The Trucker News Staff

LAKE and PITKIN COUNTIES, Colo. — Crews with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) have reopened Independence Pass on Colorado Highway 82 for the season. CDOT said that commercial and recreational vehicles 35 feet or longer are prohibited. According to a news release, the restriction is due to tight curves, steep inclines and narrow lanes on some sections of the pass, and applies to vehicles and trailers with a combined length of more than 35 feet. Motorists should plan for the restriction to be in place on CO 82 between Mile Point 47.2 (west side, near Aspen) and MP 84.2 (east side, near Twin Lakes/Leadville and about one mile west of the junction with US Highway 24). Approximately 50 vehicles were waiting on the west side of the pass at reopening time, according to the news release. In order to reopen the road for the 2022 season, crews fixed potholes, cleared rockfall and repainted (striped) the roadway. Cracked or loose rock is common along CO 82 on Independence Pass and can develop due to regular and frequent freeze/thaw cycles in mountainous locations with year-round winter weather. As in previous years, CDOT crews worked with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to perform avalanche mitigation before reopening. Avalanche mitigation work was light due to rapidly melting snow in April and May. Motorists and cyclists should check weather conditions prior to traveling mountain passes, as spring snowstorms can prompt closures or slow traffic. Real-time road conditions are available at COtrip.org.    

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — A truck driver was not injured after a Friday morning crash that sent their trailer tumbling off of an Interstate 75 overpass.   According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the accident happened at the Alico Road overpass in Lee County. Progress UPDATE: The semi truck and trailer has been lowered off of NB I75 onto Alico Road‼️Definitely not something you see everyday! Thankfully no injuries involved‼️ pic.twitter.com/6CLGqdk9wk — FHP SWFL (@FHPSWFL) May 27, 2022 The northbound lanes of I-75 and westbound lanes of Alico Road were closed as crews worked to clean up the crash scene. In photos and videos posted to Twitter by the FHP, the rig’s trailer could be seen dangling from the overpass as the still-attached tractor sat on its side on the freeway high above. One video showed a large crane lowering the 18-wheeler down from the overpass. Further information about the crash was not immediately available.  

LAS VEGAS, NV — Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak will be joined by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) at Allegiant Stadium on Tuesday morning for the launch of the Interstate 15/Tropicana Interchange Construction Project. New resorts, professional sports and sold-out concerts have drawn as many as 300,000 visitors to the area on peak weekends, according to a news release. The I-15/Tropicana Interchange serves as a gateway to the Las Vegas Strip, which continues to grow as the Entertainment and Sports Capital of the World. “This project will improve public safety by replacing the nearly 60-year-old Tropicana bridge, as well as accommodate capacity for future growth and access,” the news release stated. The I-15/Tropicana Interchange Project will be funded with help from the President’s Infrastructure Law. Construction is set to begin this year and finish in 2024. It’s estimated to support 4,664 jobs. Sisolak and Buttigieg will be joined by NDOT Director Kristina Swallow, as well as several members and representatives of Nevada’s congressional delegation.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) plans to increase patrols and utilize a variety of traffic safety enforcement tools to reduce the number of crashes across the state during this year’s Memorial Day holiday period. The THP will conduct saturation patrols, seat belt and sobriety checkpoints, as well as increased visibility on high-crash corridors throughout the summer to reduce serious injury and fatal crashes, according to a news release. The 2022 Memorial Day holiday period will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 27, and concludes at 5:59 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31. “We are committed to saving lives and preventing injuries on Tennessee roads. Memorial Day weekend is when we start seeing heavier traffic,” Colonel Matt Perry said. “This is the time of year for family vacations and outdoor activities. Our troopers will be focused on distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and seat belt laws during the holiday and throughout the summer months. I have instructed my district captains to use all resources available to ensure traffic safety. I am asking that all motorists help us make this a safe summer. You can do this by ignoring your phone, driving the speed limit, wearing your seat belt, and designating a sober driver. If you plan to drink, do not drive.” Last year, 10 people were killed in vehicular crashes during the Memorial Day weekend. Five of the occupant fatalities were not wearing safety restraints and one of the traffic fatalities occurred in an alcohol-related crash. Two motorcycle riders were killed during last year’s Memorial Day holiday. One pedestrian was also killed during that time. “This Memorial Day weekend, as we pause and remember the heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice, please remember to keep yourself and those who will be in your vehicle safe,” said Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long. “Through education and enforcement along with voluntary compliance from the motoring public, we can make this a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone.” State troopers arrested 78 individuals on suspicion of DUI and ticketed 743 motorists for violation of the seat belt law and issued 1,867 speeding citations during last year’s Memorial Day holiday. A list of the locations for the scheduled Memorial Day holiday checkpoints can be found on our website. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.  

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation is providing a progress update on the North Split reconstruction project one year after the interchange’s full closure. Since May 15, 2021, North Split construction crews have: Successfully demolished 38 of 51 bridges in need of repair; Placed 217 of 390 precast concrete beams, with the largest weighing approximately 250,000 pounds; Reconstructed 4 bridges and 1 ramp, which are currently in use; Used approximately 34,000 cubic yards of structural concrete; and Moved over 560,000 cubic yards of the 1 million total cubic yards of earthwork. The North Split is the busiest interchange in central Indiana. After 50 years of service, the North Split’s deteriorating condition made reconstruction necessary to rehabilitate and improve the existing interstate facilities.  A more efficient and compact redesign of the interchange eliminates merging and weaving conditions that contribute to high crash rates and congestion. The interchange is scheduled to reopen by the end of 2022 with landscaping, aesthetics and local street work continuing into spring 2023. The North Split landscaping design will include the use of native, low-maintenance plants to soften urban elements and provide a diverse palette of plant species, including native grasses, small shrubs, large deciduous shrubs, ornamental trees, and shade trees. The project will also result in improved lighting, visibility and pedestrian safety at bridge underpasses. Once North Split reconstruction is complete, project area improvements will include: 223 new lighting elements, including 12 high-mast tower lights, 176 underpass and monument lights at bridges, and 33 conventional roadway light structures; Approximately 12,100 linear feet of new sidewalks/trails; More than 4,500 trees; and More than 5,000 shrubs. For up-to-date project information, visit northsplit.com or text “NORTHSPLIT” to 468311. Follow the North Split project’s progress on social media at: Facebook: Facebook.com/NorthSplit Twitter: @NorthSplit Instagram: @IndyNorthSplit  

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission projects more than 2.2 million motorists will be traveling the Turnpike over the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend. This is almost 300,000 more than last year’s traffic tally of 1.9 million during the holiday period. This year’s projections reflect a 15% increase from 2021 traffic, as well as an increase of 3% over pre-pandemic levels for the same period in 2019. “While our traffic volumes are beginning to mirror, or even exceed, the levels prior to the pandemic, poor driving habits made worse during the pandemic — when drivers saw sparser traffic and wide-open roads — are becoming far more dangerous,” Mark Compton, PA Turnpike CEO, said. “With more congested roadways, these increasingly deadly driving behaviors are having even more alarming impacts to lives and families. We must work to change that trend and remind and reeducate drivers that lives are in their hands when they sit behind the wheel. A moment’s distraction can have devastating consequences. Put your phone down, watch your speed and pay attention to what is happening on the roadway.” The PA Turnpike will have an increased number of patrols and safety teams throughout the roadway that are there to assure travelers get safely to their destination. That means responding to travelers in need of assistance, as well as, taking action against illegal or unsafe behaviors. “With Memorial Day weekend upon us and a surge in holiday traffic anticipated, we echo the reminder to motorists of the importance of safe driving habits,” Cpl. Matthew Johnston of PA State Police’s Troop T said. “Obeying the posted speed limits, allowing sufficient distance between other vehicles and a general respect for other motorists will ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.” To help accommodate holiday traffic, maintenance work is being suspended and all available lanes will be open from 3 p.m. Thursday-11 p.m. Monday. Travelers who wish to plan ahead should note the traffic breakdown over the four-day period starting Friday which is slated to be heaviest travel day: Friday, May 27 – 770,000 vehicles Saturday, May 28 – 540,000 vehicles Sunday, May 29 – 460,000 vehicles Monday, May 30 – 495,000 vehicles Also, those heading west Sunday afternoon should note the Run for the Wall veteran’s organization is hosting a 300-vehicle motorcade to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, DC. Part of their journey will be on the PA Turnpike that day. The motorcycle motorcade will be stopping Sunday at the Flight 93 National Memorial, Somerset County, and then traveling west from the Somerset Interchange, exit 110, starting at approximately 3:10 p.m. The motorcade is planning a fueling stop at the New Stanton Service Plaza, milepost 77, prior to exiting the Turnpike at the New Stanton Interchange, milepost 75. Traffic could be slower in this area from 3-5 p.m.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – The Illinois Tollway expects 7.7 million vehicles to kick off summer with a trip on the Tollway system this Memorial Day weekend between Friday, May 27-Tuesday, May 31 – a nearly 2% increase over last year. “As people begin their summer travels, starting with this Memorial Day holiday weekend, we want to remind drivers to keep their focus on the road and slowdown in work zones,” Illinois Tollway Interim Executive Director Lanyea Griffin said. “As a reminder, non-I-PASS customer have 14 days to pay with our Pay By Plate service, so they can focus on driving and easily pay online when their trip is complete. There’s no better time than now to get an I-PASS, particularly if you’re traveling the Tollway system frequently.” Illinois Tollway drivers continue to have the option to pay tolls with I-PASS, E-ZPass or pay online with the Tollway’s Pay By Plate service. And for those in need of assistance, the Tollway has enhanced it’s I-PASS Assist program. Here’s what drivers need to know: Take your transponder. I-PASS can be used to pay tolls on the Illinois Tollway system and in other states that accept E-ZPass, including 19 other states that are part of the E-ZPass network. Pay tolls online. All drivers have a 14-day grace period to pay unpaid tolls. The Pay By Plate service allows customers to simply provide a license plate, dates of travel, and a payment method and then the Illinois Tollway will take care of the rest. Get assistance to join I-PASS. Customers unable to use I-PASS for financial reasons have more benefits than ever with the Tollway’s I-PASS Assist program, including no deposit, lower pre-paid balance requirements and dismissal of invoice fees for accounts in good standing. Holiday Work Zones To accommodate holiday travel on the Illinois Tollway, construction activity will be restricted. Most temporary maintenance and construction lane closures will be suspended from noon on Friday, May 27, through 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31. Some work may continue behind barriers to keep work on schedule. All work is weather-dependent. Areas where ongoing work zones may impact traffic include: Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80). On I-94, traffic shifts in both directions between Half Day Road and Atkinson Road. On I-294 between the O’Hare Oasis and 95th Street, traffic shifts in both directions with counterflow lanes throughout the Central Tri-State corridor. Watch for signage indicating changing traffic patterns. On I-294, the ramp from eastbound Archer Avenue to southbound I-294 is closed and a detour is posted. On I-294, the ramps from northbound I-294 to Wolf Rd and to southbound I-55 are closed and detours are posted.

RALEIGH, N.C. —  When the next hurricane strikes, the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will be armed with an advanced flood-warning system that relies on a network of 400 river and stream gauges. The new system will allow the NCDOT for the first time to analyze, map and communicate in real-time any flood risks to roads, bridges and culverts. This critical information will go to NCDOT maintenance staff responding to flooded roads and washed-out culverts; and it will benefit local emergency management officials and the public accessing the department’s DriveNC.gov website for timely weather-related closures, according to a news release. “This state-of-the-art warning system our department has created will help us be better prepared for the next major storm,” Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette said. “Even though we’ve had some quiet hurricane seasons recently, we cannot let our guard down.” The last major storm to impact the state’s road network was Hurricane Florence in 2018. Researchers at N.C. State University and the National Hurricane Center are predicting an above-average hurricane season, which officially starts June 1. Armada of flood gauges After Florence, the state Legislature gave the NCDOT a $2 million grant to develop sophisticated software and install more flood gauges. The system, however, mostly taps into existing gauges operated by other agencies, such as the N.C. Emergency Management and the U.S. Geological Survey. The system includes an interactive online dashboard and flood mapping based on three-dimensional ground surveys. One part of the new early flood-warning system covers almost 3,000 miles of state-maintained roads, mostly east of Interstate 95. The system also will allow NCDOT to monitor flood conditions for some 15,000 bridges and culverts statewide. The agency’s Hydraulics Unit has been fine-tuning the system and training staff on it with smaller storms over the past year. In addition, the NCDOT has formed a recent partnership with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Renaissance Computing Institute and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Coastal Resilience Center of Excellence to receive forecast modeling data on how storm surge may affect the state’s road network in coastal areas. Maintenance crews ready The NCDOT has been preparing for the hurricane season in other ways. The agency has been reviewing procedures and conducting exercises internally and with partner agencies. Some highway divisions with coastal counties held employee training events this spring to review response and recovery operations. All of the agency’s 14 highway divisions also have been taking inventory of supplies, doing maintenance on chainsaws and other equipment, and readying emergency on-call contracts that will supplement what NCDOT employees do in responding to a storm. Public preparations State transportation officials say that now is the time to prepare supplies for the possibility of an extended power outage, restricted traveling, or the need to be at a shelter. The N.C. Emergency Management maintains a comprehensive list of items to include in an emergency supply kit. After the storm has passed, people should remember to never drive through flooded waters or around barricades. It only takes one foot of water to sweep a vehicle away. For more preparation tips, including evacuation routes and evacuation zones by coastal county, visit ReadyNC.org and also watch this short video on how to prepare for severe weather.