....and I am not kidding either.
The North Carolina Turnpike Administration announced earlier this week that a new design option - one that they have just begun to look at from the past two weeks - may cut $60 million from the cost of the bridge.
The new possible design came in the preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS) that was to have come out earlier this year. The NCTA is planning on delaying the release of the study until September. The Turnpike Authority states that the delay will not push back the hopeful start of construction of the bridge (late 2010) and its eventual completion (sometime in 2013).
The original estimates on the toll bridge's cost was $659.2 million. If the new design change - one that would change the location of tollbooths on the mainland/US 158 side of the bridge -, comes to fruition, the expected cost is closer to $600 million.
According to the NCTA, one of the benefits in delaying the study's release - is that taking the new tollbooth location into consideration now - would save the cost and delays of filing a Supplimental EIS when the project is further along.
For more:
Delaying study could save $60M on bridge - The Daily Advance
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
More Signage Changes on Greensboro Loop
NCDOT posted an announcement this afternoon that they were closing 2 of 3 lanes on I-40 East at the Loop/PTI Airport/To Bryan Blvd. exit to post signs. This is hopefully to change the signs finally on the western I-40/Loop junction. Too bad I didn't know about that this morning when I went to Greensboro to photograph other recent changes, and they are many.
Starting on the I-85 Loop with the US 421 exit. The exit for US 421 North Greensboro, now just reads Greensboro, as seen below:
This is heading on the C/D ramp northbound but the Exit 126B sign south says the same thing.
They have not changed any of the ground signage which still indicates this part of the Loop is I-40/I-85.
The I-73/I-40/I-85 'Interstate Triplex' Sign is no more. Signage has been changed along the highway itself to reflect the new reality. The sign now only has 2 interstates and 1 US highway shield. Note they have not done any changes to the US 220 exit (either on the Loop or US 220/Future I-73 itself:
The I-73/US 421 and I-85 split. Signage has been changed here as well, the first and second BGS are like this:
The signage at the split itself where you see the first mention of I-40:
The signs on the I-73 C/D ramp to the right have not been changed until you reach the last one at the Grandover Parkway and Groometown Road exit (from I-85):
To the left below the sign you can see an I-73 shield milemarker (97).
Like on the I-85 portion the shield markers along the highway have not been changed. The exit numbers on most of the BGSs have, though the signs may not be completed. This is now the exit sign approaching Wendover Avenue and I-40 on I-73/US 421 North:
The overhead signs at the Wendover interchange have been changed, but they are not perfect. As seen here:
I-73 East? This is for the westbound exit, it's the same eastbound. The ground mounted sign for I-73 East has not been changed heading west. They forgot to take the 'East' down with theI-40 shield. The ground sign assemblies are correct:
As I stated they haven't completed the changes of sign going north at I-40:
The sign for westbound I-40 has been taken down but not replaced. Don't know if they'll change the To Bryan Blvd./Airport signage, though the road north of I-40 is officially I-73, currently they have a new exit gore sign marked 103B but the sign points to the right, not the left to I-40.
There's better news heading south on Future I-840. These signs have been correctly revised:
The first one could have used better spacing:
The same could be said of the Exit 1 sign at the I-73/I-40 interchange, but the I-73 sign is okay:
The Wendover Avenue exit number has been revised here too:
However, the sign on the left in the distance has not changed and still reads I-40/I-73.
Here's a closer look at an I-73 mile marker showing NCDOT believes the route will travel at least 100 miles in the state:
The next exits have been slightly altered besides numbers. Before Business 85 and I-85 had different numbers, now they are the same exit, 97 A and B.
What's this? From the left hand BGS you would believe I-73 travels beyond Business 85. The implied multiplex though is never to be:
And once again past this exit, I-73 disappears. The only hint of its presence is the I-73 Mile 96 post you can spot just before the US 220 South Ramp:
Again, I-73 exits upon itself, the exit tab should rightly be on the left BGS, maybe that will happen when I-73 becomes official south of the Loop.
I will not be able to get to Greenboro for the next few weeks at least, so if anyone wants to take photos of the new signs that are supposedly being put up tonight (6/26), you are free to do so.
Comment: The I-73 exit on the Loop (if it was marked) is 96. The I-73 exit on US 220 north is 78(B). This means there is an 18 mile difference between the two milepost systems carrying I-73 (and I-74 in part). NCDOT should, as they've done on Future I-74 in the High Point area, renumber the exits along the US 220 corridor to match I-73's mileage. Up until now there wasn't a consensus as to where I-73 would enter NC, nor what alignment it would take. Now that this is settled, and milemarkers are up elsewhere on the Loop showing NCDOT's confidence in its I-73 distances, it would be best to change the numbers along the entire corridor to I-73 miles, despite the route not being complete.
Starting on the I-85 Loop with the US 421 exit. The exit for US 421 North Greensboro, now just reads Greensboro, as seen below:
This is heading on the C/D ramp northbound but the Exit 126B sign south says the same thing.They have not changed any of the ground signage which still indicates this part of the Loop is I-40/I-85.
The I-73/I-40/I-85 'Interstate Triplex' Sign is no more. Signage has been changed along the highway itself to reflect the new reality. The sign now only has 2 interstates and 1 US highway shield. Note they have not done any changes to the US 220 exit (either on the Loop or US 220/Future I-73 itself:
The I-73/US 421 and I-85 split. Signage has been changed here as well, the first and second BGS are like this:
The signage at the split itself where you see the first mention of I-40:
The signs on the I-73 C/D ramp to the right have not been changed until you reach the last one at the Grandover Parkway and Groometown Road exit (from I-85):
To the left below the sign you can see an I-73 shield milemarker (97).Like on the I-85 portion the shield markers along the highway have not been changed. The exit numbers on most of the BGSs have, though the signs may not be completed. This is now the exit sign approaching Wendover Avenue and I-40 on I-73/US 421 North:
The overhead signs at the Wendover interchange have been changed, but they are not perfect. As seen here:
I-73 East? This is for the westbound exit, it's the same eastbound. The ground mounted sign for I-73 East has not been changed heading west. They forgot to take the 'East' down with theI-40 shield. The ground sign assemblies are correct:
As I stated they haven't completed the changes of sign going north at I-40:
The sign for westbound I-40 has been taken down but not replaced. Don't know if they'll change the To Bryan Blvd./Airport signage, though the road north of I-40 is officially I-73, currently they have a new exit gore sign marked 103B but the sign points to the right, not the left to I-40.There's better news heading south on Future I-840. These signs have been correctly revised:
The first one could have used better spacing:
The same could be said of the Exit 1 sign at the I-73/I-40 interchange, but the I-73 sign is okay:
The Wendover Avenue exit number has been revised here too:
However, the sign on the left in the distance has not changed and still reads I-40/I-73.Here's a closer look at an I-73 mile marker showing NCDOT believes the route will travel at least 100 miles in the state:
The next exits have been slightly altered besides numbers. Before Business 85 and I-85 had different numbers, now they are the same exit, 97 A and B.
What's this? From the left hand BGS you would believe I-73 travels beyond Business 85. The implied multiplex though is never to be:
And once again past this exit, I-73 disappears. The only hint of its presence is the I-73 Mile 96 post you can spot just before the US 220 South Ramp:
Again, I-73 exits upon itself, the exit tab should rightly be on the left BGS, maybe that will happen when I-73 becomes official south of the Loop.I will not be able to get to Greenboro for the next few weeks at least, so if anyone wants to take photos of the new signs that are supposedly being put up tonight (6/26), you are free to do so.
Comment: The I-73 exit on the Loop (if it was marked) is 96. The I-73 exit on US 220 north is 78(B). This means there is an 18 mile difference between the two milepost systems carrying I-73 (and I-74 in part). NCDOT should, as they've done on Future I-74 in the High Point area, renumber the exits along the US 220 corridor to match I-73's mileage. Up until now there wasn't a consensus as to where I-73 would enter NC, nor what alignment it would take. Now that this is settled, and milemarkers are up elsewhere on the Loop showing NCDOT's confidence in its I-73 distances, it would be best to change the numbers along the entire corridor to I-73 miles, despite the route not being complete.
Monday, June 22, 2009
North Carolina Turnpike Authority to hold public hearings on Garden Parkway this week
The often talked about - and still yet to be built - Garden Parkway - begins another step closer to reality this week as the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) holds public hearings this week in Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties.
The Garden Parkway - also known as the Gaston East-West Connector - has been talked about for decades and received a rebirth when the NCTA was created a few years ago.
The public hearings and open houses are as scheduled:
For more information:
Proposed toll road center of debate in scheduled hearings -News 14 Carolina w/video
Hearings scheduled for proposed Garden Parkway -WBTV-TV w/video
North Carolina Turnpike Authority - Garden Parkway
Communities Taking a Stand Against the Toll Road
The Garden Parkway - also known as the Gaston East-West Connector - has been talked about for decades and received a rebirth when the NCTA was created a few years ago.
The public hearings and open houses are as scheduled:
The turnpike authority will hold Pre-Hearing Open Houses all this week:
- Monday, June 22, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gastonia Adult Recreation Center, 519 W. Franklin Blvd, Gastonia;
- Tuesday, June 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Forestview High School, 5545 Union Rd, Gastonia;
- Wednesday, June 24, from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at South Point High School, 906 South Point Rd, Belmont; and
- Thursday, June 25, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Olympic High School, 4301 Sandy Porter Rd, Charlotte.
Officials with the turnpike authority will hold public hearings on the following dates at 7 p.m.:
- Tuesday, June 23, at Forestview High School, 5545 Union Rd, Gastonia; and
- Thursday, June 25, at Olympic High School, 4301 Sandy Porter Rd, Charlotte.
For more information:
Proposed toll road center of debate in scheduled hearings -News 14 Carolina w/video
Hearings scheduled for proposed Garden Parkway -WBTV-TV w/video
North Carolina Turnpike Authority - Garden Parkway
Communities Taking a Stand Against the Toll Road
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Obama vs. Byrd - The Battle over Corridor H
An interesting battle is shaping up in the future of Corridor H in West Virginia - and it involves the President and maybe the most influential United States Senator when it comes to highway projects.
The battle is over $10 million in funds for Corridor H in the 2009-2010 Federal Budget. Obama wants to eliminate it - as part of $17 billion in wasteful spending cuts. Byrd - obviously wants to keep it.
The $10 million was to fund additional construction of the road from Davis, WV to Forman, WV.
Will this be a death blow to Corridor H? Not at all - First, the budget has to be approved by both houses of Congress - and Byrd can easily reinsert the funding for Corridor H into it. Byrd has the support of a number of West Virginia Congressmen and fellow Seantor Jay Rockefeller.
Also, Governor Joe Manchin directed $21 million of federal stimulus money towards the highway.
Considering Byrd's power in the Senate - I think the $10 million in additional funds will return to the budget, but with the slowly growing public uprising against the budget deficit and wasteful spending - could this become one of the top targets in the upcoming debate?
For More:
Obama, Byrd at odds over Corridor H -Lincoln Walks at Midnight
Corridor H funding eliminated from Obama Budget - West Virginia Public Broadcasting
The battle is over $10 million in funds for Corridor H in the 2009-2010 Federal Budget. Obama wants to eliminate it - as part of $17 billion in wasteful spending cuts. Byrd - obviously wants to keep it.
The $10 million was to fund additional construction of the road from Davis, WV to Forman, WV.
Will this be a death blow to Corridor H? Not at all - First, the budget has to be approved by both houses of Congress - and Byrd can easily reinsert the funding for Corridor H into it. Byrd has the support of a number of West Virginia Congressmen and fellow Seantor Jay Rockefeller.
Also, Governor Joe Manchin directed $21 million of federal stimulus money towards the highway.
Considering Byrd's power in the Senate - I think the $10 million in additional funds will return to the budget, but with the slowly growing public uprising against the budget deficit and wasteful spending - could this become one of the top targets in the upcoming debate?
For More:
Obama, Byrd at odds over Corridor H -Lincoln Walks at Midnight
Corridor H funding eliminated from Obama Budget - West Virginia Public Broadcasting
NCDOT - We'll finish the Charlotte Outer Loop by 2012 - Oh wait, we still have to buy land first though - and then there is that funding problem
From the highway that never stops giving us something to write about - Interstate 485 in Charlotte - we have new news.
Earlier this year, newly elected Governor Beverly Perdue proclaimed that the final piece of construction of Interstate 485 would begin this year. This after a number of years of delays on completing the entire loop.
Well recently, NC Secretary of Transportation Gene Conti said that work will still begin on the final pieces of 485 this year and a 2012 completion date is still in the work. Well, not exactly. (It appears I need to bring back the picture of Lee Corso..."Not So Fast, My Friend!)
There are a few hurdles still left - first the state needs to spend $16 million in acquiring property for construction of the freeway. In fact, Conti concedes that actually construction - you know moving earth, clearing trees and what not - most likely won't begin this year.
In fact, he told Al Gardner of WBT-AM in Charlotte, "I don't think that we can start construction in this calendar year, but starting to acquire property is a way of getting going."
Yet, the promise is to have I-485 completed in 2012 - have they not forgotten that two years is almost the same amount of time that the last piece of 485 faced in just construction delays?
And skepticism isn't only found in this blog - Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory on the latest news on I-485 - "I don't see it in the cards. Actually, I think a promise was made a bit prematurely before a funding source was allowed."
And sooner rather than later - the truth comes out - unless they move funding from another Charlotte area projects - upgrading Independence Blvd. to a freeway, widening I-85 in Cabarrus County or construction of the Monroe Bypass. Which most likely won't happen - so in all honesty - financing won't be available until 2015. (Charlotte.com)
And speaking of funds, Charlotte is in jeopardy of losing federal funding for transportation - the reason? The Metro Charlotte area does not meet air quality standards - specifically ozone. The region may see transportation funding disappear as early as next year. (Charlotte.com)
So what does this mean - will we actually see I-485 completely finished by 2012 - I wouldn't bet the house on it.
For more reading:
$16 mil for land need to complete I-485 -The CLog - Creative Loafing
Earlier this year, newly elected Governor Beverly Perdue proclaimed that the final piece of construction of Interstate 485 would begin this year. This after a number of years of delays on completing the entire loop.
Well recently, NC Secretary of Transportation Gene Conti said that work will still begin on the final pieces of 485 this year and a 2012 completion date is still in the work. Well, not exactly. (It appears I need to bring back the picture of Lee Corso..."Not So Fast, My Friend!)
There are a few hurdles still left - first the state needs to spend $16 million in acquiring property for construction of the freeway. In fact, Conti concedes that actually construction - you know moving earth, clearing trees and what not - most likely won't begin this year.
In fact, he told Al Gardner of WBT-AM in Charlotte, "I don't think that we can start construction in this calendar year, but starting to acquire property is a way of getting going."
Yet, the promise is to have I-485 completed in 2012 - have they not forgotten that two years is almost the same amount of time that the last piece of 485 faced in just construction delays?
And skepticism isn't only found in this blog - Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory on the latest news on I-485 - "I don't see it in the cards. Actually, I think a promise was made a bit prematurely before a funding source was allowed."
And sooner rather than later - the truth comes out - unless they move funding from another Charlotte area projects - upgrading Independence Blvd. to a freeway, widening I-85 in Cabarrus County or construction of the Monroe Bypass. Which most likely won't happen - so in all honesty - financing won't be available until 2015. (Charlotte.com)
And speaking of funds, Charlotte is in jeopardy of losing federal funding for transportation - the reason? The Metro Charlotte area does not meet air quality standards - specifically ozone. The region may see transportation funding disappear as early as next year. (Charlotte.com)
So what does this mean - will we actually see I-485 completely finished by 2012 - I wouldn't bet the house on it.
For more reading:
$16 mil for land need to complete I-485 -The CLog - Creative Loafing
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Latest I-74 Construction/I-40 Greensboro Signage Road Trip Report
I took a Flag Day road trip west to check out progress on I-74 around High Point and, along the way, see if any progress had been made since my last trip with resigning I-40 through Greensboro.
I-40 Greensboro Signing
I thought the road closures the last 2 weekends between the I-85 loop west to Death Valley would allow for replacement of some of the ground-mounted signage, along with repaving of the road. Sadly, that was not true. Everything that had not been changed as of 3 weeks ago is still the same. This is also true of the signage along I-40 west of the Business 85 split, still overheads with US 421 and US 421 signs accompanying I-40, though at the entrance ramps I saw, there were just I-40 shields, don't know whether this is new or not. Same story on the SW portion of the Loop, no change, but there were areas around some ground mounted exit signage were orange barrels had been placed suggesting lane closure for some future work. Disappointed, I headed down I-85 south to I-74 construction and was pleasantly surprised when looking in the rear view mirror that they had changed signage on I-85 north approaching 'The Maze'. The first sign change you come upon is this:
Notice there's a missing shield again, East [ ], I believe that was where the Business 40 shield was, or it was meant for south 421 and they discovered the error. The problem with I-40 in the middle sign was solved with adding a 'To', the left sign is new with Sanford now being a control city. The next sign solves some of the problems of the previous one:
Here you can clearly see where the 'To Business 40' shield was removed. It's good to see I-73 being the first shield on a BGS. The sign shows the complete options for 'The Maze':
Again, with the Exit 120A sign updated by removing the Business 40 reference. The last sign:
Shows that while there may not be a true I-85/I-73 opposite multiplex, there is a longer one with US 421 and I-85. The other signage indicating to get to US 220 south by using Business 85 had not been updated with I-73 signage. At least one of the on-ramps west of US 421 (S. Elm/Eugene St.) now had I-85/US 421 signs, no I-40 signs at all.
As for I-74 construction. The newspaper report earlier this week indicated the project was ahead of schedule. This is more obvious in some places than in others. The view from the Tuttle Road bridge, the first bridge to be completed, shows definite signs of progress:
View looking eastbound, at least a couple layers of asphalt have been laid down. In contrast, the view from the latest bridge to be completed, Poole Road, shows more progress is needed:
They are just starting on the final bridge of the first section of construction, that at the Cedar Square Road interchange:
A new road will be built south of the existing one to take traffic over I-74/US 311. There was some progress to be seen on the flyover ramp from I-74 east to I-85 north. Going under the bridge on I-85 North shows that it looks largely complete:
While a view of the flyover ramp shows progress as well since my last visit:
Notice how the ramps in view, as well as that from the flyover to I-85 have been paved. The pavement extends about 1/4 mile to the east. They have also paved the western side of the NC 62 bridge, and I assume the rest will be paved shortly. For photos of this bridge and other photos of I-74 construction, go to Segments 6 and 7 HERE, I hope to have all the new photos up by the end of the week.
I-40 Greensboro Signing
I thought the road closures the last 2 weekends between the I-85 loop west to Death Valley would allow for replacement of some of the ground-mounted signage, along with repaving of the road. Sadly, that was not true. Everything that had not been changed as of 3 weeks ago is still the same. This is also true of the signage along I-40 west of the Business 85 split, still overheads with US 421 and US 421 signs accompanying I-40, though at the entrance ramps I saw, there were just I-40 shields, don't know whether this is new or not. Same story on the SW portion of the Loop, no change, but there were areas around some ground mounted exit signage were orange barrels had been placed suggesting lane closure for some future work. Disappointed, I headed down I-85 south to I-74 construction and was pleasantly surprised when looking in the rear view mirror that they had changed signage on I-85 north approaching 'The Maze'. The first sign change you come upon is this:
Notice there's a missing shield again, East [ ], I believe that was where the Business 40 shield was, or it was meant for south 421 and they discovered the error. The problem with I-40 in the middle sign was solved with adding a 'To', the left sign is new with Sanford now being a control city. The next sign solves some of the problems of the previous one:
Here you can clearly see where the 'To Business 40' shield was removed. It's good to see I-73 being the first shield on a BGS. The sign shows the complete options for 'The Maze':
Again, with the Exit 120A sign updated by removing the Business 40 reference. The last sign:
Shows that while there may not be a true I-85/I-73 opposite multiplex, there is a longer one with US 421 and I-85. The other signage indicating to get to US 220 south by using Business 85 had not been updated with I-73 signage. At least one of the on-ramps west of US 421 (S. Elm/Eugene St.) now had I-85/US 421 signs, no I-40 signs at all.As for I-74 construction. The newspaper report earlier this week indicated the project was ahead of schedule. This is more obvious in some places than in others. The view from the Tuttle Road bridge, the first bridge to be completed, shows definite signs of progress:
View looking eastbound, at least a couple layers of asphalt have been laid down. In contrast, the view from the latest bridge to be completed, Poole Road, shows more progress is needed:
They are just starting on the final bridge of the first section of construction, that at the Cedar Square Road interchange:
A new road will be built south of the existing one to take traffic over I-74/US 311. There was some progress to be seen on the flyover ramp from I-74 east to I-85 north. Going under the bridge on I-85 North shows that it looks largely complete:
While a view of the flyover ramp shows progress as well since my last visit:
Notice how the ramps in view, as well as that from the flyover to I-85 have been paved. The pavement extends about 1/4 mile to the east. They have also paved the western side of the NC 62 bridge, and I assume the rest will be paved shortly. For photos of this bridge and other photos of I-74 construction, go to Segments 6 and 7 HERE, I hope to have all the new photos up by the end of the week.
Sign Foul!
On my trip yesterday through the Sandhills - I came across this unique US 1/15/501 combination in Tramway!
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