Next Climate Change Task Force Meeting:
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 8:30 AM
Joe Thurwanger, AQUA's Project Manager, will be presenting on AQUA’s new solar farm project and the types of benefits/programs there are for our partners.
The meeting will be held at the Upper Merion Township Building, Freedom Hall (175 West Valley Forge Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406).
Please RSVP to Lauren Peak at Lpeak@gvftma.com

Travel Advisories:
1. PENNDOT: Part of Lincoln Drive in Philadelphia to Close Next Two Weekends for Overhead Bridge Construction

2. PENNDOT: Township Line Road to Close in Montgomery County for Reconstruction for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

3. PENNDOT: Lane Restrictions Scheduled in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties for a Series of Bridge Inspections

4. PENNDOT: Lane Restrictions Scheduled On I-95 For Bridge Repairs In Philadelphia

5. PENNDOT: Aqua Pennsylvania to Close Two Roads in Montgomery County for Water Main Installation

6. PENNDOT: PennDOT to Briefly Close Route 1 South Ramp to I-76 West for Bridge Inspection

7. PENNDOT: PennDOT to Start $20.2 Million Economic Recovery Project to Replace Four Structurally Deficient Bridges at Gustine Lake Interchange in Philadelphia On March 11

8. SEPTA: Seniors Ride Free on SEPTA

9. SEPTA: First Shipment Of New Silverliner Rail Cars Arrives In Philadelphia

Local Interests:
10. Philadelphia Inquirer: New SEPTA rail car makes first trip, sort of

11. Pottstown Mercury: Phoenixville: A strategic blend of business, arts and entertainment

12. Philadelphia Inquirer: Red-light cameras come to S. Jersey

13.GVF: Check out GVF’s newest blog page, GVF’s Green Source

14. PECO: PECO Smart IdeasSM shows you new ways to use less energy and save money

15. GVF V-News: GVF's Board President Steve Lester discusses membership with GVF and what has made our organization so successful

16. Philadelphia Public Transportation Examiner: First Silverliner V cars land in South Philly

17. Delaware Online: Castle seeks equal share of high-speed rail funding

18. The Times Tribune: Pennsylvania Turnpike lease would have backfired

General Interests:
19. IT Pro Portal: Growing Number of Drivers Check Facebook, Twitter While Driving

20. In Telematics Today: Social Networking and Phone Apps Enable Smarter Carpooling

21. Slate.com: Lost in Penn Station



Travel Advisories:
1. PENNDOT: Part of Lincoln Drive in Philadelphia to Close Next Two Weekends for Overhead Bridge Construction
Lincoln Drive will be closed and detoured between Wissahickon Avenue and Gypsy Lane in Philadelphia the next two weekends (March 6-7, March 13-14) for overhead construction on the Henry Avenue Bridge, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) said today.

The closure of Lincoln Drive over the next two weekends will run from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday as construction crews install safety netting and shielding on the underside of the 17-span Henry Avenue Bridge. A posted detour will take motorists over Wissahickon Avenue, School House Lane and Ridge Avenue while Lincoln Drive is closed.

This operation is part of PennDOT’s $10.6 million project to rehabilitate the Henry Avenue Bridge over the Wissahickon Creek and Lincoln Drive. Crews are working to replace sections of the deteriorated bridge deck; replace expansion joints and sidewalks; repair structural steel and areas of deteriorated concrete; improve drainage; and resurface the bridge deck.

Construction on the bridge began in April 2009 and is scheduled to finish in September 2011. The reinforced concrete arch bridge was built in 1932 and is 830 feet long and 87 feet wide.

Loftus Construction, Inc. of Cinnaminson, N.J. is the general contractor on the $10,699,000 project that is financed with 80 percent federal and 20 percent state funds.

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out.

For more information, visit us through the Pennsylvania Homepage at www.state.pa.us or visit PennDOT directly at www.dot.state.pa.us.

2. PENNDOT: Township Line Road to Close in Montgomery County for Reconstruction for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia to close Township Line Road between Linfield Trappe Road and Buckhalter Road in Limerick and Upper Providence townships, Montgomery County, beginning March 16 for road reconstruction, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced. The 24-hour detour is expected to finish by June 18.

During construction, Township Line Road through traffic will be detoured over Lewis Road and Ridge Pike. Local access will be maintained up to the construction zone. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will complete the work under a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit.

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out.

For more information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/district6 or call 610.205.6700.

3. PENNDOT: Lane Restrictions Scheduled in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties for a Series of Bridge Inspections
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced lane restrictions are scheduled next week in Philadelphia and Delaware counties for a series of bridge inspections.

The work schedule is:

• Saturday (March 6) – The southbound right lane will be closed on Interstate 95 between Enterprise Avenue and the Philadelphia International Airport/Cargo City in Philadelphia from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Monday (March 8) – The northbound right lane will be closed on I-95 between Cottman Avenue and Route 63 (Woodhaven Road) in Philadelphia from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Monday (March 8) – The eastbound right lane on the Academy Avenue on-ramp to I-95 will be closed in Philadelphia from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Monday (March 8) – The southbound right lane will be closed on Garrett Road between Bishop Avenue and Burnley Lane in Upper Darby Township, Delaware County, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The northbound right lane will be closed from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Tuesday (March 9) – The northbound left lane will be closed on I-95 between Cottman Avenue and Route 63 (Woodhaven Road) in Philadelphia from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Tuesday and Wednesday (March 9-10) – The northbound right lane on Route 1 (Roosevelt Boulevard) will be closed at the Broad Street overpass in Philadelphia from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The southbound right lane will be closed from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Wednesday (March 10) – The southbound right lane will be closed on the I-95 off-ramp to Academy Road in Philadelphia from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Wednesday (March 10) – The southbound right lane will be closed on I-95 between Route 63 (Woodhaven Road) and Cottman Avenue from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Thursday (March 11) – The northbound right lane on Route 1 (Roosevelt Boulevard) will be closed at the Henry Avenue overpass in Philadelphia from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The southbound right lane will be closed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Thursday (March 11) – The southbound left lane on Route 1 (Roosevelt Boulevard) will be closed at the Henry Avenue overpass in Philadelphia from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out.

For more information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/district6 or call 610.205.6700.

4. PENNDOT: Lane Restrictions Scheduled On I-95 For Bridge Repairs In Philadelphia
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that lane restrictions are scheduled next week (March 8-12) on northbound and southbound Interstate 95 in Philadelphia for bridge repair, weather permitting.

The following work will be completed by Crossing Construction under a $10.8 million contract:

• Monday through Friday (March 8-12) – Northbound and southbound I-95 will be restricted between Girard Avenue and Route 63 (Woodhaven Road) in Philadelphia, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for bridge structure repairs.

• Monday through Friday (March 8-12) – One lane will be closed on Tacony Street between Bridge Street and Aramingo Avenue from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for overhead bridge repair on I-95.

• Monday through Friday (March 8-12) – One lane will be closed on Front Street between Packer Avenue and Oregon Avenue from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for overhead bridge repair on I-95.

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out.

For more information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/district6.

5. PENNDOT: Aqua Pennsylvania to Close Two Roads in Montgomery County for Water Main Installation
Aqua Pennsylvania will close Pine Road between Tomlinson Road and Byberry Road in Lower Moreland Township beginning March 15 for water main installation, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced. The work is expected to finish by July 2. Traffic will be detoured over Philmont Avenue and Byberry Road.

Moreland Road will also be closed between Route 232 (Huntingdon Pike) and Pine Road in Lower Moreland and Abington townships beginning March 15 for water main installation. The work is expected to finish by June 18. Traffic will be detoured over Route 232, Philmont Avenue, Red Lion Road, and Pine Road.

Construction will take place weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both projects. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through these areas. Local access will maintained up to the construction zones.

Aqua Pennsylvania will complete the work under separate PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permits.

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out.

For more information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/district6 or call 610.205.6700.

6. PENNDOT: PennDOT to Briefly Close Route 1 South Ramp to I-76 West for Bridge Inspection
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced the southbound Route 1 on-ramp to westbound Interstate 76 in Philadelphia will be closed Sunday, March 7, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. for a bridge inspection.

During the operation, Route 1 southbound motorists will take the eastbound I-76 off-ramp and follow to Montgomery Avenue and re-enter the expressway using the on-ramp to westbound I-76. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out.

For more information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/district6 or call 610.205.6700.

7. PENNDOT: PennDOT to Start $20.2 Million Economic Recovery Project to Replace Four Structurally Deficient Bridges at Gustine Lake Interchange in Philadelphia On March 11
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that construction will start Thursday, March 11 on a $20.2 million transportation economic recovery project to improve the Gustine Lake Interchange in Philadelphia, which moves nearly 100,000 motorists a day between City Avenue, Lincoln Drive, Kelly Drive and Ridge Avenue. The project is scheduled to finish in fall 2011.

On March 11, the contractor will close and detour the northbound City Avenue ramp to northbound Ridge Avenue in order to replace the structurally deficient bridge carrying the ramp over Kelly Drive. This ramp will reopen late this year.

During the ramp closure, detours will be posted for northbound City Avenue and Kelly Drive motorists heading to northbound Ridge Avenue. A posted detour will direct northbound City Avenue drivers to a ramp leading to Kelly Drive and then to a ramp leading to Ridge Avenue, where a temporary signal at the intersection will allow drivers to turn left or right onto Ridge Avenue.

For Kelly Drive motorists heading to northbound Ridge Avenue, they will be detoured over Calumet Street to Ridge Avenue.

This structure on the northbound City Avenue ramp is one of four structurally deficient bridges at the interchange that PennDOT is replacing under the $20,224,832 project. A fifth structurally deficient bridge is being removed.

Scheduled for replacement are two bridges on ramps over Kelly Drive; the bridge carrying Lincoln Drive over Ridge Avenue; and a bridge on the Lincoln Drive ramp to southbound City Avenue. The fifth structurally deficient bridge that will be removed and not replaced crosses over Ridge Avenue. The project also includes the relocation of northbound City Avenue ramp and the Kelly Drive ramp to Ridge Avenue and the creation of a new signalized intersection where both ramps intersect Ridge Avenue.

The five bridges were built in the early 1960s and range in length from 121 feet to 238 feet.

PennDOT will make additional enhancements to the interchange under this project, including new interchange lighting, 15 new sign structures with new directional signs, eight bio-retention basins, 300 new trees and shrubs, and a stone finish on bridge columns and walls.

In the five-county Philadelphia region, PennDOT is investing $257.7 million of federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds on 30 transportation projects, which include road and bridge improvements, Intelligent Transportation System installations, traffic signal upgrades, multi-use trails, and curb ramp replacements.

The Gustine Lake Interchange improvement project is financed with $13.7 million of federal ARRA funds and over $6 million of other federal funds.

PennDOT has awarded 29 transportation economic recovery projects in the five-county Philadelphia region and 23 have moved to construction.

To learn more about how the federal economic recovery program will benefit Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out.

8. SEPTA: Seniors Ride Free on SEPTA
Seniors, age 65 years or older, ride free at all times on bus, trackless trolley, subway, and trolley service. Regional Rail fares vary depending on the form of valid identification. For more information, click here.

9. SEPTA: First Shipment Of New Silverliner Rail Cars Arrives In Philadelphia
Three completely outfitted Silverliner V Regional Rail pilot cars arrived by ship Sunday and were hoisted to the dock below and loaded onto flat-bed trucks at Packer Marine Terminal. From there they will be transported to Roberts Yard in Germantown for inspection and testing. Read full article


Local Interests:
10. Philadelphia Inquirer: New SEPTA rail car makes first trip, sort of
One of SEPTA's new Silverliner V Regional Rail cars made its first trip in Philadelphia today, but it went by road, not rail.
The pilot car, loaded on the back of a flatbed trailer, was hauled up Roosevelt Boulevard this morning en route to SEPTA's Roberts Yard in Germantown for inspection and testing. Read full article

11. Pottstown Mercury: Phoenixville: A strategic blend of business, arts and entertainment
After previous incarnations of steel town and antique store hub, the borough of Phoenixville has "risen from the ashes" to become an area filled with arts and entertainment. Read full article

12. Philadelphia Inquirer: Red-light cameras come to S. Jersey
South Jersey's first red-light cameras are up and running.
Warning notices to drivers began Thursday in Glassboro, a day after power was hooked up to pole-mounted cameras where Dalton Drive meets Delsea Drive. Read full article

13. GVF: Check out GVF’s newest blog page, GVF’s Green Source
GVF has established a new blog page dedicated to green and sustainability issues. To view the new blog page, click here.

14. PECO: PECO Smart Ideas shows you new ways to use less energy and save money
PECO puts energy into helping you save energy — and money. They have recently introduced PECO Smart IdeasSM, a program that shows you new ways to use less energy and hold onto more of your hard-earned dollars. To view the new Web site, click here.

15. GVF V-News: GVF's Board President Steve Lester discusses membership with GVF and what has made our organization so successful
To view the video, click here

16. Philadelphia Public Transportation Examiner: First Silverliner V cars land in South Philly
The first three completed Silverliner V Regional Rail Cars landed in Philadelphia this past Sunday, marking a major milestone in the project to replace SEPTA's oldest passenger rail cars currently in service. Read full article

17. Delaware Online: Castle seeks equal share of high-speed rail funding
Citing a critical need to keep trains in the Northeast on an "equal footing" with other regions, Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del., announced legislation Monday to designate an official high-speed Northeast Corridor route. Read full article

18. The Times Tribune: Pennsylvania Turnpike lease would have backfired
Claiming the plan to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a foreign company failed because it was "such a good (idea)" suggests to me that The Times-Tribune ("Reject tolls; form Plan B" editorial, Feb. 28) never examined the proposed lease. Read full article


General Interests:
19. IT Pro Portal: Growing Number of Drivers Check Facebook, Twitter While Driving
A recent survey conducted by the popular motoring school Halfords, has revealed that despite the ban on using mobile phones while driving, some drivers are still being reckless.
Some motorists still show no regard for the law or their own safety and use their mobile phones to check their social networking accounts and take calls, a research found. Read full article

20. In Telematics Today: Social Networking and Phone Apps Enable Smarter Carpooling
While the installation of telematics systems for OEMs is here and growing, the use and integration of smart phones apps, GPS and location based services combined with social networking are creating opportunities beyond the OEMs. Read full article

21. Slate.com: Lost in Penn Station
Penn Station is a confusing place. The bustling train terminal, located on the West Side of Manhattan, is a sprawling mass of tracks, corridors, and concourses spread across three levels. It's home to three different railroads—Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and the LIRR—and two subway lines. It's the busiest train station in North America, crowded with around 200 million passengers a year. Read full article