Surprise: Pa. roads getting worse, study says

Pocono Record ^ | Monday, May. 24, 2010 | ???

[Willie Green]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pennsylvania's roads are getting worse.

A new report released Monday by the American Society of Civil Engineers says the state's roads get a D-minus grade. That's down from the D the engineers gave Pennsylvania's roads in a 2006 report.

The grade for the state's transit systems also went down, from D-plus to D-minus, while its bridges stayed at a C.

The ASCE says the state's bridges would be worse off if it weren't for stepped up efforts, including the use of $390 million in federal stimulus money for repairs.

But there could still be tough times ahead. Last month, the Federal Highway Administration rejected an Interstate 80 tolling plan that would have brought in nearly $500 million annually for transportation needs.

The 2010 Report Card for Pennsylvania's Infrastructure gave the state an overall grade of D-plus.

[RexBeach]

They need a study for this conclusion? Oy.

[catman67]

Rendell administration laying the groundwork for increasing taxes and adding tolls.

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

I can’t imagine how the roads are getting worse. It seems like the ever-diligent PennDOT has 30% of them torn up for resurfacing at any one time.

[Joe 6-pack]

I have a cousin who's a PennDot Engineer. About 15-20 years ago, PA switched to a new "environmentally friendly" asphalt mixture, which, by the way, degrades far more rapidly and has nowhere near the freeze-thaw resistance of the traditional mixture.

[Tribune7]

Ed-Rendell-is-gov-so-what-do-you-expect ping

[rod1]

Why in the world would this be a surprise? Its completely predictable with Fast Eddie in charge.
Good grief these reporters sure do their very best to look stupid.

[Onelifetogive]

The ASCE says the state's bridges would be worse off if it weren't for stepped up efforts, including the use of $390 million in federal stimulus money for repairs.

Civil Engineers grading states based on how much money is spent on Civil Engineers...

[rod1]

Because each stretch of repairs is meant to be a career long project.

I-81 is virtually impassable.

[556x45]

How can that be? I know last summer they were busily ‘fixing’ I81 which stopped traffic for miles. Anyway, the BIG signs said Barry for paying for the jig. LOL!!!! Pls don’t tell me its all a big lie...Barry and the dems wouldn’t do that, would they??? LOL...

[hal ogen]

Did you ever drive in PA? With all the tolls and “fines-doubled” zones you’d think they might fix a pot hole or two. I think the money is going down a black hole (or, at least, to cover ridiculous pension benefits for public “servants”).

[Alex Murphy]

I have a cousin who's a PennDot Engineer. About 15-20 years ago, PA switched to a new "environmentally friendly" asphalt mixture, which, by the way, degrades far more rapidly and has nowhere near the freeze-thaw resistance of the traditional mixture.

Built-in job security for repair crews!

[Vigilanteman]

The roads in this state are an absolute disgrace. But I've never seen better tended private lawns and cemeteries anywhere.

[Willie Green]

I have a cousin who's a PennDot Engineer. About 15-20 years ago, PA switched to a new "environmentally friendly" asphalt mixture, which, by the way, degrades far more rapidly and has nowhere near the freeze-thaw resistance of the traditional mixture.

I vaguely recall Dee Thompson yammerin about biodegradable assfault several decades ago.
It had something to do with potholes, a PAT bus and busted axels... or something like that.
Anyway, that never woulda happened back when they had the cobblestones and streetcars anat.
I think the "Burgh oughta bring em back... BOTH of 'em...
And maybe build some new inclines too. There used to be a bunch of them.

[Vigilanteman]

How environmentally friendly is the frequent replacement process coupled with backed-up and rerouted traffic pouring their idling fumes into the atmosphere? Methinks it has more to do with providing inflated union jobs.

[Joe 6-pack]

This is the best way to see the 'Burgh...roads be damned!

[T. P. Pole]

Could they have the same problem that we have in Wisconsin - they take the gas tax money and use them for non-road use? Or are they taking the gas tax money and using it to subsidize mass transit, like choo-choo trains? Maybe if they actually used the gas-tax money on the roads, the roads would be in better shape.

[Willie Green]

Are those new edishuns to the gateway klipper fleet anat?
They look like they might come in handy if yinz had to go by the Mon worf anat.

[Red in Blue PA]

[ICAB9USA]

re: I vaguely recall Dee Thompson yammerin about biodegradable assfault several decades ago. It had something to do with potholes, a PAT bus and busted axels... or something like that. Anyway, that never woulda happened back when they had the cobblestones and streetcars anat.

I have a huge pile of cobblestones in my back acre. They are fabulous ....... scooped from streets in Shadyside and Squirrel Hill .... and are very heavy!

lol