The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will begin a 14-month project next week to install raised pavement markers (RPMs) on several state highways in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
The reflective markers, installed along center lines, edge lines and ramps, will improve visibility and safety for drivers at night and in bad weather such as rain, fog and snow.
Work will start on Sunday, Aug. 12 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.; and Monday, Aug. 13, along I-76 between the on-ramp to Route 320 and Route 1 (City Avenue) in Montgomery County.
During installation, crews will occupy one lane to conduct a slow-moving operation. Motorists are advised to be alert of this moving operation and to expect possible slowdowns when driving near work crews.
The operation is dependent on the weather.
D.W. Miller, Inc. of Huntingdon, is the contractor on the $304,300 project, which is financed entirely by federal funds. The project is scheduled to be completed by October 2013 and includes pavement marker installation on the following state highways throughout the region:
- Montgomery County: I-76; Route 309; Gulph Road; and Philadelphia: I-95; Route 63 (Woodhaven Road); Route 73 (Cottman Avenue).
- Bucks County: I-95; Route 63; Route 213; Bridgetown Pike;
- Chester County: Route 202; Route 23; Route 30; Route 100; Phoenixville Pike; Swedesford Road; Sugartown Road;
- Delaware County: I-95; Route 1; Route 320; Route 491; Goshen Road; Darby Paoli Road;
RPMs are installed in notches cut into the pavement surface and held in place by special epoxy glue. The lens, which has a protective metal casting, sits about one-quarter inch above the surface of the roadway.
Maintenance of the raised pavement makers typically runs on a four-year cycle. Lenses are replaced every two or three years to ensure maximum performance.
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Information courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
