Germantown Ave. Construction Update - 9/21/07

Here is the latest on the Germantown Avenue Reconstuction Project. It includes information provided by PennDOT as well as what we learned from a meeting with the engineers this morning.

PARKING ON GERMANTOWN AVENUE: As you noticed, there were "NO PARKING" signs posted on Germantown Avenue last week. Work was to begin on the Avenue, but there was a last minute snafu with obtaining permits and the crew had to wait until that got worked out. Thus, there was no work being done even though parking had been halted -- a source of frustration for many and anger for some. A few facts to put this matter into context:

• The police require that "NO PARKING" signs be posted at least 72 hours in advance of when the restrictions go into effect. So.... just because you see a "NO PARKING" sign, it does not mean that there is no parking as of the sign's posting. We have asked the engineers to be as specific as possible about the date/time restrictions when they put up the signs. They are also going door-to-door to inform business owners and residents of what is planned.
• There are no plans for weekend work. Thus, PARKING RESTRICTIONS WILL NOT BE IN EFFECT SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

WORK PLANNED FOR WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 24TH: Crews will be doing the work planned for last week, e.g., crews will work Monday through Friday (Sept. 24 -- 28) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to remove old trolley poles and overhead wires, remove some deteriorated trees, and dig test holes to locate existing utility lines under the avenue. In addition, a separate contractor will be removing trees which need to come down as part of the project -- these are the ones with the green "X" on them.

The contractor plans to start at the intersection of Mermaid Lane and proceed south. One travel lane will be maintained in each direction during construction, but motorists will encounter traffic pattern shifts. Parking will be restricted in areas where crews are working. We anticipate that when this "sweep" of the Avenue is complete, the parking restrictions will be much more limited.

In addition, Germantown Avenue between Mermaid Lane to Cresheim Valley Drive will begin to see more intensive work, as crews will be locating existing utility lines under the Avenue and beginning to install a new gas main. There will be plates on the road to allow vehicles to cross. However, you can expect some short delays in that area.