align with morning and evening rush hours. Intense glare from the sun on the horizon can blind a driver, causing an unexpected traffic slowdown. Drivers can prepare for the glare by keeping a set of sun glasses handy and removing clutter from their sun visors. A less predictable but still manageable hazard is leaves on the roadway. Leaves make driving more dangerous by obscuring traffic lines and other pavement markings. Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice on the roadway. Motorists should slow down and use extra caution on leaf-covered roadways. As overnight temperatures dip toward freezing, morning frost and icy spots on the road can also be a hazard. Motorists should pay particular attention to bridges, overpasses and shaded areas on roadways where icy spots can form on the pavement. In addition to exercising caution while driving, motorists should clear their ’vehicles’ windows of frost before travel. PennDOT offers the following fall driving tips: • Increase your following distance in severe weather, at dusk and dawn and when in an area with wet leaves. If you are being tailgated, let the other driver pass. • Check your vehicle’s headlights, taillights and turn signals to ensure they are working properly since darkness will be a part of many driver’s morning and/or evening commutes. If your vehicle is not equipped with a sensor, make sure you turn on your headlights as the sunlight fades. • Have your vehicle’s heating and wiper systems checked to ensure they are working properly. As a reminder, under Pennsylvania law, when your wipers are on, your headlights must also be on. • Be sure you have tires with sufficient tread depth in case of an early season snow. 10/1/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/GVF-TRANSPORTATION-WELCOMES-NEW-MEMBER-EAGLE-WIRELESS-nwMFT_66.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/GVF-TRANSPORTATION-WELCOMES-NEW-MEMBER-EAGLE-WIRELESS-nwMFT_66.aspx GVF Transportation is pleased to announce that Eagle Wireless, a Horsham-based provider of wireless communications, has joined the list of 100-plus partners dedicated to decreasing congestion and increasing mobility throughout the Delaware Valley. Eagle Wireless is a distributor of a product called Network Fleet, which is a wireless communication device that is installed in fleet vehicles and reduces a vehicle's idle time, improves vehicle maintenance, reduces speeding, monitors emissions and optimizes routing. The features of Network Fleet helps companies reduce harmful emissions while lowering fuel consumption and maintenance expenses. “Network Fleet is a valuable tool in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and GVF Transportation is excited to partner with Eagle Wireless to get the word out about a product that can revolutionize the way fleets operate and deliver goods,” GVF Transportation Executive Director Rob Henry said. To find out more about Eagle Wireless and Network Fleet, call 215-672-0575 or log onto www.networkcar.com. Becoming a member of GVF Transportation is a wise investment for any company or organization. GVF Transportation is a not not-for-profit membership organization that works to enhance mobility and safety through the reduction of congestion and pollution. GVF Transportation helps to promote the area's orderly growth, sustain its quality of life and ensure its continued economic vitality. For more information about GVF Transportation and its services or to learn more about becoming a member, log onto www.gvftma.com or call 610-354-8899. 9/30/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/Night-Closure-of-South-Gulph-Rd.-in-MontCo-nwMFT_67.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/Night-Closure-of-South-Gulph-Rd.-in-MontCo-nwMFT_67.aspx Overnight closures will occur next week on South Gulph Road where it passes underneath Interstate 76 in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced.On Monday through Thursday (Sept. 29-Oct. 2) from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., South Gulph Road will be closed and detoured between Trinity Road and Swedeland Road. A posted detour will take motorists over Trinity Road and Swedeland Road.Work on the I-76 bridge over South Gulph Road is part of a $3.5 million project to rehabilitate and re-anchor protective barriers on eight bridges along I-76 in Lower Merion and Upper Merion townships. 9/30/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/Williamson-Road---Black-Rock-Road-to-Youngs-Ford-Road---10-13-08---10-15-08-nwMFT_65.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/Williamson-Road---Black-Rock-Road-to-Youngs-Ford-Road---10-13-08---10-15-08-nwMFT_65.aspx Commencing Monday, October 13th, Williamson Road will be closed to thru traffic from Black Rock Road to Youngs Ford Road between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for road repairs which require excavating the intersection of Williamson at Black Rock. Detour signs will be posted. It is anticipated the project will be completed on Wednesday, October 15th. Residents and emergency vehicles will have access during the construction project. Door hangers will be distributed to notify the residents. 9/26/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/TRAVEL-ADVISORY---TURNPIKE-ENTRANCE-RAMP-AT-VALLEY-FORGE-nwMFT_63.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/TRAVEL-ADVISORY---TURNPIKE-ENTRANCE-RAMP-AT-VALLEY-FORGE-nwMFT_63.aspx The Pennsylvania Turnpike is advising motorists that on Thursday, September 25 from 10 p.m. to midnight the Turnpike entrance ramp at the Valley Forge Interchange (#326) that is accessible from Conrad Blvd. in front of the King of Prussia Plaza Mall (across from Sears), will be closed while Upper Merion Township construction crews work in the area. Motorists can instead access the Turnpike by using the I-76 ramp from Rt. 202. 9/24/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/Rideshare-OptionTop-of-Min-for-Commuters-and-Businesses-Alike-According-to-the-Association-of-Commuter-Transportation--ACT--nwMFT_64.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/Rideshare-OptionTop-of-Min-for-Commuters-and-Businesses-Alike-According-to-the-Association-of-Commuter-Transportation--ACT--nwMFT_64.aspx Business is booming for members of the National Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT). Members of the association were polled last month to gauge the level of increased program activity as a result of increased gas costs. Across the country, those ACT members who provide carpool programs, vanpool programs, or commuter benefit program support to businesses indicated a significant boost in program participation in recent months. Highlighted below is a sample of responses received from ACT members: . The Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association in Princeton, NJ reported at 300% increase in carpool applications received and registered carpools as well as a 20% increase in vanpools on the road. They also report a 45% increase in businesses actively promoting commuter programs. . 511 Contra Costa in Sacramento, CA indicated a 50% increase in carpool program applications and incentive participation as well as a ~25% increase in vanpooling during the same period in 2007. More encouraging is a reported 60% increase in business activity to implement demand management programs. . TREK Transportation Management Association in Houston, TX reported a 50% increase in carpool matching applications over last year. They also report 50% more vanpool applications and roughly 25% more vans on the road compared to last year. Finally, they reported 30% more businesses taking an interest in learning about and/or offering commuter benefits for their employees. . The Denver Regional Council of Governments in Denver, CO reported a 156% increase in carpool requests from May 07 to May 08. They also reported an 18% increase in vanpool information requests and a 64% increase in telework programs. . The County of Orange Commuter Assistance in Diamond Bar, CA indicated a 70% increase in carpool applications and 10% increase in vanpool applications. . Pierce Transit in Lakewood, WA reported a 36% increase in inquiries to form or join a vanpool. . Baltimore and Carroll County Rideshare in Baltimore, MD reported a 30% increase in carpool applications as well as a 50% increase in inquiries from businesses in the area regarding commuter programs. . Commuteride at the ADA County Highway District in Boise, ID reported a 30% increase in business activity toward implementing commuter programs. . Bay Area Commuter Services in Tampa, FL cite a 120% increase in rideshare applications over FY08 and a 14% increase in vanpool interest since December 2007. . Westchester County Dept. of Transportations TDM and Passenger Services in Mount Vernon, NY reports a 41.7% increase in carpool participation over a two-month period as well as a 22% increase in vanpool interest. They also cite a 15% increase in corporate worksite requests for commuter program information. . The Centre Area Transportation Authority in State College, PA reported a 65% increase in rideshare applications as well as a 100% increase in vanpool start-ups. . King County Metros Rideshare Operations Department in Seattle, WA cite a 51% increase in rideshare applications and a 14% increase in commuter vans in operation over FY07. . A Better City Transportation Management Association in Boston, MA reported a 139% increase in rideshare interest along with a 50% increase in business promoting commuter programs. . HART Transportation Management Association in Flemington, NJ state a 34% increase in carpool activities over FY07 and a 25% increase in the number of business promoting demand management strategies. . National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Triangle Park, NC report a 33% increase in telework program participation. The Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) is a 25-year-old non-profit organization representing over 800 regional agencies, nonprofit organizations and private businesses who share a commitment to developing balanced, effective transportation systems around the country and providing travel choices for all Americans. For information about the Association of Commuter Transportation (ACT) including locating an ACT Chapters near you, visit www.actweb.org. For information regarding the above activities reported by the ACT membership, please contact ACT President, Jon Martz at 248-597-3519. 9/24/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/MAINLINE-LANE-CLOSURES-AND-15-MINUTE-STOPPAGE-IN-BOTH-DIRECTIONS-IN-THE-VICINITY-OF-THE-VALLEY-FORGE-INTERCHANGE---326----nwMFT_61.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/MAINLINE-LANE-CLOSURES-AND-15-MINUTE-STOPPAGE-IN-BOTH-DIRECTIONS-IN-THE-VICINITY-OF-THE-VALLEY-FORGE-INTERCHANGE---326----nwMFT_61.aspx The Pennsylvania Turnpike is advising motorists that beginning Sunday night, September 21 through Thursday morning, September 25, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. there will be varying lane closures eastbound and westbound when approaching the Valley Forge Interchange (Exit #326) while construction crews continue milling and paving operations. In addition to the scheduled lane closures Sunday through Thursday, motorists should be prepared for 15-minute stoppages: Sunday (eastbound) between 11p.m. and midnight and 4 a.m. and 5 a.m.; Monday and Tuesday, (eastbound) between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. to move equipment. Additionally, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, (westbound) three stoppages are anticipated. Motorists are urged to use extra caution when approaching and entering construction zones and obey posted speed limits. Speed limits will be enforced and fines doubled. Motorists are well advised to take extra care and not speed through road work sites. Under state law: Fines for driving violations in active work zones, marked by flashing lights, are doubled. Motorists traveling 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit can lose their driver's licenses for 15 days. Points assessed to motorists' driving records are doubled for work zone infractions. Some work zones have signs requiring motorists to turn on headlights. 9/22/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/RAMP-FROM-I-95-NORTH-TO-GIRARD-AVENUE-WILL-BE-CLOSED---DETOURED-TUESDAY-FOR-REPAIRS-nwMFT_62.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/RAMP-FROM-I-95-NORTH-TO-GIRARD-AVENUE-WILL-BE-CLOSED---DETOURED-TUESDAY-FOR-REPAIRS-nwMFT_62.aspx The ramp from northbound Interstate 95 to Girard Avenue (Exit 23) in Philadelphia will be closed and detoured Tuesday (September 23) for repairs, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced. PennDOT will be patching the ramp Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a posted detour for passenger vehicles and a separate detour route for trucks. The passenger vehicle detour takes the following route: Northbound I-95 to the Allegheny Avenue exit (Exit 25), left at bottom of ramp, left again at Richmond Street, follow Richmond Street to Aramingo Avenue to Girard Avenue. The truck detour route is: Northbound I-95 to the Allegheny Avenue exit (Exit 25), right at bottom of ramp, right on Allegheny Avenue, follow signs to enter southbound I-95 and take I-95 south to the Girard Avenue exit (Exit 23). Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area as backups might occur. For more information and live views of PennDOT traffic cameras, visit us through the PennDOT Homepage at www.dot.state.pa.us and click on ‘Travel Information’. 9/22/2008 12:00:00 AM http://gvftma.com/News/DUI-CHECKPOINT-PLANNED-IN-LOWER-MERION--MONTGOMERY-COUNTY-nwMFT_58.aspx http://gvftma.com/News/DUI-CHECKPOINT-PLANNED-IN-LOWER-MERION--MONTGOMERY-COUNTY-nwMFT_58.aspx The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that DUI enforcement will be conducted by TEAM DUI police officers along Route 30 in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County this weekend, starting Friday (September 19). The planned checkpoint enforcement in Lower Merion is part of the TEAM DUI program to target motorists driving under the influence in Pennsylvania. TEAM DUI SOUTHEAST PA is comprised of police officers from numerous departments, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania DUI Association. PennDOT invests about $2.8 million annually into DUI enforcement, which includes funding for approximately 540 sobriety checkpoints around the state. For repeat DUI offenders, Pennsylvania law requires the use of an ignition interlock device for one year following completion of a license suspension period. The individual is required to pay all program-related costs, which include installation, routine monitoring and maintenance of the device at a service center. These costs generally average around $1,000. Additional fees and fines will be issued if the driver violates the rules. According to PennDOT statistics, there were 525 alcohol-related highway fatalities in Pennsylvania in 2007, out of 1,491 total highway deaths in the state that year. In southeast Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties), there were 87 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2007, about 27 percent of the 319 total highway deaths in the region. For more information about PennDOT, visit us through the Pennsylvania Homepage at www.state.pa.us or visit PennDOT directly at www.dot.state.pa.us. 9/18/2008 12:00:00 AM