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October 14, 2011

Senator John Pippy E-News

News You Can Use

Online Notary Application System Saves Time and Money

Pennsylvanians interested in becoming a notary public or renewing their notary commission can save time and money by applying through the state's new streamlined online system, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State.

The process will simplify handling, reduce the expenditure of tax dollars, eliminate paperwork, streamline the payment procedures, and enable better customer service to notaries.

Applicants must submit the following:

• Your first name and middle initial or initial for your first name and full middle name;
• Credit card information for the payment of the $40.00 application fee;
• Proof of having completed a three hour preapproved mandatory notary public education course within six months preceding application upon initial (new) appointment after July 1, 2003 and subject to the exceptions to the education exemption; and
• The endorsement of the state Senator of the district in which you reside or if you are a nonresident employed in Pennsylvania, the endorsement of the Senator in which you are employed.

Try a New Twist to Observing PA's Fall Foliage

Fall foliage predictions for that special burst of color on Pennsylvania's mountains and across its vast valleys find the first blush to arrive across the Northern Tier in early October, according to the Commonwealth's Tourism Department.

This year catch the colors on a rail excursion while you sit back and enjoy the scenery on one of the state's legendary railroads:

-East Broad Top Railroad, Rockhill Furnace
-The Horseshoe Curve, Altoona
-Kiski Junction Railroad, Schenley
-Lehigh Gorge Scenic Byway, Jim Thorpe
-New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, New Hope
-Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad, Titusville
-Stourbridge Line, Honesdale
-Strasburg Railroad, Strasburg
-Tioga Central Railroad, Wellsboro 

VisitPA is fully prepared to serve your travel needs this fall with a wide assortment of Things To Do, Places To Stay, Destinations, Trip Ideas, and Travel Tools. Coordinate rail excursions with roadtrips, attractions, and events specific to the Northern, Central, and Southern regions of PA. Be sure to link to deals for lodging wherever your travels may take you.

PA Seeks Historical Marker Nominations

The stories of Native Americans and early settlers, government and politics, athletes, entertainers, artists, struggles for freedom and equality, factories and businesses, and a multitude of other topics at the heart of Pennsylvania's history are captured on more than 2,600 blue and gold cast aluminum markers strategically placed at historical locations, according to the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.

The Commission is issuing a request for nominations for historical markers, the initial cost of which is to be absorbed by a sponsoring individual or organization. A city-type marker costs approximately $1,400 and roadside markers cost approximately $1,850. Final costs may be slightly higher to cover other costs incurred with the installation of markers and a dedication ceremony. 

Nominations must be submitted by December 1, 2011 and should be in keeping with the 2012 theme, "Foodways in Pennsylvania". Special emphasis is on the people, places and events related to the history of foodways in Pennsylvania. Topics may include innovations in food production, individuals important in agricultural history, and sites related to food production and development. The PHMC will assume all responsibilities for maintaining the marker once installed.

The Commission encourages Pennsylvanians to locate local markers and attend upcoming dedication ceremonies to learn more about the State's history.

Autumn Travel Tips  

Seasonal travel hazards in the form of wet leaves, frosty mornings, and increased sun glare are coming to a highway near you, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

The Department is issuing a handful of tips for safe driving in autumn.

• Slow down, particularly in residential areas and on narrow or winding roads.
• Be alert for shaded areas that could be frozen, especially on bridges and overpasses that freeze more quickly than roadways.
• Clear any frost on vehicle windows before driving.
• Maintain a clean windshield to reduce the sun's glare.
• Remove clutter from the vehicle's sun visor.
• Wear good sunglasses while driving in bright sunlight.
• Increase your following distance when driving in severe weather or in areas with wet leaves.
• Ensure your vehicle's headlights, tail lights, and turn signals are all working properly.
• Use your headlights as soon as the light begins to fade.

PennDOT Weekend Traffic Alerts

PennDOT District 11
Weekend Construction Summary
October 14, 2011 - October 17, 2011

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is reminding motorists several highway and bridge improvements will be occurring in Allegheny County this weekend, September 30 through .

All activities are weather permitting and subject to change. Motorists should plan their travels accordingly by anticipating highway work zones, slowing down, exercising patience and being safe.

PennDOT is also reminding motorists approaching lane restricted highway work zones to use all open lanes to the merge point. Please be courteous to other motorists and allow them to merge. The effectiveness of traffic flow in highway work zones is highly dependent on driver behavior. Using all lanes and allowing a consistent, courteous merge will reduce congestion and delay and help traffic move smoothly and safely through the work zone.
The HOV lanes on the Parkway North (I-279) are open to all outbound traffic on weekends after 7 p.m. on Friday and remain open until 5 a.m. on Mondays. In addition, the two passenger vehicle rule does not apply during weekend hours. To alleviate congestion, motorists are encouraged to use the HOV lanes to exit the downtown area following sports games and other events on weekends.

Below is a summary of the major closings and restrictions this weekend:

Short-Term:
I-579 Crosstown Boulevard

Overpass Improvements
Northbound I-579 (Crosstown Boulevard) in the City of Pittsburgh will be closed from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday. Crews will install protective shielding under the Centre Avenue and Webster Avenue overpasses. Signs will be posted to guide motorists.

Full release: Northbound I-579 Crosstown Boulevard Closures Thursday and Friday Nights in Pittsburgh
Google Map of Area: http://g.co/maps/jd2cd  

I-79
Roadwork
*Motorists are advised to expect significant delays; alternate routes should be considered. *

Traffic in both directions on I-79 will be restricted to a single lane from Washington County to ½ mile north of the Bridgeville interchange (Exit 54) from 7 p.m. Friday through 8 a.m. on Sunday.

Full release: I-79 Bridgeville to Washington Improvements Continue this Weekend
Google Map of Area: http://g.co/maps/dg9vz  

Bridge Work
There will be single lane traffic in both directions between Cranberry (Exit 78) and Wexford interchanges (Exit 73) will occur from 6 a.m. Saturday through approximately 11 a.m. on Sunday. Crews will be milling, paving and line painting on the approaches at the bridges over Warrendale-Bayne Road (Route 4052) and Mingo Road (Route 4051).

*Motorists are advised to expect significant delays; alternate routes should be considered. *

Full release: I-79 Single Lane Traffic this Weekend in Northwest Allegheny County 
Google Map of Area: http://g.co/maps/29j9y 

Route 28

A single, right lane closure on southbound Route 28 (Allegheny Valley Expressway) between the Etna Interchange and Shaler water treatment facility will occur from 8 p.m. on Friday through approximately 11 a.m. on Sunday. Crews will be installing caissons for overhead sign structures. 

Full release: Southbound Route 28 Single Lane Closure in Etna this Weekend
Google Map of Area: http://g.co/maps/x3umb  

Route 48
 
The Route 48 Boston Bridge in the Borough of Versailles and Elizabeth Township, will be closed in both directions from 7 p.m. on Friday continuously through 5 a.m. on Sunday. Crews will be remove the downstream sidewalk and continue work to paint the bridge substructure and upper truss. Signs will be posted to guide motorists during the closures.
 
Full release: Route 48 Boston Bridge Closed this Weekend
Google Map of Area:  http://g.co/maps/btxw9

Route 50
Roadwork
Traffic on Route 50 (Washington Road/Pike) will be reduced to a single lane in each direction from Bridgeville to Carnegie from 8 p.m. on Friday continuously through 6 a.m. Sunday on Route 50 from Bower Hill Road in Bridgeville to Boden Avenue in Carnegie. Crews will be concrete patching, adjusting and rebuilding inlets, replacing curbs and placing strip seals and an asphalt overlay.

Full release: Route 50 Single Lane this Weekend from Bridgeville to Carnegie
Google Map of Area: http://g.co/maps/tgt2 

Long-Term:

Route 65
Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard) in the City of Pittsburgh is closed long-term in both directions at the Marshall Avenue (Route 19) interchange. Crews are rehabilitating the mainline Route 65 bridges at the interchange between the West End and McKees Rocks bridges. Traffic is being detoured using the on-and-off ramps to Beaver Avenue and California Avenue.

Full release: Route 65 Long-Term Closures Begin July 15 at Marshall Avenue Interchange in PittsburghGoogle Map of Area: http://g.co/maps/qjve

Route 28
Northbound Route 28 is reduced to a single lane between the Chestnut Street Overpass and the 40th Street Bridge in the City of Pittsburgh through 2014.

Full release: Next Phase of Route 28 East Ohio Street Improvements Begins Monday in Pittsburgh
Google Map of Area: http://g.co/maps/atdy 

Call 1-800 FIX ROAD to report roadway problems and concerns.

Log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions and cameras on major roadways before traveling. The 511 system also automatically feeds Twitter accounts with information such as incidents, construction notices and weather alerts. The Pittsburgh/Southwestern-region account, www.twitter.com/511PAPittsburgh, covers Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Follow PennDOT to receive real-time updates.

District 11 offers specialized information for particular roadways and projects. Potential email subscribers should specify preferences for receiving information for the following categories:

• All roadways and bridges in Allegheny, Beaver or Lawrence counties;
• Weekend work and restrictions in Allegheny County (this will only include restrictions and work activities that occur on weekends);
• Parkway East (I-376);
• Parkway West (I-376) ;
• Parkway North (I-279);
• Interstate 79;
• West Liberty Avenue and Liberty Tunnel Improvements;
• Route 28 (Allegheny Valley Expressway);
• Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard);
• Route 48 Boston Bridge; and
• Route 19 Wexford Flats Project.

Potential subscribers should send their email address and location preferences to Press Officer Jim Struzzi at jstruzzi@state.pa.us or contact the PennDOT District 11 Press Office by phone at 412-429-5010.