MainSreet.com: Pennsylvania tied for 8th-worst roads in the United States (Philadelphia: design, trailer)

[Craziaskowboi]

The condition of Pennsylvania's bridges dragged the state's score down (second-worst in the United States). Otherwise, Pennsylvania ranked in the third quintile in poor-condition road mileage (21st), fatality rate (21st) and congestion (27th).

[Ohiogirl81]

That's an improvement over its usual ranking of #1, right?

Although I don't see the roads getting any better; other states' roads must be getting worse.

[pman]

They improved slightly under rendell afaik

[Craziaskowboi]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

That's an improvement over its usual ranking of #1, right?

Although I don't see the roads getting any better; other states' roads must be getting worse.

What's funny is, its "usual ranking of #1" is based on a survey, and as we all know, when things change gradually, perception always lags reality. When actual measurements are used instead of mere anecdotes, Pennsylvania fares better. In other words, when (meso)facts are used instead of opinions, Pennsylvania improves in the standings, which is more evidence that perception lags reality.

And like the article I linked to pointed out, PennDOT is aware of the bridge problem, and has made bridge rehabilitation its top priority. In fact, I recall PennDOT officials saying so after the I-35W bridge collapse in Minnesota. So if enough bridges get repaired, then Pennsylvania won't even be on the 10 worst list soon, considering its rankings in all other categories -- including poor-condition road mileage -- are mid-pack.

And if other states' roads are getting worse, then that's not our problem.

[Rtom45]

A couple years ago, we drove from Erie to Denver, Colorado. We drove thru Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado. Then drove back thru those same states. In my opinion, the roads in PA. were better than any of those states. Indiana was the worst. Just my 2 cents.

[Craziaskowboi]

Originally Posted by Rtom45

A couple years ago, we drove from Erie to Denver, Colorado. We drove thru Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado. Then drove back thru those same states. In my opinion, the roads in PA. were better than any of those states. Indiana was the worst. Just my 2 cents.

One thing I would like to see PennDOT do is make a list of all features on its Interstates that aren't designed or engineered to current Interstate standards, and make the necessary upgrades. Like if there's an interchange on I-81 that has on- and off-ramps that are too short, then upgrade the interchange by lengthening the ramps. Or, widen any segment of highway with four lanes by eight feet if there's less than four feet between the inner edge of the left lane and the median barrier, and widen any segment of highway with six or more lanes by 20 feet if there's less than 10 feet between the inner edge of the left lane and the median barrier.

Most Interstate segments in Pennsylvania are designed to current standards, but some are still not, and those need to be corrected. In fact, forget about building new Interstates altogether for a while, and upgrade the existing Interstates, particularly the four areas I'd talked about before: I-376 in Pittsburgh, I-76 in Philadelphia, I-70 between Washington and New Stanton, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike between the Allegheny Mountain and Blue Mountain Tunnels. Those four segments should get top priority.

[ki0eh]

Originally Posted by Gnutella

Most Interstate segments in Pennsylvania are designed to current standards, but some are still not, and those need to be corrected. In fact, forget about building new Interstates altogether for a while, and upgrade the existing Interstates, particularly the four areas I'd talked about before: I-376 in Pittsburgh, I-76 in Philadelphia, I-70 between Washington and New Stanton, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike between the Allegheny Mountain and Blue Mountain Tunnels. Those four segments should get top priority.

I-99 is an Appalachian Development road so it's funded differently, for good or ill, that's why we had $55 million to eliminate three at-grade intersections in northern Lycoming County along US 15.

Here's one of the areas around Harrisburg where a through Interstate necks down to one lane and the stopgap fix: PennDOT unveils plan to improve York split area of I-83 - York Dispatch

[Icy Tea]

Pennsylvania's location has a lot to do with it. Roads freeze in winter, thaw, refreeze, thaw, then refreeze again and again. That causes potholes to develop. Pa's location also means that its roads are heavily used by trucks going to and from the east coast to the west and south. One loaded tractor trailer is the equivalent of 400 automobiles in stress to bridges and roads. I also read that Pa has more paved roads than other states, those require constant resurfacing unlike dirt roads.
There are things they could do better. A lot of Penndot money gets siphoned off to big city mass transit to keep fares down. The turnpike was supposed to have payed for itself decades ago and be free now, but its revenue was just too good to pass up. Some lawmakers actually want to sell it off to cover the states budget crisis. Its lunacy. Some also want I 80 to be a toll road.

[sp2007]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

That's an improvement over its usual ranking of #1, right?

Although I don't see the roads getting any better; other states' roads must be getting worse.

Seriously. Considering PA has more "paved" roads per sq. mile than any other state, I will always be surprised if it isn't #1. Thanks Great Depression/New Deal!

[Ohiogirl81]

Originally Posted by Rtom45

Indiana was the worst. Just my 2 cents.

Indiana's roads used to be spectacular. I wonder what the heck happened.

Originally Posted by Gnutella

One thing I would like to see PennDOT do is make a list of all features on its Interstates that aren't designed or engineered to current Interstate standards, and make the necessary upgrades.

Good God. That would take decades.