In November, 2018, Dick Norford and Bill Hoffman studied a possible work-around for southbound/eastbound bicyclists’ access around the underpass. Dick is following through with Middle Paxton Township and Dauphin Borough to gain their approval. PennDOT Engineering District 8, we have learned, may be willing to allow bicyclists through the underpass on the northbound/westbound side where the sightline does allow for motorists to view bicyclists who are in the underpass. Advocates have also argued for better signage to alert motorists about bicyclists’ using this roadway and especially the underpass sections. We have previously explained that the northbound/westbound side is much safer. If PennDOT 8-0 has come to this same conclusion, we are pleased. LVBC and others will continue to encourage Penn DOT 8-0 to install signalization similar to what is used on the Oregon Coastal Highway at bridges and tunnels as well as at tunnels located in other parts of the country. LED lights in the underpass could also improve visibility during overcast weather. Adventure Cycling Association directed advocates to how Arizona’s DOT addressed the quarter mile Queen Creek Tunnel used by bicyclists. They changed old lighting to LED lighting in the tunnel and are “using an adaptive control system that will adjust the lighting level based upon ambient light and weather conditions outside.”
Meanwhile, according to Bill, the removal of non-conforming rumble strips on the shoulder of SR11/15 in Perry County, mostly on the 3-lane section around Susquenita High School, still has not been done, more than two full construction seasons after Penn DOT District 8 was so advised. This road is now the PA J Route. At the Dec. 5, 2018, PPAC meeting, Bill requested that on or before the next meeting there be a work order specifying when and how the non-conforming rumbles will be removed. PennDOT Bike Ped Coordinator Roy Gothie advised that he would forward this expectation to the District 8 staff.