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January 13, 2010

Senator John Pippy E-News
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

Can you detect potential sources of carbon monoxide in your home?  Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless deadly gas produced by incomplete combustion in fuel-burning devices.  CO is capable of killing you before you are aware it is affecting you, according to the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC).   

An annual average of 480 deaths is attributed to unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The average daily number of CO-related deaths is greatest during the months of January (2.07 deaths) and December (1.97 deaths) and lowest during the months of July (0.67 deaths) and August (0.67 deaths).   

With the cold months leading in the number of unintentional CO deaths, it is important to identify potential sources.  Fuel-fired (non-electric) appliances such as gas and oil furnaces, space heaters, clothes dryers, ranges, ovens, water heaters, charcoal grills, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves all produce CO.  Exhaust fumes from generators, vehicles, lawn-mowers, and snow blowers also contain high levels of CO.  Absent proper venting, the presence of cracks in a furnace or blocked vents and chimneys can cause CO to build inside your home.   

Protect your family with the installation of CO detector alarms on each floor of a residence, especially on each sleeping floor.  Install additional detectors near but not within five feet of major fuel burning appliances.  Understand the symptoms of CO poisoning and what to do if you suspect its presence.  

Pennsylvania Game Commission Website Changes to Omit Certain Features 

Changes on the horizon for the PA Game Commission website, the second such format change in less than 10 years, may leave you unable to find certain features, according to the PGC.  

In the adoption of the new website format intended to eventually encompass all Administration websites, popular information, such as the Hunter/Trapper Scrapbook, is on hold.  The PGC’s news release archives will also take a hit.  Releases published prior to January 1, 2007 will be missing from the new website.  

The PGC indicates the website will have a greater emphasis on wildlife management efforts and the agency’s mission.  Site users may direct questions and comments regarding the website transition or the inclusion of specific information to 717-787-4250 or pgccomments@state.pa.us. 

PENNDOT NEWS AND TRAFFIC ALERTS

PennDOT Reminds Motorists to Call 1-800 FIX ROAD to Report Potholes 

Pittsburgh - PennDOT District 11 wants to motorists that potholes and other roadway concerns on state roads can be reported to the department by calling 1-800 FIX ROAD.  

With the frigid temperatures and consistent precipitation that has occurred around the region in recent weeks, potholes are forming more rapidly than usual on many area roadways.  

Potholes develop when water seeps below the road through small cracks in the pavement surface. As the water repeatedly freezes and thaws, a cavity below the road is formed and larger cracks develop, which destroy the strength of the pavement. 

Callers to the Maintenance First Hotline are asked to be as specific as possible when providing pothole locations or other maintenance concerns. For state routes, callers must report the county, municipality, street name and route number, or the state route (SR) number that can be found on small black‑and‑white signs posted along state roadways. Callers should also provide a description of any familiar landmarks that will help PennDOT locate the problem area. 

The 1-800-FIX-ROAD number should not be used to report traffic accidents, disabled vehicles, or other emergencies. Motorists should continue to call 911 to report those types of incidents. 

Customers can use the hotline number to report any state roadway maintenance concern such as potholes, deer removal or signage issues.  

Once notified, PennDOT will work expeditiously to address pothole and roadway concerns when weather permits; however, winter services remain the primary focus of maintenance crews this time of year.  

PennDOT reminds motorists that they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major roadways before traveling. 

PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Driver Licensing, Motor Vehicle Services Available Online 

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, Jan. 16 and Monday, Jan. 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.   

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services Web site, www.dmv.state.pa.us. 

Driver and vehicle online services are available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week and include driver’s license and photo ID renewals; vehicle registration renewal; driver-history services; change of address; and exam scheduling.  There are no additional fees for using online services.

A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2010 is available on the Web site under “News, Stats and Facts.”

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

Outbound Fort Pitt Bridge Lighting Repairs Wednesday Night

Pittsburgh – PennDOT District 11 is advising motorists that lane closures will occur on the outbound (westbound) Fort Pitt Bridge (I-376) in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, on Wednesday night, Jan. 13.   

PennDOT crews will be repairing lights. Various lane closures and traffic pattern changes will occur from 10 p.m. on Wednesday to 5:00 a.m. on Thursday. All ramps and the tunnel will remain open. 

Motorists are advised to use caution, be prepared for changing traffic patterns, and 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 roadways before traveling. 

Google Map of General Area 

Northbound I-79 Lane Closures Wednesday-Friday Nights at Parkway West Interchange 

Pittsburgh – PennDOT District 11 is announcing lane closures on Northbound I-79 at the interchange with I-376 (Parkway West) Exit 59 in Collier Township, Allegheny County, will occur Wednesday-Friday nights, Jan. 13-15.    

Single and double lane closures will occur as needed between 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night through Saturday morning, Jan. 16, near the off-ramp to the inbound Parkway West (Exit 59A). Crews will be installing a new sign structure. 

Motorists should use caution and expect possible delays and changing traffic patterns. 

The sign work is included in $24.7 million project currently underway on the Parkway East (I-376). The prime contractors for the project are the Trumbull Corporation of West Mifflin in a joint venture with Lindy Paving Inc. of New Castle.  

PennDOT advises motorists to use caution, slow down, and expect changing traffic patterns when traveling through the area. Motorists are also reminded they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major roadways before heading out.

Google Map of General Area

West End Traffic Restrictions Continue Next Week 

Pittsburgh – PennDOT District 11 is advising motorists closures and lane restrictions will occur on several roadways next week in the area of the West End in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, next week, Jan. 11-15. 

The following restrictions will occur:  

Steuben Street

• Changing traffic patterns and shifts will occur on Steuben Street between the West End Bridge intersection and the South Main Street Connector Bridge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11. Crews will be installing new traffic signals. 

West Carson Street

• Inbound (eastbound) West Carson Street (Route 837) will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11, under the West End Bridge.
• West Carson Street (Route 837) will be closed in both directions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, Jan 12-15, under the West End Bridge.
• The temporary closures are necessary for public safety and access as crews install new lighting and signal conduits above West Carson Street. Barrier will also be installed. Signs will be posted to guide motorists. Traffic will be detoured using the West End Circle.

Route 60

• Southbound Route 60 will be closed between the Steuben Street Connector Bridge and the West End Bridge/West Carson Street from 10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14, to 6 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 15. The temporary closure is necessary for public safety as crews install a new overhead sign structure. Signs will be posted to guide motorists.

Posted Detour:

• From Route 60, turn onto Wabash Street
• Follow Wabash Street to Woodville Avenue
• Make left onto Woodville Avenue
• Take ramps to outbound (westbound) Parkway West (I-376)/Banksville Road
• Follow to Banksville Road and bear left to enter inbound (eastbound) Parkway West
• Take ramps to northbound Route 51/19 Saw Mill Run Boulevard
• Follow Route 51/19 Saw Mill Run Boulevard back to West End

The work is part of the $52.6 million West End Improvement Project located at the south end of the West End Bridge, known locally as the West End Circle. The project includes the re-alignment and reconstruction of the West End Circle, replacement of two bridges, widening of Route 19, lengthening acceleration and deceleration lanes, construction of three retaining walls and new drainage, guide rail, landscaping, highway lighting, traffic signals, signing, pavement markings, ITS components, and other improvements. Construction will conclude in summer 2010. The prime contractor for the project is the Trumbull Corporation, of West Mifflin, PA.  

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

Google Map of General Area 

PennDOT Allegheny County Maintenance Schedule January 11-15 

Pittsburgh, PA – In an effort to provide the public with additional information on highway maintenance activities and to improve work zone safety for both motorists and highway workers, PennDOT District 11 is announcing weekly maintenance schedules for Allegheny County for the week of January 11-15, 2010.                                                                                                            

All activities are weather permitting. Motorists are urged to call 1-800 FIX ROAD to report roadway problems or concerns, including potholes or any other unsafe conditions.

Litter and debris removal and pothole patching will occur in various areas as needed.  PennDOT advises motorists to use caution, slow down and anticipate changing traffic patterns, lane closures and possible delays when traveling through the area. 

Work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility. PennDOT also reminds motorists they can log on to511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major roadways before traveling. 

Below is a selection of maintenance activities from the 37th Senatorial District and other major roads in the region:

Allegheny County Schedule

Boggs Road Bridge Repairs Begin Monday in Findlay 

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is advising motorists traffic on Boggs Road in Findlay Township, Beaver County, will be reduced to a single lane alternating use beginning on Monday, Jan. 18, weather permitting. 

Restriction will occur as needed between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Jan. 28. No weekend work will occur. Crews will be repairing the arch culvert that carries Boggs Road over the south branch of Montour Run between Bruno Lane and Potato Garden Run Road (Route 3071). Although Boggs Road is a local roadway, the bridge is owned by PennDOT.     

The work is included in a $1.5 million contract with Allison Park Contractors, Inc. of Allison Park, PA, for improvements on several bridges in PennDOT District 11.  

Motorists are advised to use caution, slow down and expect changing traffic patterns 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 roadways before traveling. 

Google Map of General Area 

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Engineering District 11
Dan Cessna, District Engineer
45 Thoms Run Road
Bridgeville, PA 15017

Jim Struzzi, Press Officer
(412) 429-5010