I used to drive 33 up to I-80 quite frequently. It's not the most pleasant highway. In fact, PennDOT has been negligent in its maintenance of 33. Between US 22 and PA 248, this highway is an absolute piece of shit. Obviously, the 1950s era metal barrier at the crash site is way under engineered - especially given that semis regularly drive this stretch in excess of 65-70 MPH.
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I live in the area, and frequently drive this stretch. The post you excerpted raises quite a question:
ReplyDeletethe 1950s era metal barrier at the crash site is way under engineered - especially given that semis regularly drive this stretch in excess of 65-70 MPH.
How is it PennDOT is negligent in replacing the divider if so many people ignore the posted speed limit? I see people - cars and trucks - exceeding the speed limit, but it's PennDOTs fault?
I blame the past and current USDOT officials for their position on Federal funding for roads. They mandate that Federal dollars be used for interstates. PA22 and PA333 are not interstate highways. This is why you see $100Ms for highway widening for I78 in western Lehigh County and new truck interchanges while funding bypasses our existing job corridors. USDOT should come and count the NJ triaxles on Route 22 bringing in beneficial reuse (dredge material) to fill our quarrys. FEMA should tell us how many trucks THEY brought in to Lehigh County after hurricane Sandy and did not give one nickle of relief to Lehigh County. Feds should curb funding for interstates that spurs new warehouse development and focus on public safety of our workforce highways.
ReplyDeleteBut... But... Didn't we just spend millions of dollars to install three steel ropes the entire length of Northampton County to stop this from happening. We're safe here. I mean if three steel ropes can't stop a 60,000 lb semi truck from barrelling across a dirt median, what can?
ReplyDeleteMoney well spent, as usual.
And yes, besides the piles of trash along Rt 33, the condition of the road is pathetic at best and a safety hazard. But at least we have a warehouse farm to keep us happy.
It's now three fatalities. May they rest in peace. The vehicle speeds between Saylorsburg and PA-248 have gotten stunningly fast and seem to be increasing. Yesterday, I was traveling 69 in a 65 zone and being passed like I was parked by cars probably exceeding 80-85. I'd admonish everyone to slow down. But that only makes people drive faster, it seems. I'm not one to pick on truckers, but driver shortages have put some bad ones on the road. Fog a mirror, piss clean, and here's your 72,000 GVW 18-wheeler.
ReplyDeleteThat spot in 33 is death that happened and death waiting to happen. Just go north between 5 and 6:30 any day as you go around the turn there is an exit that often backs up into the highway. And south bound is a race track with morons swerving in and out of traffic at speeds well over 80 miles per hour. Don't know what the cause of this accident actually was but it would not surprise me if it wasn't a car cutting off another truck.
ReplyDelete